how to choose an installer

SOUND SOLUTIONSCUSTOM AUDIO, VIDEO AND CONTROL SYSTEMS

How to Avoid the Horror of a How to Avoid the Horror of a Bad InstallationBad Installation

Mark Elson Director of Marketing

Sound Solutions, Culver City, CA

Rules for Selecting an Integrator

1. Before you go shopping define your goals.a. Budget

b. Timeline

c. Must haves vs. optional upgrades

2. Places to look for a specialist.a. WOM (Word of Mouth)

b. CEDIA

Rules for Selecting an Integrator

3. Interview for Credibility:a. State contractor’s license?

b. How long have they been in business?

c. How do they design & process their work?

d. Check out their offices & shop. Organized & detailed or chaotic?

e. How do they coordinate with other trades?

f. How well do they future-proof?

4. Ask to see sample documentation

Rules for Selecting an Integrator

5. Staff

a. Meet key employees & project managers.

b. Do they have a dedicated service manager?

c. Do they have an in-house programming staff?

d. CAD programmers?

Rules for Selecting an Integrator

6. Integrity and Good Business Practicesa. Do they listen and ask questions, or do they

mostly “pitch”?b. Can they explain things in plain English?c. Do they provide an easy-to-understand

estimate?d. Do they make changes based on your needs?e. Are you being up-sold for no reason?

Rules for Selecting an Integrator

7. Referencesa. Compare your project with others of similar

scope, dollar value & technology.

b. Ask tough questions: 1) Ask for problems encountered & the installer’s

response.2) Differences between contract & what was

actually delivered.3) Was the work accomplished within a

reasonable time frame? 4) Would they hire this company again?

Rules for Selecting an Integrator

THE PAYOFF

SOUND SOLUTIONSCUSTOM AUDIO, VIDEO AND CONTROL SYSTEMS