LegalReader.com  ·  Legal News, Analysis, & Commentary

Business

How to Start a Home Security Business


— May 4, 2020

Don’t be afraid to do research and get started as your boss. Read books, podcasts, and watch lectures like TED Talks. This will give you the right mindset to succeed in this business.


The home security industry is predicted to grow through 2026, with 8.3 percent annual growth worldwide. If you are thinking of starting a security company, now may be the right time. However, it’s not an easy task. You will need to plan every step carefully. You can learn from the leading home security providers or buy a franchise from them. For example, you can search for https://securinghome.com/xfinity-stores-near-me/, as Xfinity is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry.

To start your enterprise, ensure that it is perfectly planned:

  1. Develop a business plan. 

An accurate plan is vital for the success of your startup. It is actually the groundwork for the launch of your company. A business plan should include the answers to the following questions: 

  • What business model to choose (buying a franchise, purchasing an existing security business, or building your own company)?
  • What permits and licenses are necessary?
  • What is the name and logo of your brand? 
  • Who is your target market?
  • What amount of investment is necessary? 
  • Where to get funds?
  • What marketing strategies to choose?

If you haven’t written a business plan before, use an online template.

  1. How much does opening a home security business cost?

Startup costs depend on the business model you choose. The home security industry has major players across the country. Brand recognition plays an important role in this field. Buying a franchise is a good option if you want to start a security business but want to skip the hard work of establishing a new brand and system.

Signal 88 Security’s franchise will cost you from $68,000 to $110,000. The price for AmeriCop’s franchise ranges from $50,000 to $64,000. Background Screeners of America (BSA) will provide you with a franchise and substantial marketing and database support from the home office for less than $20,000. While starting an independent company may be cheaper than buying a franchise, you’ll spend much on competing with the industry’s established players later. 

  1. What are the ongoing expenses of operating a home alarm business?

Typical investments may range from $10,000 to $50,000. These primary expenses include transport for the installers, the hardware (motion detectors, cameras, digital locks, alarm panels, window alarms, etc.), and customer support workers. To find a good deal on supplies, work with a distributor, or even a manufacturer.

As soon as you start developing your business, costs begin to rise:

  • Vehicles: about $25,000 per vehicle;
  • Staff salaries: $200,000 and more per year;
  • Overhead: about $15,000 for equipment, uniforms, rent, and other related costs.
  1. What is your target market?

A good client is the one who has the property to protect and the means to pay for it. These are usually middle class and upper-middle-class families with kids.

Six green leafed plants near brown concrete two-story house at daytime; image by Fineas Anton, via Unsplash.com.
Six green leafed plants near brown concrete two-story house at daytime; image by Fineas Anton, via Unsplash.com.

Place advertisements in the areas where your prospective clients can see them, such as local newspapers, school newsletters, and country club newsletters. Also, consider word-of-mouth and social media as ways to reach a bigger audience. Cooperate with those who provide services to new homeowners, such as real estate agents or contractors. They can recommend your services when people move in. 

  1. How does a home security business make a profit? 

Your profit will depend on the chosen type of business. An independent security organization sets the prices according to the current market statistics. A franchise operation may set the limits for charges.

The average installation cost is around $600-$1,200. Some companies offer “free” equipment to attract the client, but their monthly service fees are high enough to cover the cost. The monthly charges for monitoring start from $10 and may reach up to $100 for premium services.

  1. How to improve the profitability of your company? 

Generating more profit from a security alarm installation company often depends on doing many small things, rather than making one big change. Offer your clients complementary services, which include alarm monitoring, email and text message alarm notifications, self-monitoring, and round-the-clock monitoring for intrusion, fire, and environmental hazards.

Offer services that are in some way unique or unavailable locally. This will set you apart from your competitors and justify higher prices.

Review marketing is another way to help your business boost revenue. Online reviews, especially positive, can affect the consumer buying choice. A study by the Paley Center for Media demonstrated that customers are willing to pay more for products based on online and personal reviews. Also, reviews can boost visibility in search engines for your home security company. 

Primarily, don’t be afraid to do research and get started as your boss. Read books, podcasts, and watch lectures like TED Talks. This will give you the right mindset to succeed in this business.

Join the conversation!