Door-to-door security salespeople not from Apex company says

pagirl says:

"APX" might not be Apex, but they are still a legit security company apparently.

9/2/2010 6:21:24 PM

The Wolf says:

Who is telling us to call the police? Apex? tbnewswatch? The police? No record in the story that the police have been involved so my guess is APEX and they have no right to do so. The company going door to door is not breaking any laws nor has it proven yet its a scam. Until APEX formally presses trademark infringement charges against them or an investigation into fraudulent services this story should not tell anyone to call the cops on what is to date a legit company.

9/2/2010 6:29:17 PM

gone for good says:

"Honey, call the police, there's a salesman at the door"
Only in Thunder Bay. Go figure.

9/2/2010 6:48:37 PM

RelaxingInMurillo says:

Probably a good time for all of us to remind our elderly family members (/etc) about the various door to door scams that seem to tour the area. Its a shame that some people have to try and trick the unsuspecting out of their money. (insert casino joke here)

The article should have mentioned that the "electronics division" of Apex that was sold off to Tbaytel no longer uses the name Apex (or Apx etc).. they wear Tbaytel jackets and drive Tbaytel branded trucks.

9/2/2010 9:18:34 PM

panzerIV says:

Amazing what people will do to make a quick buck. Instead of trying to scam people why not get a real job and help the economy.

It's always the hard working folks either getting spanked by the government or fraudsters.

9/2/2010 11:15:24 PM

SuZie369 says:

Dear Sirs,
I would suggest doing some research before publishing a story, especially one which can cause wide spread fear in the populace.
A little research like a trip to Wikipedia would have shown you that the company referred to is APX, a competitor of APEX'.
APX Alarm Security Solutions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
APX Alarm Security Solutions Inc. APXLOGO10.jpg
Type Security Detection and Monitoring
Industry Security Systems, Fire Detection
Founded 1997
Headquarters Provo, Utah
Website

APX Alarm Security Solutions Inc., APX Alarm, or APX is a privately-held full service residential security company, providing home security services throughout the United States and Canada.[1] APX is headquartered in Provo, Utah [2] and has 375,000+ customers and approximately 9,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada.[3]
Contents
[hide]

* 1 History
* 2 Company Overview
* 3 Criticism
* 4 Awards and Charitable Contributions
* 5 Industry Involvement
* 6 References
* 7 External links

[edit] History

APX Alarm entered the home alarm service industry in 1997. During its first year of operation the company installed 1,000 alarm systems. In 2005,it became the largest home security dealer in the country. A year later, APX Alarm announced its new business partnership with investment banker Goldman Sachs. Also in 2006, APX Alarm expanded its services to Canada offering security services to residents of Toronto, ON. APX Alarm now offers services to most major cities in the U.S. and Canada.[1] On October 5, 2009, APX created a $440 million credit facility led by Goldman Sachs[4]. On Nov 1st of the same year APX acquired a central station from CMS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Protection One, along with 83 new employees.[5] This central station is located in St. Paul, Minnesota.[5] On Dec 3, 2009 APX Alarm opened a new corporate headquarters, in Provo, Utah.[6] This building also houses an internal monitoring center which began operation in April 2010.[7]
[edit] Company Overview

APX was incorporated in 1999 by Keith Nellesen and Current CEO Todd Pederson. APX provides monitored Fire, Burglar and other security options to residential customers.[3] The company's main business strategy is to deploy geographically-focused teams of sales representatives and installers.[3] APX uses a variety of Honeywell Security equipment, and recently has announced it would be using upstart manufacture, 2GIG Technologies for panels and peripherals starting in late 2009 [8]. APX Alarm also uses ALARM.COM to support wireless communication capabilities, and system control via the internet or PDA application.[9]

Currently, APX Alarm is ranked #6 in the SDM list of the largest 100 security installation and monitoring companies.[10]

APX Alarm currently has a rating of "C-" from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).[11]
[edit] Criticism

APX Alarm has faced criticisms regarding the tactics of the company's door-to-door sales people.[12] Investigative reports and news articles about the company cite aggressive sales pitches,[13][14][15] scare tactics in which salepeople tell potential customers that there has been a recent rise of crime in the neighborhood,[16] and claiming to be a representative of the potential customer's current alarm system provider,[17] as among the most common complaints.

