When you need to hire a security agency for your business, event, or site, it’s essential not to limit yourself to comparing just the prices. Rates can be a good starting point, but to choose the provider that will meet your expectations in terms of quality and service, you need to consider several other factors. In this article, we’ll discuss six key questions you should ask before choosing a security quote.

What is the reputation of the agency and its experience in the security field?

One of the first elements to check when comparing security quotes is the agency’s reputation. A company with a good reputation and several years of experience will be more likely to provide quality service. Reputation is built over time, and it’s proof of the company’s reliability.

Here are the elements to check:

Agency’s experience: How many years of experience does the agency have in the security field? A company that has been around for several years typically has greater expertise in handling various types of assignments.

Customer reviews and feedback: It’s important to check online reviews and also ask for direct references. Are there any negative comments? Does the agency handle complaints well?

Type of contracts completed: Has the agency worked on events or assignments similar to yours? A company with experience in your sector will likely be better equipped to meet your specific needs.

Check feedback and ask for testimonials from previous clients to get a clearer picture of the service you can expect.

How flexible is the agency in terms of cancellation and modification?

The flexibility of the agency’s terms can make a big difference in the event of a plan change or unforeseen circumstance. If your security contract isn’t going as planned or adjustments need to be made along the way, it’s important to be able to modify or cancel certain elements without excessive fees.

At Charco Sécurité, we are committed to offering total flexibility to our clients. Here are a few points to help you evaluate the flexibility of a security agency:

Cancellation terms: At Charco Sécurité, we allow our clients to cancel without fees if the agent has not left their home. If the agent has already left, a maximum of 4 hours will be charged.

Modifications during the contract: Need to add or remove an agent at the last minute? Charco Sécurité can add agents at any time, and our agents arrive at the event location in less than an hour, even in emergencies.

Billing for actual hours worked: Even if the initial quote specified a certain number of hours, you will only be billed for the hours actually worked, as long as the minimum of 4 hours is respected. If the agent leaves before completing 4 hours, the billing will not exceed this minimum.

This shows that a flexible agency can quickly respond to your needs while ensuring that you only pay for the actual service rendered.

What is the customer service like?

Good customer service is essential, especially when it comes to handling unforeseen situations. You must ensure that the agency offers responsive support available at all times.

At Charco Sécurité, we are committed to being available 24/7 to respond to all our clients’ needs and support our security agents on the ground. If you have a question, a problem, or an urgent request, we respond quickly and effectively, guaranteeing complete peace of mind for our clients.

Here are a few things to check:

• Availability: Does the agency have a call center available 24/7? This ensures that, in case of an emergency, someone will always be there to assist you.
• Responsiveness: Check whether the agency responds quickly to your emails or calls. The responsiveness of a company in critical situations is a good indicator of its seriousness and professionalism.

What is the quality of the agents, and how are they treated?

The quality of security agents plays a key role in the effectiveness of your service. A well-trained, motivated, and well-treated security agent will provide better service and is more likely to succeed in their mission. A company that invests in its agents and treats them properly will have a high retention rate and a quality team.

At Charco Sécurité, we are proud to pay our agents above the market average, offering them a salary higher than the standard. Our agents are also treated with respect, which helps maintain a high retention rate. A happy agent is a productive and committed agent, and this is reflected in the quality of our service.

• Working conditions: Are the agents paid fairly? Does the agency offer bonuses or benefits?
• Ongoing training: Are the agents regularly trained to stay up to date with the latest security practices?
• Professional uniforms: At Charco, we ensure that our agents wear professional uniforms that reflect the company’s seriousness and image.

What is the agency’s mission, vision, and values?

The agency’s mission, vision, and values play an essential role in how the company approaches its work on a daily basis. A company with a clear mission and human values will likely provide more personalized and engaged security services.

At Charco Sécurité, our mission is to provide both personalized and human security services, supported by a team of professionals with varied skills. We firmly believe that flexibility and adaptability are major assets for meeting the diverse needs of our clients.

Our vision focuses on the importance of closeness and listening: we place people at the heart of our operations, both for our clients and employees. As a family-owned company, we are convinced that a satisfied and valued employee offers superior quality service. We are committed to meeting all requests, whether simple or complex, while maintaining our promises to our clients.

What is included in the quote?

Before accepting a security quote, make sure you fully understand what is included in the offer. Some companies may offer additional bonuses, equipment, or services such as patrol cars, professional uniforms, or services outside of regular hours.

At Charco Sécurité, here’s what is included in our quotes:

• Bonuses and benefits: All bonuses (night shifts, first aid courses, holidays) are included in our pricing. We pay our agents for their skills and commitment, ensuring quality service.
• Material and equipment: All the necessary equipment to carry out the mission, including patrol vehicles, is included in our offers.

Before finalizing your choice, always check the inclusions of each quote to ensure no additional charges will increase your budget.

Conclusion

Comparing security quotes involves much more than just looking at the hourly rate. It is essential to take into account key factors such as the agency’s reputation, flexibility, customer service, agent quality, mission, and values, as well as the services included. By asking the right questions and examining the details of each quote, you can make an informed choice and guarantee security services that meet your expectations.

If you would like to learn more or request a customized quote, feel free to visit our quote form here. Additionally, to verify that the agency is properly registered with the Bureau de la Sécurité Privée (BSP), check the public BSP registry.

Choose an agency that meets your needs and will provide reliable, high-quality security.