Non-Protection One Security

[SantaLuz]

I'm looking for some legal advice/suggestions...

A Protection One Security company sales rep. told my wife that:

1) We could cancel our contracts after 6 months if we weren't satisfied. 2) We could keep the same contract if we moved. 3) We would have free installation at the new house.

Well we had been using P1 for over a year, but have just recently moved and come to find out, none of it true. And if we decide to not go with them again, due to their not keeping there word, they will bill us the remaining contract amount. They say they are not responsible for the claims of a sales rep. only what is on the contract. Any suggestions?

Beware of dealing with a company like this that doesn't make it's sales people accountable.

[clee1]

It is always true that a) the LETTER of the contract ONLY is enforceable, and b) salesmen lie.

Sorry FRiend, but you're skrewed.

[saint]

In my area most of the salesmen for the security companies are independent contractors. They can say anything they want and the company has no need to back them up.

Have yet to see a contract from the company that matches what the salesman promised.

[SantaLuz]

Yes I see how it works. Company encourages sales rep. to sell without any accountability. It's a win-win situation for the rep. and the company. (Costumer is the loser.) In the future I'm going to write down what the sale rep. promises and have them sign and date it. Then I will have the sales rep. leave the contract with me overnight so I can read it in more detail. Any other suggestions?

[webboy45]

Verbal contracts are as enforceable as written contracts. The statements made by the salesman constitute a contract between him and you, and you can sue to make him make the payments. You can sue the company and win if you can show that it's a common practice, and that the company has taken no steps to keep the salesmen honest, even if the salesman is a contractor. Call your state attorney general (they might have a consumer division) and talk to them. They might apply pressure on the company, might even be looking for people to testify against them.

[SantaLuz]

I'm going to also contact the Better Business Bureau. I agree a verbal agreement is more difficult to prove, but if there is a pattern of false statements coming from the company then at least some pressure can be brought to bare for them to change their bait and switch tactics. I certainly didn't expect this from a "security" company. Buyer beware. Thanks for your suggestions.