Choosing a physical security vendor isn’t just another line item on your to-do list. It’s a big decision that can impact your team’s safety, property, operations, and bottom line.
The right security system should make you feel confident, not confused. And the vendor you choose? They should feel like a partner, not just a provider.
But here’s the thing: many companies pick the wrong vendor for the wrong reasons and don’t realize it until something goes wrong.
To help you make a more intelligent decision, here are five of the most common mistakes businesses make when choosing a security vendor—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Price
We all want to save money, especially in business. But when it comes to physical security, cheapest rarely means best.
Some vendors offer tempting low bids. Sounds great, right? Until you realize what’s missing: outdated equipment, no service after installation, or a system that barely covers what you need. We’ve seen businesses stuck with:
- Low-resolution cameras that can’t identify faces or license plates
- Access control systems that crash after a power outage
- “Support plans” that charge for every little fix, or don’t exist at all.
The real cost isn’t what you pay upfront. It’s what you pay when things break, or even worse, when you suffer a breach.
How to avoid this: Ask vendors to explain the value, not just the price. What’s included? What’s supported? What happens when something goes wrong?
Mistake #2: Assuming All Tech Vendors Know Security
Just because a company sells software, runs IT, or installs networking cable doesn’t mean they understand physical security.
Security isn’t just tech. It’s a strategy. Vendors need to think like someone protecting their space, not just setting up a camera. That includes things like:
- Understanding line-of-sight and blind spots
- Knowing where to place access points for security and convenience
- Designing systems that work even when the internet goes down
Too often, companies hire their IT contractor to “also do the cameras.” The result? Poor placement, misconfigured alerts, and zero integration with access control.
How to avoid this: Look for vendors specializing in physical security, not just general IT. Ask about their past installations, certifications, and the number of systems like yours they’ve built.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Support Agreement
So, you’ve picked a vendor, your cameras are up, and your doors are secured. Great! Now fast-forward 12 months… and something isn’t working. Do you know who to call? Will they actually respond?
One of the biggest regrets we hear from businesses is choosing a vendor with no long-term support.
Many vendors offer “install-and-disappear” service: the setup is fine, but you're on your own once the job’s done. And if you didn’t sign up for a separate service agreement? Good luck.
Here are some warning signs:
- No clear support hours or contacts
- No regular system updates or monitoring
- Extra charges for on-site troubleshooting or firmware upgrades
How to avoid this: Ask every vendor:
- What’s your response time for support?
- Do you offer remote system monitoring or maintenance?
- What happens if a device stops working in six months?
Support shouldn’t be a question mark—it should be part of the plan.
Mistake #4: Choosing Systems That Don’t Scale
Maybe you’re a small team now, but what happens when you grow?
One of the biggest headaches businesses face is choosing a vendor that locks them into rigid systems that don’t grow with their needs. Then, they’re stuck paying again to replace or rebuild everything.
We see this all the time:
- Offices adding new floors with no way to extend camera coverage
- Access control systems that only support a limited number of users
- No way to manage multiple locations from a single dashboard
How to avoid this: Ask upfront:
- Can this system scale to more doors or cameras without redoing the whole thing?
- Will I be able to manage multiple buildings or users centrally?
- What integrations are available as we grow?
Good vendors plan for your future, not just your now.
Mistake #5: Not Asking the Right Questions
Most business owners and ops managers aren’t security experts, and that’s okay. But that also means they don’t always know what to ask when talking to a vendor.
So here’s a cheat sheet. These are the kinds of questions innovative companies ask:
- How do you handle lost credentials or access revocation?
- What happens if our power or internet goes down?
- Can we access footage remotely and securely?
- How long are videos stored, and is it encrypted?
- Can we limit access based on time of day or job title?
- Do you offer reports for audits or compliance needs?
If a vendor can’t clearly answer these, that’s a red flag.
How to avoid this: Before your first vendor meeting, build a short checklist of your needs. Focus on today’s pain points and tomorrow’s goals.
Bonus: The Sixth (Silent) Mistake—Rushing the Process
Sometimes, security projects get rushed because “the lease is up next month” or “we need something before the new hire starts.” Totally understandable.
But rushing into the wrong vendor or skipping critical planning steps almost always leads to regrets.
If you don’t have time to do it right, you’ll definitely need time to fix it later.
What a Better Vendor Relationship Looks Like
Here’s what a truly professional security vendor should offer—no exceptions:
- A clear site assessment and proposal (not just pricing, but strategy)
- A security solution that covers both cameras and access control
- Easy-to-use management tools that your staff can learn fast
- Long-term support that picks up the phone
- A commitment to keeping your system updated and secure
How AIS Helps Businesses Make Smarter Security Decisions
We’ve worked with businesses across industries—from retail to distribution to healthcare—and they all had the same concern: they didn’t want to get it wrong.
That’s why we’ve built our process around planning, communication, and long-term support. Our solutions scale with your team, your buildings, and your needs. We specialize in cloud-managed physical security, making it simple to:
- Manage cameras and doors from anywhere
- Add new users, doors, or locations in minutes.
- Stay protected without needing a tech team on call.
If you're looking for a system you won’t have to constantly worry about and a team that’s with you long after installation, AIS might be the right fit.
Final Thought: Choose the Vendor That Thinks Beyond the Hardware
Security isn’t just a technology decision—it’s a trust decision. The right vendor doesn’t just give you equipment. They provide you with confidence.
Are you ready to talk to a team that will actually ask you the right questions? Contact AIS for a no-pressure security consultation.
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