PlatformQolsys
Approx. equipment cost$468.36
Illustrative retail / MSRP$1,198.48
Difference+$730.12156% above equipment cost
DIRTY INDUSTRY SECRETS
“Free equipment” isn’t free.
Home security advertising often focuses on the monthly payment instead of the economics underneath it. We think customers deserve to see both.
THE FIRST SECRET
The hardware can cost hundreds. The contract can price it like thousands.
Alarm companies have real costs beyond hardware. But when equipment is advertised as “free,” customers deserve to know where the economics may reappear.
REPRESENTATIVE BASIC SYSTEMS
Dealer-level equipment cost versus retail pricing.
Illustrative comparison inputs supplied to KLEVR. They are not quotes for every dealer or installation.
Platform2GIG
Approx. equipment cost$531.86
Illustrative retail / MSRP$1,298.48
Difference+$766.62144% above equipment cost
PlatformNAPCO Prima
Approx. equipment cost$335.99
Illustrative retail / MSRP$937.68
Difference+$601.69179% above equipment cost
PlatformAlula
Approx. equipment cost$472.69
Illustrative retail / MSRPDealer-set
DifferenceVariesRetail set by dealer
PlatformResideo
Approx. equipment cost$558.60
Illustrative retail / MSRPDealer-set
DifferenceVariesRetail set by dealer
Equipment cost is only one component of a security company’s total cost. Installation, freight, taxes, financing, support, warranty reserves, commissions and monitoring are not included unless specifically stated.
THE SECOND SECRET
If the equipment is “free,” ask what you’re really paying for.
Advertise “free” equipment.
The upfront offer feels effortless and shifts attention away from the hardware economics.
Bundle economics into the agreement.
The provider still has to recover hardware, acquisition, service and operating costs somewhere.
Make leaving expensive.
Long commitments or remaining balances can make cancellation a costly decision.
THE THIRD SECRET
Owning hardware does not always mean freely choosing the service.
Some consumer security systems retain local functions after cancellation while remote features, cloud services or professional monitoring remain tied to the brand ecosystem.
Service ecosystem
Supported features and compatibility can depend on ADT monitoring and the specific hardware generation.
Full functionality requires service
Vivint states that full system functionality is not available without its monthly service.
Local use can remain
Basic local functions can remain while dispatch and subscription features depend on a service plan.
Brand-centered platform
The equipment and app experience are designed around Cove’s service ecosystem.
WHY KLEVR CHOSE AJAX
Premium enough to feel integrated. Flexible enough not to trap the signal path.
Ajax gives KLEVR the cohesive hardware-and-software experience we want while supporting professional monitoring protocols and third-party monitoring software.
KLEVR Core$299Upfront hardware price. Professional monitoring from $17.99/month.
TRANSPARENCY INCLUDES RECEIPTS