AAA Smart Security · Sales Training Portal

SELL SMART.
CLOSE STRONG.

Your complete product knowledge, talk tracks, objection playbook, and drill system — built for the field, not the classroom.

Modules

Roles

200+

Drill Q's

Objections

Product Lines

📡

Qolsys Systems

IQ Panel 4, IQ Hub, PowerG vs S-Line, panel selection guide

All Roles

📷

Cameras & POE

Alarm.com camera lineup, CSVR triggers, POE vs wireless

All Roles

🔌

POE & Infrastructure

Wi-Fi to POE conversion, switches, extenders, commercial cameras for large custom homes

In-Home · Outside · Branch

💡

Outdoor Lighting

Floodlight cameras, install questions, switch-loop traps

In-Home · Outside

🔥

Smoke & CO

Qolsys life safety, placement rules, insurance angles

All Roles

💧

Water & Flood

Sensor placement, insurance discounts, vacation home angle

All Roles

🌐

Alarm.com Platform

Service tiers, app features, smart home ecosystem selling

All Roles

🛡️

Monitoring

Crash & smash, cellular backup, two-way voice, tiers

All Roles

🎯

Sales Process

Role-specific talk tracks: door-to-door, phone, walk-through, counter

Role-Specific

⚡

Objections

Ring, ADT, contracts, renters, "safe neighborhood" — full responses

All Roles

🧠

Knowledge Drills

200+ Q&A by module. Test yourself. Get certified.

All Roles

Module 1 · Product Knowledge

QOLSYS PANEL SYSTEMS

You need to know these panels cold. A customer who thinks you're reading spec sheets will not buy. Know which panel goes where, when to step up, and why PowerG is your winning card on larger homes.

The Panel Lineup

Know every model, its sweet spot, and when NOT to use it.

Panel	Best For	Key Differentiator	Sensor Protocol	Zones
IQ Panel 4	Residential, standard home 1,500–4,000 sq ft	7" HD touchscreen, built-in Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE cellular	S-Line (319.5MHz), PowerG, Legacy 319.5	128
IQ Panel 4 PowerG	Large homes, thick walls, long range needed	Dedicated PowerG radio — 2km range, AES-128 encrypted	PowerG primary + S-Line	128
IQ Hub	Apartment, condo, smaller footprint, price-sensitive	Smaller form factor, same Alarm.com cloud, lower MSRP	PowerG + S-Line	64
IQ Panel 2+	Upgrade from older system, legacy sensor retention	Accepts DSC PowerSeries sensors, broad legacy support	319.5MHz, PowerG add-on	128
IQ4 NS	Multi-family, commercial lite, network-first deployments	Network Switch integration, PoE capable, IT-grade	PowerG + S-Line	128

PowerG vs S-Line — Know This Cold

📶

PowerG — Use This On

Homes over 2,500 sq ft, multi-story, stucco/brick/concrete construction, detached garages or guest houses, pool equipment areas, rural properties. Range up to 2km line-of-sight. Two-way encrypted. Self-healing mesh. Battle-tested on every hard install.

📡

S-Line — Use This On

Standard wood-frame residential, under 2,500 sq ft, single story, typical subdivision. Still solid RF — just shorter range (~500 ft in real-world). Good for entry points within 100 ft of panel.

⚡

Never Mix Without Intent

You can mix PowerG and S-Line on the same IQ4 panel. But if you spec'd PowerG on a small condo, you burned margin. If you spec'd S-Line on a 4,000 sq ft stucco desert home, the tech gets call-backs. Know the home before you spec.

Questions to Ask — Panel Sizing

Run this mentally on every customer, every time.

Square footage of the home? Under 2,500 = S-Line fine. Over 2,500 or multi-story = lean PowerG.
Construction type? Stucco, brick, concrete block, or stone walls kill RF range. PowerG penetrates better.
Detached structures? Detached garage, casita, shop, barn — if it needs coverage, it needs PowerG range.
Number of exterior doors and windows? 8+ contact points = step up to IQ Panel 4 standard minimum.
Existing system? If they have DSC legacy sensors worth keeping, IQ Panel 2+ saves them hardware cost.
Renter or owner? Renter = IQ Hub package, easier install, lower commitment.
Budget range? IQ Hub has lower hardware cost but same Alarm.com platform — perfect for price-sensitive.
Plan to add cameras or smart home devices? Make sure the panel tier supports video rules and Z-Wave.

Panel Placement Best Practices

PANEL LOCATION — RULE SET

Interior wall, central to home

Best RF coverage radiates outward from center. Entry/mudroom, kitchen wall, or hallway near primary entry are ideal. Never a garage. Temperature swings kill electronics.

Height: 48–60" off floor

Eye level for usability. Not above 6 ft. Not below 40". Accessibility matters — elderly customers especially.

Near a power outlet

Panel needs continuous 120V AC. Don't spec a location that requires a new outlet unless electrician is in scope.

Away from microwaves, routers

2.4GHz interference is real. Keep 3+ feet from wireless routers, microwaves, baby monitors.

Cellular signal check before committing

Pull out your phone and check signal at proposed panel location. Weak LTE = you need a cell signal booster in scope or different location.

