Even though the market is flooded with DIY camera systems, hiring a competent professional to design and install your video surveillance equipment is usually well worth the extra cost.
When looking for a video contractor, use the the same common-sense approach that you would in hiring any other professional:
1. Start with an online search.
If you type "business security cameras" into a search engine, you'll get around 60 million hits. Most will be from companies that sell or install video security systems. Don't feel overwhelmed. At this stage, you're just trying to understand the video security landscape and get a feel for the options avaialble to you.
2. Ask colleagues about their experiences in hiring video contractors.
Once you've gathered data, it's always a good idea to learn from the experience of others who have been down this road before.
3. Get at least three estimates.
When you ask for estimates, you're really conducting job interviews. You are hiring someone that you will entrust with a significant responsibility for your security. Besides technical expertise, you should look for someone who asks plenty of questions about your business so that they can apply their knowledge and experience to your unique goals. Reviewing several estimates also gives you the opportunity to assess different approaches to your situation. Each contractor will likely make different recommendations in terms of camera selection, location, etc. Now it's your turn to ask a lot of questions. Your contractor should be able to explain their solution in non-technical language and explain why they are making the best choices for your business. When you review the final prices, remember that the lowest cost does not always represent the best value.<.p>
4. Ask for recent references from customers in your line of business.
Each business has it's own peculiar challenges. A manufacturing company has different needs than a financial institution. Look for a company that has proven itself to others in your industry by demonstrating that they can deliver on their promises, and that they won't abandon you after the sale.