We hired James (owner) to install a security system having been satisfied with the lock replacements he did for us. As a locksmith, he seemed to have average skills. As a security systems installer and programmer, James did not have the technical knowledge or experience to anticipate and resolve problems (e.g. holes were drilled in multiple places before he realized a particular mounting was not going to work, incorrect board was ordered in spite of written agreements to our performance requirements, completely incorrect setting of zone/partition programming); he did not have the observation skills to notice simple but critical mistakes he made (e.g. incorrect alignment of contact door sensors, incorrect switch setting for sensor sensitivity); he also did not have the customer service sense to deliver on a paid product (e.g. he stopped returning calls and no-showed appointments when it became clear he was technically not knowledgeable enough to finish the installation after multiple return visits over many months spent on debugging). We had to hire and pay for another contractor to re-program and get a working product. Very disappointed on what had started off as a positive experience with James.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1,500.00
- Company Response
Once again I find myself defending myself and my company Security Solutions Unlimited, from you Peggy. I would like to thank you PEGGY for allowing me to tell the people how this really went down. As it gives us the opportunity to defend our self against unfounded accusations such as this one and lets other people know by example of the "mal-representation" that people will take time to play out for the public stage.
Peggy who works for a different alarm company did not want to use her own companies alarm system for a fear of big brother watching her every move. Never the less we wanted to give her the very best system we had. At the time of the first site check the home was under renovations and the basement ceiling was open with an easy access to run the wires needed to complete the installation and to use the high security system alarm system they wanted. I cautioned them at this time that the ceiling must remain open until the system was installed or we could not use the system.When we returned (3 months later) for the second site check prior to the installation date the ceiling was completed and sealed in with stucco. I informed them (Peggy and her partner) the system we quoted cannot be used! I told them we could use a wireless alarm system and the capabilities of this system are limited.
They both agreed that this change would be acceptable, so we moved forward with the installation date. The installation was completed and every zone and the system was working correctly. (There were no mutable tips made) and this was also confirmed by a third party installer we brought in who also tested the system.At this time I decided to allow the customer a week or two grace period to pay their invoice balance. The third week after the installation was complete I received a call from a very angry Peggy, complaining the system was not working. I made arrangements to attend their home the next day, upon my arrival I was greeted by Peggy and her partner.
Peggy was extremely aggressive and had a black eye, standing in front of me with her arms crossed and one leg bouncing … with a black eye. (This was very intimidating!)
I was staying professional and keeping my focus on the complaint about the system not working. I proceeded to check the system. Zone one I found the wires were cut on the front door alarm contact. Zone 2 was a motion detector, I removed it from the wall and found it full of drywall compound and completely ruined and that this motion needed to be replaced. The last zone, zone 3 was missing the batteries. I informed them at this time there was obvious signs of someone tampering with the system and under no circumstances can we replace the 250.00 dollar motion detector under warranty.Based on these findings they would have to pay for a new one.
Peggy started walking toward me with a stalker stare and was raising her voice demanding me to replace it at no cost.
At this time I was honesty fearful for my safety, I just wanted to get to a safe distance and get out of this situation as quickly as possible. I started backing myself to the front door just hoping I could make it outside before I got attacked. (I was scared) I made it to the front door and told them I would let them know when we would be returning. Knowing in the back of my mind there would be no way we would ever return to this address … and knowing I was walking away from a 1500.00 dollar invoice that would never get paid. I was just happy to make out of this home in one piece. (Unpaid)
It is a situation such as this, or perhaps a scene is a better word that makes one think that this was the plan all along… not to pay their bill.
What this experience has taught me is the internet is full of irrational people and to use caution when working with someone who is not recommended by a reputable source.
In summary it is amazing this job was completed over two years ago, (almost 3 years ago) and this posting was made 5 months ago. (That in itself should be questioned)
Thank you very much Peggy for the very exaggerated bashing. We hope you’re enjoying your fee alarm system by Security Solutions Unlimited.