Common Qolsys Q&A

Customer asks: "How long does the battery backup last if power goes out?"▼

IQ Panel 4 has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides approximately 24 hours of standby backup under normal conditions. In active alarm or heavy use, that's closer to 4–8 hours. Cellular communicator stays active on battery. The system will send a low-battery notification to the app before it dies. Sell the peace of mind: power goes out in a storm — your system stays up.

Customer asks: "Can I keep my old sensors from ADT/Brinks/Vivint?"▼

Depends on what protocol they used. Most ADT/Brinks sensors use 319.5MHz RF — the IQ Panel 4 reads those natively. Vivint uses 345MHz — NOT compatible without a takeover module. DSC PowerSeries wired sensors — use IQ Panel 2+. Always identify the existing panel brand before promising sensor takeover.

Customer asks: "What happens if someone smashes the panel?"▼

This is where you transition to Crash & Smash protection. Once a sensor trips, the signal is sent to central station immediately — before the entry delay countdown finishes. A smashed panel cannot stop a signal that's already transmitted. Alarm.com handles this at the cloud level. The panel is just the interface — the real protection is cellular + cloud.

Customer asks: "Is the Qolsys panel compatible with Google/Alexa?"▼

Yes — through Alarm.com. The platform integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Customers can arm/disarm by voice (requires a valid PIN spoken), control smart locks, check status. Sell the ecosystem: "Your alarm, your locks, your lights, your thermostat — one app, one voice command."

💡

Pro Tip: Never lead with panel model numbers on a sales call. Lead with outcomes — "Your system knows the difference between your kid coming home from school and a stranger. That's PowerG technology." Model numbers close, stories open.

Module 2 · Cameras & Video

CAMERAS, POE & CSVR

Video is where you make or break the deal. Understand when to go wireless vs POE, when to add a CSVR, and how to spec the right camera for every location. These questions qualify the job before a tech ever shows up.

Alarm.com Camera Lineup

Model	Type	Best Use	Key Feature
ADC-V522IR	Indoor Fixed	Living room, nursery, interior hallway	1080p, IR night vision, two-way audio, motion detection
ADC-V723	Outdoor Dome	Entry points, garage, covered porch	1080p, weatherproof, wide-angle, varifocal lens
ADC-V724	Outdoor Bullet	Driveway, long-range approaches, parking areas	1080p, motorized zoom, IR up to 100ft, IP66
ADC-V841	Outdoor HD Pro	Premium installs, HOA-facing, gate areas	4MP, motorized varifocal, intelligent video analytics
ADC-VDB770	Video Doorbell	Front door, primary entry	1080p, HDR, two-way audio, package detection, motion zones
ADC-FL500W	Floodlight Cam	Garage approach, side gate, backyard	1080p cam + integrated 2,500 lumen floodlights, motion trigger

Wireless vs POE — Decision Matrix

📶

Wireless Cameras — Use When

• Strong Wi-Fi signal at camera location
• Under 5 cameras total
• No structured cabling in walls
• Customer wants minimal installation
• Rental property or lease situation
Sweet spot: 2–4 camera residential

🔌

POE Cameras — Use When

• 5+ cameras at the property
• Weak Wi-Fi at camera locations (garage, barn, gate)
• Customer wants local recording backup
• Large property, multiple structures
• High-security requirement
Sweet spot: 6–16 camera systems with NVR

💾

Add a CSVR When

• Customer is concerned about internet going down
• Vacation/second home — need local storage
• More than 4 cameras on system
• Business or high-value property
• Customer has had cameras "go dark" before on cloud-only
CSVR = Central Station Video Recorder — local NVR bridge

Questions to Ask — Every Camera Job

How many entry points? Count every exterior door + garage door. That's your minimum camera count baseline.
Is there a driveway approach you want to see? Long driveway = V724 bullet camera. Short/covered = V723 dome.
Any detached structures? Detached garage, workshop, casita — if it's not covered by house Wi-Fi, it needs POE or a wireless repeater.
Does your HOA have restrictions on camera hardware? Some HOAs restrict visible cameras on front-facing exterior. Know before you spec dome vs bullet placement.
How reliable is your internet? If internet drops regularly, local CSVR storage is the right answer — not another cloud-only camera.
Have you had cameras before? What frustrated you about them? Listen. This tells you latency issues, night vision complaints, app problems. Address those directly.
Do you want to see a live feed or recorded clips — or both? Both = make sure their Alarm.com tier includes video history (Gold or Platinum).
Any area where you can't run cable but need coverage? That's your wireless camera placement. Identify it early so tech doesn't hit a dead-end on install day.

CSVR — What to Know and How to Sell It

CSVR QUALIFICATION CHECKLIST

Camera count ≥ 4?

4+ cameras = recommend CSVR. Cloud storage scales cost fast. Local NVR is more economical at scale and adds redundancy.

Ask about internet reliability

"If your internet goes down, do you still want your cameras recording?" If yes, CSVR is the answer — it records locally independent of internet status.

Discuss bandwidth

8+ cameras streaming 1080p constantly will tax residential internet. CSVR records locally, only pushes clips to cloud on trigger events — saves bandwidth.

Storage retention conversation

Cloud video default = 30-day clips. Local CSVR = 30–90 days continuous depending on drive size. Insurance claims and police reports often need footage older than 30 days.

Sell the redundancy angle

"Cloud backup AND local backup. If one fails, the other has it. That's not overkill — that's how a professional security system works."

