Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

 

I`m thinking of starting a home watching business in the city in which I live.  The location is perfect since I would be servicing a high end resort market with many seasonal guests.  There is also definitely room to grow since the area is growing very rapidly.  My main concern involves the security issue of visiting a potential clients home in order to sell my service.  Also, a walk through of the home would be required.  I`m a woman and have reservations about being in a home with strangers.  Most folks are decent but there`s always another Ted Bundy out there.  I don`t know if there is a way to reduce the risk factor although not eliminating it entirely.  I don`t have a partner and am new to town so I don`t have anyone to go along with me.   In thinking of other service businesses all require you to either go to the clients home or the client to yours.  You can`t meet folks in a parking lot.  Any thoughts on this issue?  Would this be an issue with anyone on this forum?    Your comments will be appreciated.

Im glad to see you are concerned with personal safety and thought ahead, unlike a lot of people who end up in these awkward situations. I have been in law enforcement for several years and we see so many people that don`t pay attention to all the dangers out there. As far as a solution for your problem, I would suggest doing some research on your clients before going to meet them. You may want to have them give you references that you could call. Some people may find this a little intrusive, so this may not be that great of an idea but it might be worth a shot.

 Im a big fan of pepper spray, having been sprayed several times in training, this stuff works great on most people. I would suggest finding a high end type pepper spray and keeping it on you when you are alone. I may seem paranoid but better safe that sorry.

You may also think about alternative methods of house sitting. Like portable cameras that you could send the owner of the house to set up and then you could monitor them. You would be able to work several houses at the same time then. Im sure most people actually want you in their house in person so this may not work either.

Hopefully i`ve been some help!!

Brian

 

 

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Brian White
INITECH Design Lab
http://www.initechdesign.com

You may want to have them give you references that you could call. Some people may find this a little intrusive, so this may not be that great of an idea but it might be worth a shot.

Brian,

Thanks for your great input.  I was also thinking about utilizing an online PI service.  I know many sites have a monthly fee with unlimited lookups allowing you to utilize criminal records.   In your opinion, are these sites accurate?  Thanks again, Deb 

I think the portable video camera are great! You could also provide an online link to such `streaming` video allowing your customers to view their home at anytime. This would give you a great opportunity to gain their trust by knowing they can see you ARE watching their home... at anytime. Eventually, you would hire individuals to do the house sitting. Those people would need to be background checked and could actually lead to a career in security.

As to your concern about being alone in the house with your potential clients... I say be prepared. Learn body language, take self defense classes, use the pepper spray suggestion, have your cell phone prepared for one touch police response. You must find a way to be comfortable with your perspective client, because they have to be comfortable with you. Someone must make first contact. If you don`t trust them, they will never trust you.`

With any luck, you can begin to take business on a referral basis only. This would be another step that is likely to reduce your risk.

Just remember... we`re not all predators.




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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

I have been the technology business for over 20 years, during that time I also have set up wireless and DSL CCTV in many businesses.along with setups for remote access to (users) this could be you to monitor there homes on line.

Also for your protection you need a list of appointments and adresses you will be making and have a call in and out from each place when visiting your clients.

GPS cell phone always on.

And always use your gut feeling.

THESE ARE JUST MY SUGGESTIONS.............. 

If security is an issue you are concerned about, on top of the above how about getting an Onstar system, while it is made for a vehicle it is about the size/weight of a house phone. You could connect it to a small 12 battery keeping the device portable. All you`d have to do is carry it in your purse, if an issue were to arise press the emergency button and you`ll have instant protection.

I wouldn`t get it for a car but think it is rather affordable if you are going to use it as a personal protection device.

Home watching, is that like house-sitting? Or are you setting up a remote monitoring service?

If house sitting, there are several registry services on-line where owners and sitters match up for services. 

As to personal security, you could call your own office number/answering machine when you get on-site with the client, stating where you are, who you are with, your time of arrival, and your intended time of departure.  Do this with the people standing there to be able to hear you.  Just a precaution.  This does several things:

1) It puts them on notice that your whereabouts is known, and that you are expected at another location in a set timeframe

2) It gives the professional appearance of managing your appointments and that you have other clients interested in your service.  Always have a dummy appointment and location for your last real call. 

3) This leaves a trail of where/when/who you are with in your local travels.  It would be even better to call someone locally and let them know , or to have someone check your messages with a remote security code every day until you are comfortable with your travels.  You mentioned you are new to town, so you could have family or friends from out of town doing the followup for you.

Not quite as good as On-Star, but not bad either.  I would consider a GPS cellphone a good backup for emergencies.  Any security device you carry can be disabled and thrown away, so I wouldn`t rely on them 100%.

Another thought.  Are you a licensed RE agent? 

 

BurninGreen, In response to your question, No, I`m not a licensed RE agent.  Also, home watching differs from home sitting since you would be visiting a particular property once or twice per week to conduct a walk through in the owners absence.   In many cases in the event of an emergency you would be an acting liaison between the owner and contractor.  The service could also include aspects of a conceirge service  i.e., some companies provide amenities when the owner returns.   Also, thanks for your great input.  It was very helpful.  I`m still brainstorming and thought I could somehow work this into a niche market by targeting specific groups.    Still thinking how to make things work........ 

Hi gang.... Let me join in here!

I am also about to start a home watching / security business.  Like others I have several things to ask if I may....

1.  Where could I go to look at say some sample contracts that I could use the verbage to put together my own contract.  I am going to work in a beach town where owners live an average of 100 miles from here.  I am thinking the contract can be worked out via the Net or a fax.

2.  How do you reach all these owners?  I was told I can buy a tax list of real estate owners but then you have to mail them or something.  With the cost of postage that can go up fast. I know I missed the boat for this winter but could start out slow for now and put on a push for next fall.

Thanks for any tips or advice!

Joe   jcash@comcast.net  <Private mail is OK>