In 2009, in response to consumer complaints regarding "dishonest sales practices and contract issues," the BBB of Buffalo, NY issued a warning to consumers with respect to APX.[18] Other local business bureaus and government agencies have issued similar warnings.[19][20] Also in 2009, the State of Arkansas fined APX $40,850 following a series of consumer complaints.[21] In 2008, Louisiana ordered the company to cease and desist any and all security-related business in the state.[22]

APX has responded to complaints in general by stating, "Our entire focus is on providing the best customer service possible and we understand that owning up to our mistakes and making things right when mistakes do occur is a critical component in delivering world-class customer service. When a company is as large as APX Alarm, and employs thousands of people, we do understand that not everything we do is going to be perfect. With that understanding in mind, we take every customer complaint seriously and do everything within our power to satisfy each and every customer."[23]
[edit] Awards and Charitable Contributions

APX Alarm's call center was Certified for "Providing an Outstanding Customer Service Experience" by J.D. Power and Associates for 2008 and 2009.[24][25] The company has also been named SDM Dealer of the Year Honoree for 2009.[26]

APX Alarm participates in local charities, including food, clothing and holiday contributions through their charitable organization, the APX Family Foundation. In 2008, ninety APX employees went to Galveston, Texas to aid Hurricane Ike victims.[27]

In April 2010 APX Alarm's Monitoring station in St. Paul Minnesota received a Five Diamond Certification from Central Station Alarm Association. [28]
[edit] Industry Involvement

Apx Alarm is recognized by, or has membership in, the following associations:

* National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)
* Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
* ETL SEMKO
* Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC)
* Securities Industry Association (SIA)
* Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)
* National Sheriffs' Association
* Canadian Security Association (CANASA)

[edit] References

1. ^ a b
2. ^
3. ^ a b c
4. ^
5. ^ a b
6. ^
7. ^
8. ^
9. ^
10. ^
11. ^
12. ^ +Systems/1290641?pageNum=1
13. ^
14. ^
15. ^
16. ^
17. ^
18. ^
19. ^
20. ^
21. ^
22. ^
23. ^
24. ^
25. ^
26. ^
27. ^
28. ^

[edit] External links

* APX Alarm Homepage

As you can see, this is a legitimate company, licenced to do business here in Ontario.

9/3/2010 7:58:39 AM

richie says:

this is a legit company, ladies and gentlemen before you sign a contract read the contract you are signing, don't take the door to door salespersons word as gospel!

9/3/2010 8:49:49 AM

Tannoy says:

SuZie369:
APX Alarm has faced criticisms regarding the tactics of the company's door-to-door sales people.[12] Investigative reports and news articles about the company cite aggressive sales pitches,[13][14][15] scare tactics in which salepeople tell potential customers that there has been a recent rise of crime in the neighborhood,[16] and claiming to be a representative of the potential customer's current alarm system provider,[17] as among the most common complaints.

If thats their background then its probably a good itea to tell them to go away regardless of being legit or not. I wouldnt want to deal with a company that opperates like this!

9/3/2010 9:03:37 AM

bustyvenus says:

Well..I had a run in with one of their door-to-door sales people who came to my door and stated he was with (pointing to APEX sticker on door) ApX, was rude, informed me of all the other people on my street who had just sign up wtih him, and told me I lived in a bad neighborhood! The fact they lead people to believe they are Apex is shady...and hey...psssttt..dont give out personal information..where people live & their names that MAY of signed up with you !!!

9/3/2010 9:17:27 AM

yossib says:

@ SuZie369...

If you are quoting Wikipedia as gospel you might want to do some research yourself.

APX is not a competitor of Apex. Apex in Thunder Bay does not sell, service or monitor security systems and hasn't since 2007.

Want to dig deeper? Do a search on "APX warnings"...over 1,000,000 hits!!

9/3/2010 10:35:12 AM

nfa16 says:

Just a little bit of info regarding 'Wikipedia' searching - ANYONE can feel free to edit and change information on 'Wikipedia'. Just click on the little blue link that says edit... That is one site I do NOT trust.

Regardless whether or not this company is licensed/legit - the way they are practicing their sales is shady and makes people feel uncomfortable. I wouldn't buy anything, or give them any information.

9/3/2010 11:19:23 AM

SleepyGiant says:

If you would read a article before commenting you would notice that that article states:
'Apex Investigation & Security Inc. said they have been receiving complaints'
All they are trying to say is that it is not them so you can stop calling to complain.
Simple.

9/3/2010 2:35:58 PM

The Wolf says:

Sleeping Giant - the issues is this site or APEX is telling us in a public forum to call the police if these people call on you. There is no reason to call as no laws are being broken.

9/3/2010 3:45:52 PM

The Wolf says:

SleepingGiant - you need to reread the article because it tells us to call the police if they come to our house. That's the issue people are having with this story.

9/7/2010 8:02:40 AM