💡

Pro Tip — The Driveway Close: Ask "How long is your driveway?" If it's over 50 feet, they want early warning — that's a V724 bullet with a motion zone set at the property line. Show them in the Alarm.com app how they'll get a clip the second a car turns in. That visual closes cameras every time.

Module 2B · Infrastructure

POE, SWITCHES & INFRASTRUCTURE

Wireless cameras are a starting point — not a finish line. When Wi-Fi fails, signal drops, or a property scales past 4 cameras, you need to know how to spec the cable, the switch, and the camera. This is what separates a professional install from a DIY setup that gets call-backs.

When Wireless Fails — The Conversion Triggers

These are the conditions that kill wireless camera reliability. When you identify any one of these on a site walk, POE becomes the spec — not the upsell.

📶

Weak or No Wi-Fi at Camera Location

Test signal at every proposed camera spot before quoting wireless. Detached garage, back corner of a large yard, pool equipment area, side gate, barn — these locations almost never have strong Wi-Fi. One bar of signal = dropped clips, failed recordings, and callback calls. POE eliminates the variable entirely.

🏗️

Concrete, Stucco, or CMU Block Walls

Stucco and concrete block are RF killers. A wireless camera that's physically 40 feet from the router but separated by one stucco exterior wall may see signal so degraded it's unusable. If the home has stucco or block construction and cameras are going on exterior walls, assume POE unless you've tested and confirmed signal.

📷

5 or More Cameras on System

At 5+ cameras, residential Wi-Fi routers start to struggle with concurrent streams. Add the NVR/CSVR and other smart home devices and you're saturating bandwidth. POE cameras stream locally to the NVR — they don't touch the Wi-Fi network at all. Scale without the bottleneck.

📐

Home Over 5,000 Sq Ft or Multi-Acre Property

A 6,000 sq ft custom home with a detached garage, casita, and pool house is not a wireless camera job. The distances alone eliminate reliable RF. POE + managed switch at a central IDF location is the correct architecture. Design it like a commercial job — because that's what it is.

🏊

Outdoor Structures Beyond 150 Feet from Router

Standard wireless range in real-world conditions (not spec-sheet conditions) is 100–150 feet with clear line of sight. Add walls, foliage, or elevation changes and that drops further. Beyond 150 feet from the router, run cable. It costs less than the callback.

💾

Customer Wants CSVR / Local NVR Recording

If you're running a CSVR or NVR for local recording, POE cameras are the correct pairing. NVR systems are designed to connect directly to POE cameras over Ethernet — wireless cameras bolt on as an afterthought and often require separate configuration. Build it right the first time.

How to Have the Wireless-to-POE Conversion Conversation

Customers don't know what POE means. They don't need to. Translate it into outcomes.

Talk Track — Converting Wireless to POE

The "Hardwired Reliability" Reframe

Start by validating what the customer already knows:

"You know how a wired internet connection is always faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi? Same principle applies to cameras. Wireless cameras are convenient, but they compete with every other device on your network — your phones, your TV, your smart home devices. A hardwired camera has its own dedicated connection directly to the recorder. It never competes, it never drops, it records every single second whether your router is rebooting or not. For a home this size, that's the right call."

Handling the Cost Objection on POE

"Why is it more expensive?"

Don't apologize for the price difference. Explain what the difference pays for:

"The extra cost is the cable run and the switch — hardware that becomes part of your home's infrastructure. A wireless camera is a device. A hardwired camera system is an installation. The device can be replaced for $50. The installation is what you're actually buying — 24/7 recording, local backup, no Wi-Fi dependency, and footage that's there when you need it. That's a different product at a different price point, and it's the right one for this property."

POE Switch Sizing — What to Spec and When

The switch is the backbone of any POE camera system. Size it right on day one — undersizing means a return trip.

Camera Count	Switch Size	POE Budget	Recommended Tier	Notes
2–4 cameras	8-port POE switch	65–120W total	Unmanaged / plug-and-play	Entry residential. Netgear GS308P or equivalent. Simple, no configuration required.
4–8 cameras	8–16 port POE switch	120–250W total	Unmanaged with adequate POE budget	Most common residential install. Verify per-port budget — budget switches choke at full load.
8–16 cameras	16–24 port managed POE switch	250–400W total	Managed switch recommended	Large custom home / light commercial. TP-Link TL-SG1218P, Ubiquiti UniFi range. VLAN capability.
16+ cameras	24–48 port managed POE switch	400W+ / dual PSU	Commercial-grade managed	Full commercial spec. Cisco SG series, Ubiquiti UniFi 24-port POE. Requires IT-aware install team.

⚠️

POE Budget is the #1 mistake on switch selection. A 16-port switch rated at 100W total sounds fine — until you connect 8 cameras at 15W each and the switch starts throttling ports. Always calculate total POE draw (cameras + NVR + any other POE devices) and spec a switch with at least 25% headroom above that number.

Cable Runs — Cat5e vs Cat6, Max Distances, and Routing Rules

🔵

Cat5e — Acceptable for POE Cameras

Handles 1Gbps at up to 100 meters (328 ft). Adequate for 1080p and 4MP cameras. If the home is already pre-wired with Cat5e, it will work for standard POE cameras. Don't oversell Cat6 if Cat5e exists — but do confirm cable condition and termination quality.

