With the Right Technology, Dealers Can Take On the Do-It-Yourself Market

Smart strategies can sell DIY solutions.

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With the Right Technology, Dealers Can Take On the Do-It-Yourself Market

Resolution Products' Helix is a simple install solution.

The security industry has continued to use classic practices when it comes to residential security. Installs are typically performed by technicians who know the proper techniques to mount a panel to a wall. But in the last several years, the demand for DIY security has become prevalent, but it hasn’t been without concerns.

Some dealers are apprehensive as to which platform to sell. With big players like Apple and Google dabbling into the connected home space, there is no room for insufficient security or shoddy equipment. Without the right equipment and simple customer onboarding process, security dealers are faced with huge barriers to this market. In addition, security dealers must have the right financing model in the DIY market to make it a viable business.

However, these concerns can be dealt with, as long as, the technology used addresses the demands of both consumers and dealers. The desires are: easy user interface, same quality service through Central Station monitoring but with flexibility, and simple install kits that makes the installation process as seamless as possible for the everyday consumer.

Innovative financing services are now available that are specifically designed for the security industry and can help in assuring success in the DIY market also. Security Equity Partners and RMR Capital are two examples of those in the financing industry who are helping dealers expand and grow in today’s market. Their financing programs help keep operational cash in dealers pockets at the front end.

When it comes to an easy user interface, the first thing that DIY connoisseurs should consider is the smart-phone. With millions of connected devices in the world, the end user already knows how to operate their cell phone or tablet applications. The ability to control many aspects of security and automation through this interface is very appealing, since it requires virtually no reiteration of use and with many homeowners on the go, they are able to take their security with them. In fact, the smart phone control is actually a must in the DIY world. This also means there is no complicated installation of a keypad into the wall, something no avid do-it-yourselfer would want to consider doing.

Quality Central Station monitoring is essential, because it still provides the level of professionalism that no big-box stores can offer. Devices purchased through Home Depot or Best Buy cannot assure the consumer that they are completely monitored. Also, flexible monitoring is appealing to consumers because they have a choice in the matter. Offering self-monitoring solutions through DIY allows dealers to pursue new markets, such as apartment dwellers or millennial groups that don’t want to deal with another monthly bill, yet the option to have that professional monitoring is always available if desired.

Simple installation is key for DIY solutions. While a DIY system can be installed professionally, the main focus of DIY is to have a hub readily available for installation. Consumers want technology to “just work” without having to jump through hoops or use complicated equipment. According to published articles, many consumers have reported frustrations after attempting the DIY route. This is why “Easy-Install” kits are very important.

“It can be a big hurdle to find one for the consumer that requires very little programming,” says Dave Mayne, Vice President of Marketing at Resolution Products. “We have a partner that built the capability to pre-program kits for us so the dealer can sell online, through social media or wherever and be able to say, ‘OK, in two days a box will show up and it will be programmed and all you will have to do is download an app and be up and running.’ The ability to provide that kitting service is really important and is something a lot of successful DIY companies have had to build.”

This is why many security dealers have turned to Resolution’s Helix™. Helix is a revolutionary product that answers the needs of the DIY market for the security industry. With Helix, a full security system can be installed in just 13 minutes. You can watch how it is done in this quick video >>here. The Helix has an easy smart-phone interface that consumers already know and understand. No tools, no complicated wiring is needed; just a simple and reliable security system, a huge asset to DIY solutions. Helix is a flexible platform and is completely encrypted, ensuring the do-it-yourselfer that they are protected at all times.

Aside from the DIY area, dealers can strategically lower account creation costs by having fast predictable installs and increase recurring revenue by upselling with the cellular option. Also, the appeal of interactive services goes without saying. This is where choosing the right equipment like Resolution’s Helix is so important. It satisfies the entry to the DIY market and improves the traditional business model for today’s security dealers.

Click >>here to learn more about the Helix platform and to see how you can get a piece of the huge DIY market.