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Considering security camera installation for your business? Ask these questions.

With over 22 years of experience installing security cameras for businesses in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and surrounding areas, Surveillance Technology has learned that some security camera companies leave out details. When this happens, it can be frustrating to clients because installation jobs may take longer to complete, equipment may not work exactly as expected, or quality of surveillance footage may be lacking.

If you’re considering a security camera installation at your business, make sure the companies bidding for your job are answering these questions.

Can I verify your license online?

Any security camera installation business in the state of Florida should be verifiable online at https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/search/. If the company is not able to be verified, you’ll know you need to look elsewhere.

Do you carry full General Liability and Workman’s Comp Insurance?

Any security camera installation business should carry full General Liability Insurance and Workman’s Comp Insurance to protect themselves and their employees. If you’re thinking of hiring a company, you should request to be added as a certificate holder to both their General Liability and Workman’s Comp policies to protect your own company’s liability.

Are your security camera installers licensed?

At a minimum, all surveillance and security camera installation companies must have at least a low voltage license. Surveillance Technology has a full electrical contractors (EC) license, which is far superior to the minimum requirement of a low voltage license.

Are any of your security camera installers subcontractors?

Surveillance Technology does not use subcontractors for installation work, but some companies do. At times, subcontractors may be able to complete the installation work themselves, but other times they may not, which can delay your job completion. For example, if a subcontractor is hired to come in and only complete the cabling required, then a company employee has to follow up in a second visit to install and configure the remaining equipment. This can be frustrating for businesses who need to shut down an area of their business or have extra staff on hand for supervision during installs.

Who will oversee my project and ensure your employees and/or subcontractors will arrive on time, be respectful and clean up properly at my location?

It’s important to know who from the security camera installation company will be responsible for the workers installing your equipment at your place of business. If the company is using subcontractors, you don’t want to find out days later that the subcontractor didn’t complete his work, was rude to your staff and/or left a mess for someone to clean up. Having the name of the person responsible for your account and its successful installation will ensure the work is done properly and in a timely manner.

Have you run background checks on all of your employees and/or subcontractors? Do you provide copies to clients upon request? Do you allow clients to run their own background checks?

When dealing with a professional security camera installation company, background checks will have been completed on all employees and/or subcontractors. Surveillance is a sensitive industry and, depending on your line of business, you may even need to run your own background checks on all vendors. Asking this question up front will ensure the company you’re working with knows their employees would pass with flying colors.

What sort of internet speed do I need, and do you evaluate my current network cabling to ensure it meets requirements?

Internet speeds are important for viewing security cameras remotely. What is most important is the upload speed because the DVR will feed the video stream out to the internet. You want a business internet company that can offer symmetrical speeds for both upload and download. Asking this question up front will uncover whether you need to contact your local internet provider for more details, or to upgrade your services.

Do you evaluate my current equipment to ensure it is compatible with what you’re installing and that I’ll be able to take advantage of all of my new equipment’s features?

It’s important to know if your current equipment, which may be older, will be compatible with anything new you are installing. For example, most modern DVR’s are hybrids that can accommodate multiple technologies and resolutions, including older analog cameras.

If considering IP cameras with NVR’s, however, there is less flexibility. Older cameras must be ONVIF compliant in order to work with a modern NVR. In some cases, even if they are ONVIF compliant, you still may lose some of the richer features like the ability to record via motion trigger.

Your security camera installation company should be able to evaluate your current equipment and advise if anything will not be compatible or if certain features will not be available with your current setup.

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  • Our Customer Reviews
    Franco RomeroFranco Romero
    16:09 28 Apr 22
    Recognized as a Historic Landmark Resort in the St Petersburg downtown area, we were looking for the best in the surveillance camera and equipment system business. We talked with Luis from Surveillance Technology Inc, and seemed like the right choice for us. He was very professional, honest, promised us prompt response and even took the time to walk the entire property. I am so happy that we choose his company for our surveillance needs and professional advice. Luis has been with us since 2021 and has made several installations. The results have all been outstanding clear picture, easy viewing and storing.I would like to especially point out an installation done this week at our Marina. His wonderful techs led by Jaime, performed a cable installation where a "dinghy" had to be used. Fighting hightide and waves they managed to install approximately 1 mile of cable and deliver the best video viewing on all cameras. I will recommend Luis and his company to anyone looking for surveillance equipment hands down.
    John SmithJohn Smith
    16:32 09 Feb 22
    Alan and the guys did another fantastic job. Highly recommended and very professional. Our tech Jame did a excellent job ! very happy
    Yvonne SveYvonne Sve
    18:24 16 Sep 21
    Our Association was very impressed with the installation and quality of our new security camera system. They did everything they said they were going to do and when they were going to do it. Professional staff that did their job with no fuss or mess. We are happy to recommend them.
    Jeanette WeissJeanette Weiss
    16:08 13 Sep 21
    Although very busy, this company sent out their technicians within a reasonable amount of time.. The technicians Jamie and Josh were very professional and friendly. Jaimie identified and rectified my problem I had with on line visualization of the camera views and playback. He also assisted with making sure our phones were able to bring up the same views. One hour later....done. PLUS I received a call the next morning to answer any questions I may have had. Thank you!!! BTW,, Louis is the person that answers the phone and is extremely helpful and phone friendly with curteous professional communication. KUDOS
    Doug DeLozierDoug DeLozier
    14:27 04 May 21
    Ordered a system and it was installed on the date promised with everything working as promised. Great work getting it done on time.
    MarcMarc
    15:44 25 Sep 20
    Well done Luis, Jamie, C.J. and Josh! You all made a complex surveillance system installation look easy. That's the genuine sign of professionals. Keep up the great work! AAA Storage - Englewood, Florida
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