🟢

Cat6 — Preferred Standard

Better crosstalk rejection, handles higher POE power (POE+ up to 30W per port). Default spec for any new cable run. Future-proofs for 4K cameras. Marginal cost difference over Cat5e on a new pull — always worth it. Cat6A for runs in conduit near electrical.

📏

100-Meter Hard Limit

Ethernet over copper has a hard 100-meter (328 ft) limit — no exceptions. If your camera location is farther than that from the switch, you need an intermediate switch, a POE extender, or fiber. Measure before you promise. A 300-foot run to a back gate almost always needs an intermediate device.

⚡

Routing Rules — No Parallel Electrical

Never run Ethernet parallel to high-voltage electrical wiring for more than a few feet — interference and code violation. Cross electrical at 90 degrees. Use conduit where exposed. In attic runs, staple every 4 feet and keep away from HVAC ducts — heat degrades cable over time.

POE Extenders vs Intermediate Switch — When to Use Each

DECISION FLOW — BEYOND 100 METERS

Can you pull a new cable run under 100m to that location?

If yes: Always the cleanest solution. Run Cat6 to the camera location. Cheaper long-term than any extender. If no (building structure, concrete slab, finished space): Move to step 2.

How many cameras are beyond the 100m point?

1 camera: POE extender is the right call. Devices like the TP-Link TL-POE10R extend up to an additional 100m using the existing cable run. Cost-effective for a single remote camera. 2+ cameras at that remote location: Run one cable to a small 4–8 port managed switch at that location, then short runs to each camera. This is your IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame) approach.

Is the remote location a detached structure (guest house, barn, shop)?

Detached structures with multiple cameras need their own small POE switch fed by a single long run from the main panel. Consider fiber if the run is over 200 feet — single-mode fiber has essentially unlimited distance, eliminates ground loop issues between buildings, and is immune to lightning surges between structures. Fiber-to-Ethernet media converters are inexpensive and reliable.

Is surge and lightning protection needed between buildings?

Any Ethernet run between detached structures is a lightning antenna. Outdoor-rated Ethernet surge protectors (Ubiquiti ETH-SP-G2 or equivalent) on both ends of any inter-building run. Fiber eliminates this risk entirely — no metallic conductor, no lightning path. On high-value properties, always recommend fiber inter-building.

Commercial-Grade POE Cameras — Large Custom Homes & High-Security Installs

When a customer has a $2M+ custom home, a ranch property, or a multi-structure estate, the camera conversation shifts from residential to commercial-lite. Know these products.

🎥

Alarm.com ADC-V841 — 4MP Pro Outdoor

Top of the Alarm.com residential line. 4MP resolution, motorized varifocal lens (adjust zoom without touching camera after install), IP67 weatherproof, intelligent video analytics. Best choice when you want to stay within the Alarm.com ecosystem at a premium residential or light-commercial property. Integrates fully with the Alarm.com app and central station monitoring.

🔭

Hikvision / Hanwha — Commercial POE Bodies

When the job exceeds what Alarm.com's camera lineup covers — large ranches, estate perimeters, commercial-grade coverage — Hikvision DS-2CD series and Hanwha QNV/XNV series are the industry standard. 4MP–8MP resolution, long-range IR (up to 100m), true WDR, ONVIF compliant. These connect to a standalone NVR, not the Alarm.com cloud. Separate monitoring path — clarify this with the customer.

🌐

Axis Communications — Enterprise Grade

Axis is the benchmark for enterprise and high-security residential. NDSAA-certified, available in 4K, thermal imaging, and panoramic configurations. Axis cameras integrate with VMS (Video Management Software) platforms like Milestone and Genetec. Recommend when the customer has had a commercial security consultant involved or is building a full access control + video system. Price point is 3–5x commercial standard — scope accordingly.

🏠

Avigilon — Mid-Market Commercial

Motorola Solutions' mid-market commercial brand. Strong in multi-family, HOA communities, and large estate applications. Self-learning video analytics (unusual motion detection, loitering, perimeter crossing). Works with Avigilon Control Center (ACC) VMS. A good recommendation when a customer is managing multiple properties or has an HOA security requirement. Not Alarm.com integrated — standalone VMS deployment.

📡

LVT LiveView — Large Property / Temporary

Solar-powered, cellular-connected camera towers. No cable, no power required. Perfect for ranch perimeters, construction sites, vacant large properties, or any location where running power is cost-prohibitive. LVT units include integrated cellular modem and can operate in areas with zero infrastructure. Seen at ISC West 2026 — worth knowing as a specialty recommendation for rural or large-acreage customers.

🚁

PTZ Cameras — When to Recommend

Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras cover large open areas with a single unit — parking lots, long driveways, equestrian properties, acreage. Hikvision DS-2DE and Axis P3-series PTZ are common recommendations. One PTZ covering a 180° arc with 30x optical zoom replaces 3–4 fixed cameras in open terrain. Require POE+ (30W), managed switch with per-port power control, and often a separate PTZ controller or VMS preset configuration.

Large Custom Home Camera Blueprint — 5,000+ Sq Ft

This is your mental framework for any estate or large custom home site walk. Run through every zone before you quote.

ZONE-BY-ZONE ASSESSMENT — CUSTOM HOME

Primary Entry & Driveway Approach

Cameras: V724 bullet or PTZ at driveway entry for long-range approach. VDB770 doorbell at front door. V723 dome over garage. Wire: POE from main panel location. Notes: Set motion zone at property line — they want to see the car before it reaches the house, not after.

