How Savvy Business Owners Choose the Right Security Company

Attention business owners and decision-makers– how do you choose the best professional security vendors for protecting your premises, assets, or personnel? What kind of customized security solutions do you need for your business? Here’s how to choose a security company to best meet your needs.

The City Guards offers a smart way to hire security providers- with a full list of vetted security company vendors available in your area. Simply put in an online request: “Hire Trusted Security Providers” to begin the process.

The commercial security provider services you need could be anything from access control, armed or unarmed guards, event security, loss prevention, patrols, remote surveillance, securing construction sites, VIP bodyguard protection, and more…The online City Guards template allows you to list the security specialities you need, along with your location. (based on SEO Search Engine Optimization utilized by the qualified candidates).

You will end up with responses from multiple security providers from your community, with their quotes (based on the SEO Search Engine Optimization utilized by the qualified candidates). Then simply select from among the candidates that want to provide the service(s) you or your company needs.

Don’t Just Go With The Lowest Bid

But what security company selection criteria do you use when first meeting with one of those multiple security guard vendors? It may be tempting to simply zero in on price– after all, business owners need to keep expenses under control. But the cheapest option can come at a higher cost in the long run, so when choosing your security company, make sure you have other criteria in mind:

Check Their Licensing

Request a copy of the company’s state-issued security license (e.g. in California it’s a PPO private patrol operator license, in FL it’s a Class “B” Security Agency License). The license must have a:

• License number
• Issuing authority like a state regulatory board (BSIS in CA, DPS in TX)
• Expiration date
• Legal business name that matches what they use in contracts and marketing. You want a correctly licensed security company. It might be a red flag if a company refuses or deflects your demand for a copy of their license. They might have an expired license, not be authorized to operate in your state, or be operating under another company’s license (illegal!)

Ask About Their Insurance

• General Liability– Ask if that security company carries general liability insurance—ideally with at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage (i.e. insurance will pay up to $1 million for a single incident, but no more than $2 million total for the year). This protects both the company and your business in case a guard accidentally causes injury, property damage, etc.
• Certificate of Insurance– When you contract with someone, make sure they can provide a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your business as an additional insured, giving you legal protection if an incident occurs.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance– Companies with this insurance can cover guard injuries while on the job.
• Professional Liability Insurance/E&O Errors & Omissions– Security companies with E&O insurance can cover negligence or failure to perform duties on the part of their guards- not you.
• Auto Liability Insurance– This insurance only needs to be verified if you are hiring mobile car patrol services.

Look At Their Guard Training And Certification

Every reputable company should provide proof that their guards have the correct training and relevant certifications. You can ask to get copies of their employees’ state guard cards or licenses, firearm permits (if using armed guards), and any CPR, AED, First Aid, emergency response or de-escalation training certifications (e.g. classes from Verbal Judo Institute or American Red Cross, nonviolent crisis intervention CPI certification).

Check Reviews And Get Referenfes

Look at reviews to get indications about the company’s reputation. Focus on the company’s punctuality, incident handling, professionalism, or if former clients would rehire this company. Client reviews can often be found on the City Guards Directory, Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau. You want a professional security company with a developed security guard marketing plan- they would be able to provide 2-3 references from current or former clients.

Ensure Their Experience Matches Your Needs

If they have guards that only have experience as bouncers for nightclubs, will this company’s expertise match the type of security you need for your office setting or access control?

Look At Their Technology

You want a security guard company with solid security technology integration. Technology to look for is GPS tracking, digital patrol logs that you can access, and real-time reporting apps- so you do not have to micromanage but still can stay informed with documented proof of service and coverage.

How Is Their Communication

Does this company return your calls quickly? Does their office staffing appear adequate? Do you have a representative assigned to your contract to easily answer questions or negotiate details?

Do They Offer Flexibility

Find out if this security company will readily change shifts, or make adjustments if your security needs change.

Is Their Brand A Match For Your Company

You want to know if this company offers great customer service, and has polite personnel with professional, neat uniforms that represent your business model well.

Review Contracts

Read the fine print for common hidden fees and terms. Clarify the contract with questions such as:

• “Are there any one-time setup fees or monthly administration charges?” (Often, companies charge a one-time setup fee, or on-going monthly fees).
• “Is this a fixed rate contract for the full contract term, or are there conditions under which it could increase mid-contract?” (Some contracts allow for rate hikes due to wage, fuel, or inflation increases- make sure your bid is protected by a rate lock for the length of your contract. A red flag would be a contract clause that says “Rates subject to adjustment upon 30 days’ notice due to operational cost changes…”).
• “What’s the hourly rate for overtime, holidays, or last-minute coverage?” (Some companies will charge a rush fee or premium rate for holidays, short notice changes, or overtime at 1.5x or 2x hourly rates).
• “Do you have shift minimums or required hours per week- even if my company only needs a shorter presence?” (e.g. charging you for 4 hours even if the guard worked only 2 hours).
• “Are there additional supervisory charges, even when my company did not request that service?” (Companies may charge for roving supervisors who check on the guards, even if not requested).
• “Are equipment costs included in your quote?” (Do not assume that radios, flashlights, uniforms or vehicles that may be rented separately are included in your quote).
• “Can I request a guard change without a penalty?” (Some companies will charge a fee for personnel changes if you request for a specific guard to be replaced).
• “What happens if a guard doesn’t show up or calls out sick- is there backup staff? How long will that take?” (It is good to know what protocols the security company puts in place, in case of unexpected circumstances, and who to call if there are problems).
• “Does this contract auto-renew?” (To prevent an auto-renewal trap, check if your contract automatically renews for another term if you do not cancel in time).
• “What’s the notice period to cancel?” Some contracts may require a 30, 60 or 90 day notice to cancel. There could even be a termination fee if you exit the contract early, even for their poor performance. Make sure any contract has “out” clauses that allow you to cancel if performance is substandard or not meeting previously agreed-upon terms.

Ready To Compare Companies The Smart Way?

Now you know the key criteria to research, and the practical questions to answer in your search for a security provider. The City Guards offers an easy way to compare vendors, check reviews, and make an informed choice- conveniently providing you with top-rated licensed security providers from which to choose. Get the most qualified professional security vendors for protecting your premises, assets, or personnel, and get customized security solutions that perfectly fit your business and budget.

Don’t just settle for the cheapest- choose the most qualified. Use The City Guards’ smart option to hire security providers, and get your full list of vetted security company vendors available in your area today.

Simply put in an online request: “Hire Trusted Security Providers” and start your search now to fully protect your company.