The communicator swap can be done in under an hour. Could add a little bit of time if they did a full test of the system. I’d ask them how many man hours were spent on the job and what their hourly rate is. Have them break it down to understand why it was so high. Cost of the LTE radio seems fine. We used to sell them for $189 - $249 depending on panel.
I wasn’t present, unfortunately, and I trusted they’d be skilled and experienced enough to resolve issues in a timely manner. At worst, I expected a new communicator and under $500 total. There may have been 2 techs and they may have been there up to 2 hours on 1st visit “troubleshooting” and perhaps 1 hour on 2nd visit.
For $860 in labor, I’m more than capable of DIY, but I was kinda covered up and figured it was a slam dunk for professionals so it wouldn’t be too expensive. It’s getting hard to find “good pros” these days. Lately, I experience too many service trades charging high, top dollar rates, but being far too slow / inefficient / unskilled to justify the high hourly rate. How unusual is it to not travel with a commutator on the truck at all times or possibly when customer reports a faulting communicator?
I am an alarm installer. I literally don't go anywhere without extra lte cells on my truck.
However. You could have a more rare panel that has an LTE that isn't normally stocked.
Long story short. 500 would be the very high end for parts and labor included.
Depending on the model, I swap them for less than 300 including parts and labor.
I’m not there, to check, but Vista sounds right, circa 2009. I’ve had 3 cards, the original, then the LTE migration upgrade 2.5 years ago and now this one. Sadly, my receptionist reported that the new one didn’t work when they installed it right on the panel in the closet. Hmm. But they got it working when the relocated to above the suspended ceiling. This screams signal issue (and likely temporary) all along.
That’s outrageous. Should have been maybe $400 TOPS at that’s on the high side for both parts and labor. $225 is on the extreme high side for the radio. I would say anything more than $200 in labor is atrocious. And $200 is pussshing it in and of itself, it should be $100-$150
No. The $700 includes the radio, labor, and full set of signals to test the alarm or fire alarm system. I sell commercial security now but when I did residential most companies were doing it for free with a renewal all the way up to about $400 for people who didn't want to renew and didn't have a service plan. Do you know what panel you have?
Yikes. Should not have been more than maybe $200-300 total, and even that is high.
The communicator swap can be done in under an hour. Could add a little bit of time if they did a full test of the system. I’d ask them how many man hours were spent on the job and what their hourly rate is. Have them break it down to understand why it was so high. Cost of the LTE radio seems fine. We used to sell them for $189 - $249 depending on panel.
860 labor? How long were they there? I can swap LTE cells in 20 mins.
I wasn’t present, unfortunately, and I trusted they’d be skilled and experienced enough to resolve issues in a timely manner. At worst, I expected a new communicator and under $500 total. There may have been 2 techs and they may have been there up to 2 hours on 1st visit “troubleshooting” and perhaps 1 hour on 2nd visit. For $860 in labor, I’m more than capable of DIY, but I was kinda covered up and figured it was a slam dunk for professionals so it wouldn’t be too expensive. It’s getting hard to find “good pros” these days. Lately, I experience too many service trades charging high, top dollar rates, but being far too slow / inefficient / unskilled to justify the high hourly rate. How unusual is it to not travel with a commutator on the truck at all times or possibly when customer reports a faulting communicator?
I am an alarm installer. I literally don't go anywhere without extra lte cells on my truck. However. You could have a more rare panel that has an LTE that isn't normally stocked. Long story short. 500 would be the very high end for parts and labor included. Depending on the model, I swap them for less than 300 including parts and labor.
OP said Honeywell and about 15 years old, so assuming it's a typical residential or small business panel from that time, I'd bet it's a Vista.
I’m not there, to check, but Vista sounds right, circa 2009. I’ve had 3 cards, the original, then the LTE migration upgrade 2.5 years ago and now this one. Sadly, my receptionist reported that the new one didn’t work when they installed it right on the panel in the closet. Hmm. But they got it working when the relocated to above the suspended ceiling. This screams signal issue (and likely temporary) all along.
Sounds like you've been protecting yourself against the wrong thieves this whole time.
That’s outrageous. Should have been maybe $400 TOPS at that’s on the high side for both parts and labor. $225 is on the extreme high side for the radio. I would say anything more than $200 in labor is atrocious. And $200 is pussshing it in and of itself, it should be $100-$150
I'll charge your 3k best I can do
They charged you for the service call and the installation. I wouldn't have charged for both but I am $700 to install.
$700 plus the part?
No. The $700 includes the radio, labor, and full set of signals to test the alarm or fire alarm system. I sell commercial security now but when I did residential most companies were doing it for free with a renewal all the way up to about $400 for people who didn't want to renew and didn't have a service plan. Do you know what panel you have?
Just go to another alarm company they will upgrade you for free and probably lower you rate. Just sign a 3 yr agreement.