A good security system is an essential part of protecting any business. Not only does it help you deter crime, but it can make it much easier to file your insurance claim or recover your lost property after an incident. However, commercial security systems can be a little pricey due to their more complex technology and higher number of parts. To budget appropriately for security system expenses and avoid overpaying, check out this guide.
Average Costs for Business Security Camera Systems
There is quite a lot of variation in business security system installation costs. Some companies pay around $1,000 to set up their security system while others pay upwards of $10,000. The amount you can expect to pay generally depends on the size of your business. A typical small business pays around $1,500 while the average medium-sized business pays roughly $3,000. Usually, business security systems only cost around $25,000 if it’s a large business or a business with multiple branches.
Cost Breakdown
Of course, these costs include a lot of different types of equipment and labor. To get a more accurate look at how much you can expect to spend on a security system, it’s useful to check out a detailed breakdown of all the various costs. Here’s what the typical medium-sized company could expect to pay for common security system components:
- Security cameras: $4,000 to $20,000
- Alarm systems and sensors: $500 to $1,500
- Keypads and other access control hardware: $8000 to $12,000
- Installation labor: $3000 to $8000
- Security monitoring: $500 to $1,500 annually
- Regular maintenance: $250 to $400 annually
Keep in mind that not every company will need all these components. For example, some companies may just use their own door locks instead of installing keypads that sync to the rest of their security system. Some businesses also like to save money with DIY installation or choices such as only installing security in high-risk parts of the building. So while a comprehensive security system with professional installation and monitoring might be as much as $25,000.
Factors That Affect Pricing
As you can see, there is a very broad range of pricing available for commercial security systems. Even two identically sized companies can end up with vastly different prices for their security. There are many different details that impact your total costs.
Type of Security Features
Of course, the biggest impact on price is simply the amount of security you want to have. Some business security systems consist of nothing but a few cameras covering entryways. Other companies will need sensors on every door and window, cameras covering every part of the building, and motion detectors throughout the area. Just like most other products, the more features and upgrades you request, the more your system will cost.
Installation Methods
Your desired installation method can affect pricing quite a bit. Modern security systems come with many options. Some devices are wireless and run on WiFi or Bluetooth, and these tend to cost more than wired options. Another factor to consider is whether you end up with wired devices that plug into outlets or ones that connect directly to the electrical grid of your building. If your cameras and sensors are hardwired into the electrical system, labor costs for installation can be higher. However, keep in mind that some of these methods offer more security than others, so sometimes the higher cost is worth it.
Size and Layout of Your Business
The building you’re trying to secure has a huge effect on your pricing. If you just have a single door and window, you’ll only need a few sensors, while a company with a lot of doors and windows will need far more. Bigger buildings, buildings with more entry points, and buildings with a lot of tight corners and blind spots will require additional cameras and sensors, and this tends to result in an increase in price.
DIY vs. Professional
When shopping for security systems, a big factor in price will be the amount of labor you wish to do yourself. Some companies prefer to sit back and let the professionals handle everything. Others are very confident in their ability to handle aspects of installation and monitoring themselves. Many security providers now offer DIY kits that provide you with all the hardware and let you set up the system yourself.
Storage and Monitoring
Modern security system prices also rely a lot on how you want to handle the technological side of things. When selecting your type of system, you’ll want to consider how you want to handle all the data collected by your system. Do you want it to store all footage in the cloud permanently or erase it after a set amount of time? Do you need a real human monitoring your system in real-time, or are you fine with automated alerts? Usually, more storage and more intensive monitoring will result in higher prices for your system.
Money-Saving Tips
Want to save money on your security system without sacrificing safety and quality? Here are some things you can do to lower your business security installation costs while still getting a great system.
Bundle Your Services
Most security companies offer bundles that allow you to save. Instead of buying each part individually, look into offers that include multiple cameras, sensors, or other equipment. In addition to perks like free installation, bundling can save you a lot if you’re planning on buying multiple types of security products at once.
Shop Around for Good Options
When buying commercial security systems, make sure to get estimates from multiple security companies. You’ll want to think about your choices carefully instead of just going with the first business you see. It’s especially useful to look at estimates for both installation and annual costs. Some companies may have higher upfront costs but lower annual fees or vice versa.
Try DIY Options
With all the great technology available today, don’t be afraid of DIY. Things like setting up your own server to store footage or mounting your own security cameras can save you a surprisingly large amount of money. Especially if your business is in a related industry like electrical work or software, you might find that some of your employees are equipped to take on the tasks of a security team.
Look for Rebates and Other Deals
Just like any other product, security systems can come with some great deals. Shopping near holidays can lead to discounts, and some businesses will offer lower prices for their commercial customers who order in bulk. Another useful thing to check for is rebates and tax savings.
Ultimately, the cost of business security systems doesn’t have to be too overwhelming. A savvy business owner can easily take steps to ensure they end up with excellent security that fits their budget.
