When business owners or managers get in touch, their initial inquiry often revolves around the cost of installing a business security system. While there’s rarely a universal answer, we aim to provide general pricing guidelines to give you an idea what to expect.
The overall cost of a comprehensive security system can vary significantly, contingent upon factors like the size of your establishment, its location, the nature of your business, the number of employees, any previous security breaches, and the range of equipment alternatives at your disposal.
What can impact business security system pricing?
There are a variety of elements that can impact pricing. In new construction, it can be extremely cost-effective to install systems while walls are open and before drywall is installed. Replacing existing outdated systems using a combination of a new panel and using existing sensors can also be cost-effective. We also find installing new wireless sensors can help improve security protection, while minimizing the cost for running wire throughout existing structures. Wireless technology has improved drastically in the last few years which allows us to achieve a battery life of 5-10 years, depending on the type of sensor used.
Drawing a parallel to acquiring new equipment for your enterprise, such as a truck, costs can differ markedly. A small truck might be attainable for $25,000, whereas a heavy-duty 1-ton truck could surpass $75,000 in cost. The rationale behind opting for the 1-ton truck in some cases is because the task at hand demands it. Generally, people recognize the significance of procuring the appropriate tools for the job to avoid buyers remorse.
The same ideas apply when shopping for a business security system.
Your interaction with the security system will be a daily occurrence. The selection of an appropriate security solution is of utmost importance in ensuring the security, efficiency, and effective management of your business. Many business owners opt for the security system that provides them with the greatest peace of mind.
Certain individuals primarily focus on the initial equipment cost and strive to find the most economical monitoring options. This sometimes leads to compromises on user-friendly software, prompt notifications, high-quality monitoring, local support, and contemporary equipment. Regret often follows when businesses find themselves locked into lengthy contracts featuring rudimentary monitoring and outdated technology from the 1990s.
Certain enterprises possess extremely valuable assets situated in regions with elevated crime rates. They might require new equipment due to ongoing construction or seek a complete overhaul of their older systems. These factors significantly influence the type of security solution needed.
Some of the common features found in security systems:
- Door/window sensors
- Outdoor door/gate sensors
- Recessed door sensors
- Auxiliary input sensors
- Keyfobs
- Shock sensors
- Glass break sensors
- PIR motions
- Dual tech motions
- Curtain motions
- Ceiling motion PIR motions
- Wireless repeaters
- Wireless sirens (indoor and outdoor)
- Hardwired and wireless cameras
- Cameras with flash drive storage and local recorders
- Access control systems for locking/unlocking doors
There are many equipment options available. When a business receives a quote from our company, we thoroughly evaluate their security situation and seek to inform our customers on the options available to them.
Security systems costs can be flexible based on business owner/manager need. A modern security system costs more than the old-fashioned alarm systems with rubber button keypads however our customers find the benefits outweigh the costs. Any new system today should come with features that go beyond well beyond “security”. They should help you be able to run your business.
A modern security system, should give users instant notifications from mobile apps AND phone calls, the ability to grant or remove user codes on their phone and have the system arm on schedules automatically. The single biggest advantage of a new business system is the ability to have a system that integrates with video and access control. Video verification also allows security companies to disregard false alarms, and confirm break-ins in real-time, reducing false alarm fines from municipalities while increasing response to valid emergencies. Video monitoring takes video even further acting as a virtual security guard in some cases.
Equipment (including installation) costs:
– Intrusion / burglar alarm system. The average price for a professional small/medium business intrusion alarm system hardware is $2,000-$7,000, assuming a building with less than 10k sqft. Occasionally we can take over existing sensors, which can streamline the process, saving money. Very small office or retail store security systems with a panel, door sensors, motion detectors can cost less than $1,500.
– The average cost of a professionally installed commercial-grade hardwired 4-camera system is $2,500-$6,000 depending on wire placement needs and labor.
– Access control systems cost between $2,500-and $5,000 per door, depending on if existing hardware is in place or if the wire will need to be run over long distances.
***Prices listed are based on Texas rates. Other markets may be less or more expensive.***
Monitoring/Software:
Professional monitoring for software/app access will typically start at $40/month and may increase with additional equipment including cameras and access control.
Are there startup fees?
Some companies charge initial startup fees when a customer creates a new account. We do not charge setup fees.
Contracts/Agreements:
Many security companies require 3-5 year agreements from their customers. The reason, is many security companies install new systems at a significant loss or break-even, but then hope to make up their margin on monitoring. We offer 3 year, 1 year and month-to-month agreements and we finance equipment for customers in some cases.
When individuals contact us to request a quotation for a security system, our preferred approach is to arrange an on-site visit to their premises. The scope of pricing for business security systems varies significantly, as you might expect. We cater to clients in the cannabis industry who must adhere to state-mandated security criteria. Additionally, certain clients possess expansive warehouses containing valuable inventory, often located in areas with higher crime rates. Each business maintains distinct objectives, financial plans, and security apprehensions.
We advise seeking a security provider that prioritizes delivering the right equipment without unnecessary frills. On occasion, we’re able to repurpose existing equipment, resulting in cost savings, while simultaneously enhancing our clients’ overall experience through the incorporation of new panels, software applications, and mobile apps for monitoring.
How installation affects the cost:
When businesses contact us to request a quotation for a security system, our preferred approach is to arrange an on-site visit to their premises to determine the labor and materials needed for the job. The scope of pricing for business security systems varies significantly, as you might expect. However, by reusing existing equipment that may be on site and/or our commercial grade wireless equipment we’re able to dramatically reduce labor and equipment costs.
On occasion, we’re able to repurpose existing equipment, resulting in cost savings, while simultaneously enhancing our clients’ overall experience through the incorporation of new panels, software, and mobile apps for monitoring.