This is a 9/16/10 update to my original 5/29/09 article…see Safe & Sound University “Free Security Systems?” 

The “free” systems ($99 installation fee) from an industry giant haven’t changed much.  THE FREE SYSTEMS ARE NORMALLY LEASED SYSTEMS. You may have been told you “own” the system, however, if you read the contract carefully, it is usually a LEASED system.

READ THE ENTIRE CONTRACT before you sign.  The “sales pitch” given by the sales person may be different than the contract that legally obligates you to pay $400 - $500 per year for 3 years or more!

AND, WATCH OUT FOR THE AUTOMATIC 3 YEAR RENEWAL PERIODS IN THE CONTRACT…they are in most of the contracts. 

If you fail to cancel your contract within a specified time period before the end the first 3 years you are normally trapped into another 3 years…possibly at extremely high monthly charges!

Some recent changes:

• The “key fob”, which was included before, is called an “Act Now and Receive a FREE Wireless Remote Control” offer.
• They deleted a door/window sensor (reducing your security) and are now giving you a “FREE Fire & Medical Panic Alert” instead. 
• The FREE system is still being sold as an “$850 Value”, however, they now say the FREE Wireless Remote Control (which was included before in the $850 Value) is now a $119 Value.  It implies that you are receiving even more…isn’t advertising wonderful? 
• There still is NO exterior siren (PROBABLY BECAUSE IT DRIVES LABOR COSTS UP), so, is that company really concerned about your security?  What about sensors for your windows and additional doors?  You’ll really pay to add those to your FREE SYSTEM!

Safe and Sound can duplicate the above offer except for a few differences: 

#1.  We include the exterior siren so your neighbors will be alerted in most neighborhoods!

#2.  We include 2 lawn signs plus window decals…not just one. 

#3.  Our installation fee is $299…not $99. 

#4.  We charge much less for the additional window and door sensors (possibly saving you $100’s)! 

And we save you even more money with #5.

#5.  With our monitoring agreement you’ll enjoy 36 months of lower monthly monitoring fees of $25.99 (not $35.99) plus tax for the 3 year agreement.

The total 3 year cost for the basic offer is LESS when SAFE & SOUND SECURITY installs your alarm system and you’ll receive an extra lawn sign and exterior siren! 

And, you will truly own your system and any competent alarm dealer or monitoring service can access the system.