How To Choose An Audio-Video Installer To Design And Install Your Home Theater Room Or System
Here Really are a Few Questions To Ask A Home Theater Company When Speaking To Them On The Phone
To start with, take the time to interview several home theater designers & installers before choosing anyone to work with. As you talk to them, make sure to listen carefully & take notes while they answer. Remember its either find out now…or suffer the effects of learning later.
1) Now this really is important: Do they’ve an “unrestricted” state license to accomplish low voltage work…or are they wiring & installing home theatre rooms without the correct state license ?.(You would be surprised just how many electricians & security alarm installers say they are certified. Remember an unrestricted electrical license does not authorize the installing low voltage wiring. It is not similar as an unrestricted low voltage license. The exact same goes for a burglar alarm license…this is a “restricted” low voltage license limiting them to burglar alarms only!) Don’t not to be in for anything less than state licensed for “unrestricted” low voltage work.
2)Lets discuss insurance. What type of insurance do they carry? What are the results should they drop your $5,000 Sony plasma Television? commercial audio video installation ) Are they insured with general liability insurance for all of their workers…as well as workman’s comp? (Many companies use subcontractors that may or might not be licensed) Ask to visit a current proof insurance throughout the interview process! Many companies give low prices to win your company, so you discover how they are able to do this! Is the chance worth saving a few dollars for you?
3) Do they provide you with a list of references to check? Or do you have to ask again and again? Don’t settle for phone references either. Friends and family can pose as phony references. You’d be surprised just how many clients are proud to show you their new theater rooms, all you need to accomplish is simply ask!
4) Do they’ve a web site for you yourself to have a look at their company, look at testimonials , samples of the work they do and a place to educate yourself about home theater?
5) Think about financing? Is special financing available, like 6 months just like cash as an example? Or do they desire all of the money upfront?
6) Will they install some of one’s equipment that you have purchased by yourself? Or do they just equipment they supply?
7) Are you a “Get it done Yourself” kind of person? Will they use you on partial jobs like prewiring your theater room only? Or perhaps hanging your plasma and creating your personal surround speakers?
8) Will they do small jobs? For instance will they offer to hang an LCD on the fireplace or optimize your existing 7.1 surround speakers?
9) Will they provide you with a FREE onsite home theater consultation…or will they CHARGE you for the privilege to show them what they are able to do for you? Don’t be surprised should they charge a $100.00 or even more for providing them with the chance to earn your business.
10) Do they’ve a home theatre showroom that you could come and play with all of the latest home theater equipment yourself? Can you bring your favorite action movies to listen to your favorite sound files on the different surround sound systems they’ve on site? Can you bring your favorite CD’s and listen to the songs & compare them with several speaker packages so you can hear the difference?
11) While you are there do you’re feeling comfortable talking to the consultants or do you’re feeling sales pressure to invest a lot more than you have in your mind? Was your presentation informative and helpful , or was it a thinly veiled sales pitch?
12) Beware of sleazy sales tactics. Are they willing to work within your budget…or are they pushing you to invest a lot more than you’re feeling more comfortable with?
One method to find out is while checking their references. Don’t hesitate to enquire about the sales process, and sales pressure. Should they didn’t like it they’ll make sure to inform you!
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