Garage — Attached and Detached

Cameras: Dome covering garage doors + interior if customer wants it. Wire: Attached garage = easy run from main panel. Detached garage = dedicated cable run, consider local mini-switch if 2+ cameras. Floodlight cam at the garage approach if dark zone exists.

Backyard, Pool, and Perimeter

Cameras: Wide-angle dome or fisheye at back door. Bullet covering pool area and rear fence line. Side gates — each gets a dome or bullet. Wire: Long runs — measure everything. If back corner is over 100m from panel location, plan an extender or intermediate switch in the garage or exterior enclosure. Lighting: FL500W floodlight cams at dark corners — deterrence + coverage.

Detached Structures — Casita, Guest House, Shop

Architecture: One fiber or Cat6 homerun to the structure from the main switch. Small 4–8 port POE switch inside the structure (in a weather-rated enclosure if exterior). Short runs from local switch to each camera. Surge protection on both ends of the inter-building run. If over 200 feet — spec fiber, full stop.

NVR / CSVR Location — The Central Point

Location: Climate-controlled interior closet, AV rack, or dedicated security rack. Never in a garage. Power: Dedicated circuit, UPS battery backup. Switch: Main managed POE switch mounts here — all homerun cables terminate at this point. Storage: Size the NVR hard drive for the camera count and retention goal — 1TB per 4 cameras for 30-day continuous recording at 1080p is a rough baseline.

Questions to Ask Before Speccing Any Camera System

Is the home pre-wired for security or A/V? New construction and custom builds often have Cat6 home-runs already in the walls. Ask the builder or check for low-voltage conduit. Existing cable = dramatically easier install and lower labor cost.
Where is the main electrical panel and router location? Your switch and NVR should live as close to the data/power source as possible. Knowing this early determines your cable routing strategy.
What is the construction type? Wood frame = cable pull is manageable. Concrete block or ICF construction = conduit is mandatory and labor doubles. Scope it honestly.
Any existing A/V rack or structured wiring panel? High-end custom homes often have a dedicated A/V closet or rack — ideal location for the NVR and switch. Makes the install cleaner and the system easier to service.
Detached structures — what's inside them and do they need cameras? Guest house with occupants = cameras + independent alarm zone. Shop or barn = at minimum one or two cameras on the structure exterior.
What's the property perimeter? Acreage, ranch, or equestrian property — you need to know the full scope before quoting. A 10-acre property is not a residential camera job. Discuss LVT LiveView or PTZ cameras for open perimeters.
Has the customer worked with a security integrator before? If yes — they have expectations about system quality. Commercial-grade camera recommendation is appropriate. If they've had Axis or Avigilon before, don't quote them residential Alarm.com cameras without acknowledging the difference.
What is the network infrastructure? Consumer router or managed network? If they have a Ubiquiti or Meraki network, they're a sophisticated buyer — speak the language. If they're on a single consumer router, build the POE system independently of their existing network where possible.

POE Extenders & Switches — Specific Products to Know

Product	Type	Use Case	Key Spec	Notes
TP-Link TL-POE10R	POE Extender	Single remote camera beyond 100m	Extends up to 100m additional	Simple plug-and-play. Needs POE input from main switch. No configuration.
Ubiquiti ETH-SP-G2	Surge Protector	Inter-building Ethernet runs	Gigabit, grounded protection	Install on both ends of any run between buildings. Non-negotiable on exposed runs.
TP-Link TL-SG108PE	8-port POE Switch	4–6 camera residential install	64W POE budget, 8 ports	Best value unmanaged POE switch for mid-range residential. Plug-and-play.
TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE	16-port Managed POE	8–14 camera large home	250W POE budget, VLAN	Step up for large custom homes. Managed allows VLAN isolation and per-port power control.
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Pro-24-POE	24-port Managed POE	Commercial / estate	400W POE budget, Layer 3	Full commercial managed switch. Requires UniFi controller setup. IT-aware install team required.
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex-Mini	5-port Mini Switch (POE-in)	Remote location 2–3 cameras	Powered by upstream POE, no local power required	Ideal for detached garage or casita — run one cable, power the mini switch off the cable, short runs to cameras.
Single-Mode Fiber + Media Converters	Fiber Run	Detached structure over 200 ft or lightning-risk area	Essentially unlimited distance	TP-Link MC200CM or equivalent. Eliminates lightning path between buildings. Recommend on any high-value property with detached structures.

💡

The Single Most Important POE Rule: Calculate your total POE draw before speccing the switch. Count every camera's wattage (most are 12–15W), add the NVR if it's POE-powered, add 25% headroom. If that number exceeds your switch's total POE budget, you'll have cameras that randomly lose power under load — and you won't figure that out until after install day.

💡

Selling Commercial Cameras to Residential Customers: Never lead with "this is a commercial camera." Lead with the outcome: "This camera has four times the resolution of a standard model — if someone walks up your driveway, you can read their license plate from 80 feet. That's the difference." Commercial spec sells when you translate it to what the customer actually cares about seeing.

⚠️

Scope it or eat it. POE infrastructure — switches, cable runs, conduit, fiber, surge protection — adds material and labor cost that is easy to under-quote. Walk the property before you quote. Measure the cable runs. Count the junction boxes. If a run is through finished walls, ask about drywall restoration scope. Every line item you miss on a large custom home install comes out of your margin.

