Installers Shell Out $25K a Month for Products
For the first time the Security Spending Survey reveals how much installing companies are paying each month for equipment – overall as well as by specific product categories. Top buyer listings are presented along with purchasing patterns associated with different business characteristics.
Accelerated technological advancement and efficiencies throughout the supply chain have resulted in widespread commoditization and margin erosion for a great deal of products sold and installed by electronic security contractors. And yet, despite increased focus on “solutions” and services to offset those shrinking returns, the industry’s foundation revolves around devices and systems. So how much are installing companies spending today on the equipment that lies at the core of their business?
In attempt to answer that question, SSI and Bobit Business Media Research conducted the first Security Spending Survey. The survey was initiated Nov. 3, 2010, being sent via E-mail notification to nearly 11,000 subscribers. Three subsequent reminders were sent to those who did not respond to the initial correspondence. In total, 272 respondents participated by a margin of error of +/-5.9 percent. The objective was to determine how much installing companies are spending on equipment each month in total as well as by specific product categories.
The compiled data is presented here in the form of “top” listings for companies’ overall spending as well as access control, fire/life-safety, intrusion and video surveillance purchasing. Those companies appear in alphabetical, as opposed to ranking, order. In addition, product expenditures are shown according to company characteristics such as revenues, customer base, number of employees and number of locations.
Some disclaimers are in order. The results are not scientific as they appear as reported by the respondents. Furthermore, the findings are not comprehensive as only those firms voluntarily participating could be considered (companies wishing to be included in future surveys can E-mail interest to [email protected]). Some graphs include notations indicating small sample sizes in those particular categories. In the interest of presenting conservative estimates, all dollar amounts are shown as medians rather than averages.
The aim is to make future iterations of the Security Spending Survey more definitive. In the meantime, at the very least it is a conversation starter.
Click here to view the full results of the 2011 Security Spending Survey.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
