TOPIC: Alarm Inspections

I used to own an alarm company, so if necessary, I can inspect the alarms myself. Having said that, I think there might be a conflict of interest if you take a fee for referrals.

I'm sure you realize that no matter what they find, the whole purpose of these companies going out there is to sell their product, no matter what. Even if it is just monitoring, they are there to sell. Most probably, they will try to get the client to upgrade, or add a back up system at the least.

Be careful. I don't know how it is where you are, but in NY, it's cause to lose your license.

I believe in NY you can participate in program like Brinks has where you give your client a form they call fill out to have Brinks come out and talk to them about installing a system as long as you have full disclosure. There was some discussion about this when I was in Staten Island a couple months ago and there were some cases that were ok and some weren't. Not sure where the line was.

Everytime you say that you were in STaten Island I feel so bad that you were here and I missed you.

OK, maybe with full disclosure. I recently called in an EIFS contractor to do a repair to my specifications. I included my fee, along with an outline specifying my duties/inspetions during the repair process.

I used to own an alarm company, so if necessary, I can inspect the alarms myself. Having said that, I think there might be a conflict of interest if you take a fee for referrals.

I'm sure you realize that no matter what they find, the whole purpose of these companies going out there is to sell their product, no matter what. Even if it is just monitoring, they are there to sell. Most probably, they will try to get the client to upgrade, or add a back up system at the least.

Be careful. I don't know how it is where you are, but in NY, it's cause to lose your license.

I think you are very correct.  I told the guy I was more interested in them getting me business than the money.  I asked him what could he do for me in that regards.  I even tried to do a link exchange with him and he said he would have to talk to his boss.

I think the only way to justify it is but clearly stating that you do not inspect alarms. I have a policy of not working on what I inspect, visa versa. If you accept a fee for a referral, it is clearly in your interest that your man gets the job. I don't know if the fact that you didn't inspect the alarm covers you, since you inspected the house. Like DOm say, full disclosure may cover you too. Just be careful, it is a slippery slope.