Module 3 · Outdoor Lighting

FLOODLIGHT CAMERAS

Floodlight cameras are one of the easiest upsells in the lineup — but also one of the most dangerous installs if you don't ask the right pre-sell questions. A switch-loop location with no neutral wire will stop your tech cold on install day.

Alarm.com Floodlight Camera Models

🔦

ADC-FL500W

Integrated 1080p camera + 2,500 lumen LED floodlights. Motion-triggered. Two-way audio. Wi-Fi connected. Replaces standard flood fixture. Needs: hot, neutral, ground at fixture location. Do not install on switch-loop without neutral.

💡

ADC-FL100W Series

Modular floodlight camera add-on. Works with existing Alarm.com camera ecosystem. 1,800–2,200 lumen options. Best for J-box locations that already have a fixture. Same wiring requirements as FL500W.

🏡

When to Recommend

• Garage approach / side gate / backyard
• Customer has an existing flood fixture location
• Customer wants deterrence + detection
• Dark area cameras miss — light + camera combo covers it
• Customer has had break-ins or attempted entry

⚠️ Pre-Sell Questions — CRITICAL

Ask these BEFORE the tech rolls. Every one of these is a potential install-day problem.

Is there an existing light fixture at that location? If no — you need an electrician to run a new circuit. That's a change order conversation before contract signing, not after.
Is the existing fixture on a wall switch or does it run continuously? If it's on a wall switch (switch-loop wiring), there may be NO neutral wire at the fixture — the floodlight camera requires a neutral. Confirm with tech before promising install.
Is the existing fixture controlled by a motion sensor (photocell)? Existing motion sensor = separate circuit math. The new floodlight camera IS the motion sensor. Old sensor box may need to be bypassed or removed.
What voltage at the fixture? Standard US residential 120V AC is fine. Anything low-voltage (12V landscape lighting) is not compatible — different product entirely.
Is it a standard J-box or a weatherproof box? ADC floodlights need a weatherproof rated J-box for exterior mount. Interior-rated boxes = code violation for exterior use.
What's the mounting surface? Stucco, brick, and concrete require masonry anchors. Add labor time. Vinyl siding = special considerations for waterproofing.
HOA approval needed for visible exterior lights? Most HOAs don't restrict lights, but confirm. Some high-end HOAs have fixture appearance standards.

Switch-Loop vs Neutral Wire — What You Need to Know

Technical Briefing

Why Switch-Loops Break Floodlight Camera Installs

In older homes (pre-2011 NEC), many outdoor light fixtures were wired on a switch loop: power runs from the panel to the switch first, then to the fixture. This means at the fixture, you have a hot (switched) and a neutral that's actually carrying current — but no true continuous neutral. Alarm.com floodlight cameras need a continuous neutral to power the camera and Wi-Fi even when the light is off. Without it, the camera goes dark every time the switch is off. The fix requires an electrician to pull a new circuit or install a neutral wire — add $150–$400 to the job. Know this before you sell. It's not a deal-killer, it's a scope item.

How to Sell the Floodlight — The Safety + Deterrence Angle

Talk Track — In-Home / Outside Sales

The "Dark Corner Problem"

Ask the customer: "Walk me through your backyard at 11pm. Where are the dark spots?" They'll point to the side gate, the back corner of the garage, the alley. Now say:

"Those dark spots are where problems start. Cameras see — but they don't stop anything. This floodlight camera does both. The second motion is detected, 2,500 lumens blast on and the camera starts recording. Most people don't want to be seen and lit up. That's deterrence before anything happens. And if it does happen, you have footage that shows exactly what went down."

⚠️

Never promise a floodlight install without confirming neutral wire availability. If a tech shows up and there's no neutral, you owe a return trip, a change order, and an unhappy customer. That's your commission that pays for the callback, not the company's. Ask the question.

Module 4 · Life Safety

SMOKE & CO DETECTORS

Life safety devices are the most legally significant and emotionally powerful products you sell. Know the placement rules, know the insurance angles, and know how to have this conversation without making it a fear pitch.

Qolsys Life Safety Sensor Lineup

🔥

IQ Smoke — QS5110-840

Photoelectric smoke detector. Wireless S-Line (319.5MHz). End-of-life notification transmitted to panel. Supervised — panel knows if it's removed or goes offline. Self-tests every 90 seconds. 85dB siren on alarm.

💨

IQ CO — QS5500-840

Electrochemical CO sensor. Wireless S-Line. 7–10 year sensor life. Sends CO alarm AND sensor EOL signal to panel. Supervised, tamper-protected. Works with Alarm.com for instant central station CO dispatch.

🔗

IQ Smoke-HW

Hardwired + wireless bridge. Use when customer has existing hardwired smoke network they want to keep. Connects the hardwired network to the Qolsys system. One unit supervises the whole hardwired ring.

Placement Rules — Know Code Minimums

SMOKE DETECTOR CODE REQUIREMENTS (NFPA 72 Baseline)

One per floor — minimum

Every level including basement and finished attic needs at least one smoke detector. Code minimum. Not your recommendation — the law.

One in every sleeping area and outside every sleeping area

Each bedroom AND the hallway/area outside the bedrooms. If there's a master suite with a sitting room — that's potentially two.

