Posts by Scott MacDougal

We all want our customers to pay on time, so we can pay our own bills — payroll, equipment vendors, etc.  So how do we make that happen? 1)  Push Autopay – Get your customers to set up their recurring charges with some method of autopayment, like checking debit (ACH) or credit card. Yes, there’s…

To raise rates, or not to raise rates? That is the questions for many security alarm dealers as the economy strengthens, and costs such as fuel and labor continue to go up. We’ve worked with many companies to implement rate increases, and some approaches work better than others. The goal with a rate increase should…

In Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell wrote: “I really don’t know clouds at all” The Cloud should not be a mystery. Even though it sounds fluffy and undefined, you’re probably using the cloud many times daily. A Google search is using the cloud. Your Facebook or LinkedIn account is in the cloud. If you use…

We all know that security services are NOT commodities. Yet, sadly, consumers often assume that the services offered by ADT are the same as those offered by AAA Neighborhood Security. So how do you win in this business? Alarm dealers can borrow proven techniques used in other industries to leverage your customer base and build…

Cloud-based software and services provide big benefits for small businesses. You have access to resources and programs that benefit your business without having to buy and maintain equipment or software. However, every cloud provider is not the same. Use this checklist to ask the right questions of your cloud provider. Questions to Ask Cloud Providers…

You may be spending a lot of time looking at your process for billing and collections. You may also be in search of a better way to gather the data you need for your tax accountant. You can expedite payments from your customers by improving the way you bill. Read on for our top 5…

1) The #1 Reason is Relocation. Dealers have more control than you would think.  Statistics show that many “moves” are “move-ups” to larger homes in the same area. If you have happy customers, you should expect to keep them if they move within your service area. You also have the opportunity to gain a new…

How often do you communicate with your customers? Do you proactively seek to understand how your customers’ needs have changed? Or, do you just not find the time to survey your customers to see how you can provide them with more products and services?