In 2015, Cornerstone Billing Solutions looked ahead to see how customers would pay in the future. Now, ten years later, it’s clear that a lot has changed for Alarm Installation Companies. Technology has moved fast, and so have the rules around handling customer payments. This means if you’re in the alarm business, you need to pay close attention to these shifts to keep your business safe and efficient.
Big Changes in How Customers Pay: Say Goodbye to Checks
One big prediction from 2015 came true: online payments have become the way most people prefer to pay. Fewer and fewer customers are mailing in checks. In fact, according to Epson only 12.4% of adults prefer check payments.
Instead, things like digital wallets and online portals are now the norm. For an alarm installation company, this means you need to offer these easy online options to your customers. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about giving your customers the convenience they expect. Alarm billing software plays a crucial role here, making it easy to accept and manage these digital alarm payments. In fact, Cornerstone has a solution called Alarmpayments.com where customers can easily pay online as well as manage their credit card or ACH information for autopayment.
What’s even more interesting is how quickly mobile and contactless payments have taken off. Remember when the chip on your credit card was the big new thing? Now, people are paying with a simple tap of their phone or watch 3. This change highlights why alarm company software needs to be adaptable, supporting these modern ways for customers to pay their bills.
Security First: Protecting Your Customers’ Payment Information
Even though how people pay has changed, one thing has stayed the same: customers want their payment information to be secure in 2025 just like in 2015. Customers are also more willing to trust online systems if they know their data is protected. That’s where the rules and regulations come in, especially the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI). Cornerstone Billing Solutions is PCI compliant and helps alarm installation companies achieve this compliance by automating their billing processes with our security standards, which ultimately protect them.
Think of PCI as a strict set of rules that any business taking credit card payments must follow to protect customers from fraud and keep their personal financial details safe. Not following PCI can lead to big problems. You could face fines from banks and credit card companies that can range from a few thousand to as much as $100,000 per month, depending on how long you’re not compliant and the size of your business.
Here’s a quick look at potential monthly fines for not being PCI compliant:
| Period of Non-Compliance | Lower Transaction Volume (Monthly) | Higher Transaction Volume (Monthly) |
| 1 to 3 months | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| 4 to 6 months | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| 7+ months | $50,000 | $100,000 |
Beyond the fines, if you have a data breach because you weren’t following security rules, you could face even more costs, including legal fees, investigations, and compensating affected customers. Your reputation can also take a big hit, and customers might lose trust in your business. Some studies even show that many small businesses don’t recover after a serious data breach. This is why having secure alarm billing software is so important. It helps you handle alarm payments safely and stay compliant with the latest security standards.
Adapt or Fall Behind: The Key to Success in 2025
The 2015 blog rightly pointed out that businesses need to be adaptable. This is especially true for alarm installation companies in 2025. Relying on old-fashioned billing methods just won’t cut it anymore. The world of alarm payments is digital, and the regulations are strict.
Modern alarm company software is designed to help you navigate this new landscape. It can automate your billing, making sure recurring payments are processed correctly and on time. Online payment portals give your customers the convenience they want and also help with security . Plus, good alarm billing software often integrates with other tools like QuickBooks, making your financial management much smoother.
Cornerstone Billing Solutions: Your Partner in Modern Alarm Payments
Cornerstone Billing Solutions understands the challenges alarm installation companies face in 2025. Our platform is built to make managing alarm payments easy and secure. We offer secure online payment options, automated billing, and features designed to help you stay compliant. Our software can also handle work orders, inventory, collections, quotes, mobile apps, and more, which are essential for many alarm businesses. By choosing Cornerstone, you’re partnering with a solution that helps protect your business and saves you time. By embracing modern alarm company software and focusing on secure payment processing, you can protect your business and thrive in 2025. Cornerstone Billing Solutions is here to help you navigate this evolution with confidence. If you’re looking for a better way to manage your alarm payments, give us a call at 224-577-1197 for a demo.
Cornerstone Billing Solutions is the leading provider of comprehensive billing services and powerful account management software for security alarm dealers nationwide. Call us at 224-577-1197 to learn how Cornerstone’s affordable and time-saving billing services, superior dealer support, and specialized, cloud-based software can help your business improve efficiency and profitability.