Debate: Do you warn homeowners about false alarm fines upfront or let them find out the hard way?

Last month I installed a system for a retiree in Phoenix who got three false alarm calls in one night from a faulty motion sensor, and she was furious I hadn't told her the city charges $50 per false alarm after the first one. She said I should have warned her before she signed the contract, but I always feel like it's not my job to scare people off with fine talk right away. Do you bring up false alarm penalties during the sales pitch or just deal with it when it happens?

2 comments

2 Comments

troy_owens16d ago

Honestly, I had a similar thing happen with a guy in Tucson who installed a whole home automation setup. He didn't mention the local noise ordinance fines for alarms going off after 10 PM, and the homeowner got hit with two $75 tickets before he figured it out. It's like how nobody tells you the real catch on a free trial subscription until you're already billed. People just expect you to warn them about the hidden costs because they assume you know the local rules, even if it's not technically your job.

maxm6315d ago

Ha @troy_owens that Tucson story hits home. I once set up a smart thermostat for a buddy in Phoenix and forgot to mention the city's HVAC filter change requirements. $50 fine later and he still brings it up every time we grab a beer. Guess we learn the hard way.