You sure you want that security system?

[Kappy]

Matt asked me to post this up here. I think it was about... three years ago.

As I've posted elsewhere, there's a show called "It takes a Thief." Every episode begins with the guys talking to a family, getting permission, then they get like 10 minutes to break into the house and steal whatever they can. They DESTROY a fair amount of stuff, then the family gets all their stuff back and the crew does a huge security upgrade to the house. Bottom line... we spent about a week watching back to back episodes one summer. It got us really worried.

So... one day there's a knock at the door. It's some kid who wants to give us a cut-rate security system. They're just getting into the neighborhood, and they want to establish their presence. They represent ADT (I'm not sure if they're big anywhere else, but they're around California in a big way).

Now... Momma Kappy didn't raise no fools. I know he's giving me the line, but the price is right, and we do need a system. So we go for it. They send a guy over in a few hours to install the system. Now... we're pre-wired, but they want to do something with batteries and wireless deal. No biggy.

They install it... it requires them drilling holes in a baseboard... no biggy.

The next morning, I check the system. It goes off as advertised... but there's no call checking to see if we need help. It turns out that they never called ADT and they hadn't installed the system right.

California law says you have three days to cancel a door-to-door sale. We've already spent one day... we're in the second... so we're like "Fuck it. We're done." We call to cancel.

At first they tried to keep selling us the system. Turns out they aren't ADT... they're subcontractors. They'll come in and re-install it correctly. Blah blah blah. We're not willing to take the risk. I refuse and continue to insist.

They get REALLY steamed. I was overwhelmingly polite but precise and firm. They pass me along. I eventually told them that they had two choices: They could come get their stuff or I can sell it on eBay. I ripped the shit out of the wall, repaired the damage (fuckers really jacked up the baseboard and some left blood on the carpet where one installer cut himself). They eventually came to pick it up.

I'm kind of glossing over a lot of this... but let's just say that they started smarmy and went to full-on abusive. They said that they would sue us, they would call the police, etc. I told them that I was completely within my rights and that they would be hearing from my lawyer if I received one more call.

Eventually I called ADT and explained the situation. They made it right by us and they supposedly cancelled their contract with the subcontractor. I wasn't the only guy they tried to screw.

Wow. I haven't thought of this in a long time. I'm still a bit pissed. You know, I considered grabbing a sword off the wall and driving the 8 hours to LA to their office. Glad I didn't... but nobody backs Kappy into a corner.

What did I learn? Don't buy shit door-to-door. Always read contracts. Always know your rights. Check to see if you're dealing with a subcontractor.

Anyway... that's it. Hope you enjoyed. The floor is open for questions.

[Matt]

The thing I like about horror stories are the lessons. This is good to keep in mind with any door-to-door salesman. Don't be pressured into something.

Also, It'd be a good idea to not give the sales man any info on your current alarm system. He could be scouting thief.

[1911shooter]

Well Kappy at least you got it straitened out.

ADT is big around here also, but screw them I will Never let anyone in my home to hook anything up.

We have Cameras at every entrance, we have them wired to a computer that records everything on DVD, we have alarms at all windows, doors, and every entrance point, that is wired to a computer and will dial 911, and give the dispacther the address, phone number, and where the alarm was set off.

Each family member has their own code, and they are changed every couple days.

There is not a place on our property you can go without being in full view of a Video camera, we have motion sensers on the outlying parimeter of the property. hell we know you are here before you get in the driveway.

the first 3 steps on eack entrance have pressure pads to set of a dinger in the house to let me know if someone is coming up the steps.

there are a few other things that we have that I will not give out, but suffice it to say, if you get to the door you will not get through to the actual entrance door.

[psychicash]

1911 where can i get that setup

[1911shooter]

Originally Posted by psychicash

1911 where can i get that setup

I have a real good friend who is a tech nerd and does security systems, for some of the biggest companies around.

the whole thing cost me about 10k cause I had to buy everything,
It is a wonderful system and when we are not home it will even call our Cell Phones to let us know the system is going off.

If you want I can see if he could give me a price for you?

[Kappy]

OK... so now I know not to go to 1911's house... but psych is pretty vulnerable.

Just kidding.

Maybe.

I think the biggest thing about this whole issue is to remember that people like this aren't people. They're obstacles. They need to be mowed down.

[Larry D.]

Good on you Kappy for standing your ground with those scumbags.

[mojo]

Good deal Kappy, just goes to show knowing your rights helps a great deal.

I'll go to 1911's, I'll be waiting by the gate with my hands up though

[1911shooter]

You guy's are all welcome at my house anytime as long as you announce you are coming.....

[Kappy]

I'm at your gate right now, dressed in a squirrel costume.