Security Service
What will I be doing ?
It’s an insecure world. Individuals and businesses feel threatened by crime. You can help them be more secure by offering your services. A security service designs and manages security systems for individuals and businesses.
One security system may install and monitor alarm systems while another provides bodyguard protection. A third security service may help architects design buildings that minimize security problems.
What will I need to start ?
To offer this service, you must be an expert in your field of security. Once you decide on a field of expertise, develop your knowledge and experience in that field. If you want to offer a security guard service, for example, find employment in the field and get on-the-job training.
Some security services require knowledge of electronic equipment installation and use. You may sell and install burglar alarm systems in homes or stores. Or you may have an audio monitoring system in your home that allows you to listen in at homes where the owners are away.
In some fields of security you will need licensing and bonding. In others you may require training in electronics or in self defense.
Who will my customers be ?
Who will hire you ? That depends on what services you provide and who will most benefit. If you enjoy guarding valuable materials, offer a bonded guard service to businesses where crime has been a problem. If you will specialize in designing and installing security systems, your customers will be those who have had break-ins at or near their home or business. Reading police reports in the newspaper or at the police department will help you find your potential customers.
How much should I charge ?
The rate for security services varies between $25 to $60 an hour depending on what services are offered and how specialized they are. Some security systems price systems by size while guard services typically charge by the shift, the week or the month. A security system can be priced based on the square footage of the area it secures.
Find out what your local competitors charge for similar services and you will have a starting point for pricing your services to be competitive.
How much will I make ?
After a year of operation, your security business should be able to bill for 80 to 90 percent of available time. Overhead expenses will range from 20 to 50 percent depending on whether you hire employees to do some of the work.
An established security system can net the owner $30,000 to $60,000 a year.
How can I get started ?
First, select a group of potential customers who have security problems. They may be people in a specific neighborhood or retail shopping district or industrial part. Next, decide what products and services you can offer to make them more secure. It may be a patrol service, an alarm installation service, an alarm leasing service or a combination of services. Finally, interview potential customers to learn how they feel about security, whether they have unmet needs and what they are now paying for security services or would be willing to pay.
Contact the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (301-913-0030).
The SIC code for security services is 7381-02.
From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727
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