Not within 10 feet of cooking appliances

Kitchen proximity = nuisance alarms = customer disables it = you're liable. Keep out of the kitchen. Hallway outside kitchen is fine.

Not in bathrooms — humidity triggers

Steam from shower = false alarm. Never in a bathroom. Near bathroom in hallway = acceptable.

CO detectors near sleeping areas and gas appliances

CO is silent and kills during sleep. Place near every bedroom cluster and near attached garage, gas furnace, gas water heater, and gas range areas.

Questions to Ask — Life Safety Sizing

How many levels does your home have? Multiply by minimum one smoke per floor. Add bedrooms on top.
Do you have existing hardwired smoke detectors? If yes — are they current (under 10 years old)? Sell the IQ Smoke-HW bridge if they want to keep them. Sell replacements if they're old.
Gas or electric appliances? Gas furnace, gas range, gas water heater, or attached garage = CO detectors are mandatory, not optional.
Do you have an attached garage? Carbon monoxide from running a car in an attached garage is a leading cause of CO poisoning. CO sensor in garage or adjacent hallway is a must.
Any pets that sleep in bedrooms? Monitored smoke/CO protects them too — good emotional anchor for pet owners.
Have you checked the battery in your current smoke detectors recently? Most customers haven't. This opens the door to showing the value of supervised wireless sensors vs battery-operated standalones.

Insurance Discount Angle

Selling Line

Smoke & CO = Insurance Credit

Most homeowners insurance carriers offer discounts for monitored fire/smoke detection — typically 5–15% off the homeowners premium. You cannot guarantee a specific number (don't). You CAN say:

"Most insurance carriers offer a discount for monitored smoke and CO detection — not just standalone detectors, but centrally monitored ones. I'd recommend calling your carrier after we install and asking about credits. My customers routinely see $50–$200 per year knocked off their premium. That discount often pays for the monitoring within the first year."

💡

Pro Tip — The Real Close on Life Safety: Don't use fear. Use responsibility. Say: "These aren't profit items for us — we're required to offer them. The question is whether you want central station to be called automatically when your smoke goes off, or whether you want to depend on a standalone detector going off and hoping someone hears it." That reframe moves people.

Module 5 · Environmental Protection

WATER & FLOOD SENSORS

Water damage is the #1 homeowners insurance claim in the country. Your customer has a 98% chance of having at least three locations in their home that should have a sensor. This is the easiest close in the environmental category when you know where to look.

Qolsys Water Sensor Products

💧

IQ Water-S

Wireless water sensor, S-Line protocol. Probe-and-sensor design — flat sensor body with probe lead for tight spaces (under cabinets, behind appliances). Instant alert to panel and app on water contact. 5-year battery life.

🌊

IQ Flood Sensor

Wider sensor footprint, 360° water detection. Better for open areas like water heater pans, sump pump areas, basement floors. PowerG version available for extended range. Same instant alert + central station monitoring.

Where to Place — The 7 Locations Every Home Has

STANDARD WATER SENSOR PLACEMENT

Under the water heater

Water heaters fail. Average life is 8–12 years. A slow leak under a water heater in a closet can run for weeks before visible damage. This is your default include on every proposal.

Under the kitchen sink

Drain line, supply line, garbage disposal connection — three failure points in one cabinet. Most customers have experienced this or know someone who has. Easy emotional close.

Under the bathroom sink(s)

Same logic as kitchen. Supply lines — especially braided stainless — can fail without warning. Master bath sink is primary; add guest baths on larger systems.

Washing machine area

Supply hose failure is the #1 cause of major residential water damage. Washing machines are often on second floors or in closets where a hose failure floods silently. Sensor + auto shutoff valve = premium upsell.

Refrigerator ice maker line

1/4" copper or plastic line to ice maker. These fail. Especially in homes where fridge was moved. Sensor placed behind fridge catches it early.

Sump pump pit (if applicable)

If they have a sump pump, add a sensor above the normal water level in the pit. If pump fails during heavy rain, sensor alerts before basement floods.

Basement floor / lowest point

Any finished basement should have a sensor in the lowest area. Cracks in foundation, window well overflow, or HVAC condensate line backup — all caught early with one sensor.

Questions to Ask — Water Sensor Qualification

Do you have a finished basement? Finished basement = substantial loss potential. Flooring, drywall, furniture, HVAC equipment. At minimum one flood sensor on every finished basement install.
Do you have a sump pump? If yes, how old is it? They're often forgotten. Sensor above sump pit = early warning if pump fails.
How old is your water heater? Over 10 years = they're statistically due. Sensor under the water heater pan is a no-brainer close.
Any prior water damage claims? If yes — this is a soft question, don't push it. But it means they understand the cost and will value the protection.
Is your washing machine on the first or second floor? Second floor washing machine = catastrophic failure risk if supply hose lets go. Strong upsell opportunity.
Do you travel for work or take vacations? Vacation home or frequent traveler = water sensors on every qualifying location. They can't catch a slow leak manually when they're not there.

Insurance Discount Talk Track

Insurance Selling Line

Water Damage = #1 Claim. Detection = Discount.

Frame this every time without fail:

"Water damage is the single most common and most expensive homeowners insurance claim — we're talking $10,000–$50,000 on a bad event. Your carrier knows this. Most P&C carriers offer a 2–8% discount on your homeowners premium when you have monitored water detection. I can't promise your specific number — ask your carrier — but I've had customers get $80–$300 off their annual premium just for adding three sensors under $150 in hardware. That math works out fast."

