Vector Security

the service itself is ok. when we originally got it 8 years ago, it was state of the art, which meant the technology did not yet exist to access it remotely. to upgrade it to allow for that didn’t cost nearly as much from them as the price I got from another company. and it’s a relatively user friendly panel, which is nice.
my biggest issue is the wait time when you call them.
.god. you can just grow old waiting for someone to answer a phone! When we go out of town, I like to change our password for whoever is housesitting, which can only be done by calling them (WHY CAN’T THIS JUST BE DONE ONLINE???). I can’t remember doing it without having to wait more than 15 minutes for my «very important call» to be picked up by the «next available operator.» Is there only one person answering phones for the whole corporation? it’s crazy! since having to call them happens so rarely it isn’t enough for me to ditch them, but it is REALLY infuriating.

Instead of leaving this company a scathing review, I will instead leave all the information needed to avoid them as this is the best use of my effort. First of all, we are in the year 2015. Everyone has wifi, a network connection, and smartphones and this type of ridiculously expensive subscription based service is un-​needed.
Cons:
* This system does not integrate with any modern protocols such as Apple’s Homekit or Samsung’s Smart home.
* Do not think that you are going out and buying a Wemo light switch or Phillip Smart bulb and have it work with this system. It will not.
* This system will not allow for upgrades to newer technology cameras or sensor without increasing monthly subscription.
* You pay additional money if you want to just add sensors which makes no sense. ($ 10/​monthly for 2 sensors)
* No way to customize anything yourself
* Panel technology is 4 years old which is ancient in terms of technology.
* Get ready to pay your local police department as well if you are in the DC area for additional «false alert» charges. Either subscribe with them or pay $ 100 when they are called.
My sentence, I mean contract is for 5 years. When I asked them if I could get out before the June 2017 deadline, they said sure, for a mere $ 915. This type of company is not sustainable in this day and age so don’t get tricked into this $ 2160 ($ 37×60 months) door chime like I did.
The exact hardware:
iSmartAlarm System: $ 249 with no monthly cost!
SmartThings:
7 Great phone based Security products (Article)

I will start off by saying that I am grateful the alarm system was never put to the test. Dealing with this company has been a nightmare.
A friendly man stopped by my house the day after I moved in; 2 weeks after I had bought it (my first home). After reminding me that I was a young, single white female in not the best neighborhood he convinces me to sign a contract. This packet of paper was not something I could feasibly read with him standing there so in my naivety I assumed he would be honest. I asked if I could cancel at any time without consequence, he assured me I could. He lied.
It turned out I could not use my system because of changing living arrangements. When I called to cancel I was informed that I owed a balance of what 2 years would cost, should I cancel. When I asked to speak to a manager on several different occasions they were cold, rude, and uninterested in the fact that I had been lied to. They would not work with me, they would not help me to find a better solution. I stopped paying. Then I get a call months and months later saying I will be taken to court for breach of contract.
All I got out of Vector Security was a lesson: Never sign anything without reading it, and never trust the smiling salesperson.

I signed a contract a few years ago and rarely used the service. I called to find out how much it would cost to end my contract, and was told I had a couple of months remaining. I was provided an amount to pay and paid it.
I somehow activated a sensor while painting. I thought the service had ended, and was told that they hadn’t received written notification — and now we owe another month?
1) What was the sense of me making a lump sum payment — other than to the service?
2) I didn’t keep a copy of an agreement, but remember it was for either 3 or 5 years — not for life.
3) No other home consumer service requires written notification? Phone, Cable… what non-​sense.
I honestly had nothing good or bad to say about Vector — we just didn’t use it. This requirement doesn’t seem right and out of general business practices. Just another way to get a few extra bucks and abuse the consumer.
Thanks Vector!

Much better security companies out there… The get you in with the «free stuff», but they make their money because it is a pain to switch even when your contract is up.
Suggestion, make sure you either negotiate a price (½) when your contract is up, or leave. There are better/​cheaper monitoring companies.
Also, don’t you hate those companies that make you find a fax machine to cancel. It’s like they are just tying to make it difficult on you. And the excuse that they need it to cancel a security service is bull… You can move it to a new location without faxing anything. And you can cancel any other required service… They are just punishing you for leaving.

I was disappointed by the $ 109.00 travel fee on my invoice from Vector
Security. This charge was on top of labor and parts. Really don’t understand it? Did not buy their service contract either. They were trying to sell me the yearly contract — not interested in dealing with a company that charges travel fees. Not impressed with this company.

The worst alarm monitoring company I have ever dealt with! They will knock on your front door and scam you into switching your alarm service to them by offering free upgrades to your current alarm system. 0 stars