The Vacation Home / Rental Property Upsell

Specialty Upsell — High Value

Second Homes & Investment Properties

Customer mentions a vacation cabin, lake house, rental property, or investment condo? This is an automatic water sensor conversation:

"You can't be there every day watching it. A slow leak under the kitchen sink in a rental can go weeks before a tenant calls — by then you've got mold and a $20,000 remediation job. These sensors are $35 each and you get an alert on your phone the second water hits the probe. That's the difference between catching a problem and inheriting a disaster."

Module 6 · Platform Knowledge

ALARM.COM PLATFORM

Alarm.com is your secret weapon against Ring, SimpliSafe, and every DIY system out there. Don't sell monitoring. Sell the ecosystem. Smart locks, cameras, energy, automation, notifications — one app, one platform, one experience.

Service Tier Overview

Feature	Basic	Gold	Platinum
Intrusion Monitoring	✅	✅	✅
Remote Arm/Disarm	✅	✅	✅
Activity History	✅	✅	✅
Smart Home (Locks/Lights)	Basic	Full	Full
Live Video Streaming	❌	✅	✅
Video Clip History (30 days)	❌	✅	✅
Video Analytics (person/vehicle/animal)	❌	Limited	✅ Full
Geo-Services (auto arm/disarm by location)	❌	✅	✅
Energy Management	❌	Limited	✅ Full
Two-Way Voice Monitoring	❌	Optional add	Included

Key Platform Features — Selling Points

📍

Geo-Services

System auto-arms when the last family member leaves home. Auto-disarms when they return. No more "did I arm the system?" anxiety. Sell this to parents, travelers, and anyone who's been locked out by their own system.

🔐

Smart Lock Integration

Grant unique door codes to each family member, housekeeper, contractor. See who unlocked the door and when. Lock/unlock remotely. One-time code for the Amazon delivery = never leave a note on the door again.

🎥

Video Analytics

Not just motion — Platinum tier distinguishes person vs vehicle vs animal. Cuts false alerts from cats and shadows. Sends clip with detection type labeled. Makes video actionable vs just a firehose of alerts.

⚡

Automation Rules

"When I arm AWAY, turn off all lights and lower thermostat 4 degrees." "When back door opens after 10pm, send notification." Unlimited rules on Gold/Platinum. This is what separates Alarm.com from every $15/month app.

🏠

Z-Wave Smart Home

Controls thermostats, door locks, garage doors, light switches, outlets. Over 300 certified Z-Wave devices. Customer already has a Schlage lock or Nest thermostat? Alarm.com integrates with both.

📊

Energy Management

Thermostat scheduling, HVAC usage reporting, solar integration. For customers focused on utility bills — "your security system that saves you $30/month on utilities." Especially powerful in AZ/NV/UT heat markets.

How to Sell Alarm.com — The Ecosystem Close

Talk Track — All Roles

Stop Selling Monitoring. Sell the Platform.

"Ring gives you a doorbell camera and an app. SimpliSafe gives you sensors and an app. What Alarm.com gives you is a platform — your security system, your cameras, your locks, your lights, your thermostat, your garage — all in one place, all talking to each other, all controlled from the same app. That's not a security system. That's a smart home with a backbone."

Alarm.com Q&A — Common Customer Questions

Customer asks: "What if I lose my phone? Can someone else control my system?"▼

Every user gets their own login. You can set up secondary users — family members, house managers — each with their own credentials and individual permission levels. You can also set specific PINs per user on the keypad. If a phone is lost, you log in from any browser at alarm.com and change passwords. No one else can access your system unless you've granted them access.

Customer asks: "What if Alarm.com's servers go down?"▼

Alarm.com maintains 99.9%+ uptime with redundant data centers. More importantly — the panel communicates to central station via cellular, independent of cloud. Even if the app is down, your central station monitoring still functions. The app is your convenience layer; the cellular communicator is your protection layer. They're separate.

Customer asks: "Can my kids arm and disarm without my phone?"▼

Yes — each user gets a unique 4–6 digit PIN at the panel. Kids can use the touchscreen. You get an activity log showing who armed and disarmed at what time. You can also set up a notification — "when User 2 disarms between 2–5pm, send me a push notification." That's your after-school check-in automated.

Module 7 · Monitoring

CENTRAL STATION MONITORING

Monitoring is your recurring revenue and your product promise. Know what differentiates professional monitoring from a self-monitored app — and know how to make it real for a customer who's never had it before.

What Professional Monitoring Actually Does

CENTRAL STATION RESPONSE FLOW

Alarm triggered — signal sent immediately

Sensor trips → panel sends signal to central station via cellular, not internet. This happens in seconds, not minutes. No Wi-Fi required.

Central station calls the premises

Operator calls your verified number within 30–60 seconds. If answered with correct password — false alarm cleared. No dispatch.

No answer or wrong password = dispatch

Operator dispatches police, fire, or EMS depending on alarm type. Also calls your emergency contact list. All happening simultaneously.

Alarm.com app notification sent in parallel

You get a push notification the moment the alarm triggers — before or during the central station call. You know what's happening in real time.

Key Monitoring Features — Know These Cold

💥

Crash & Smash Protection

Standard alarm: sensor trips → panel starts countdown → burglar smashes panel → countdown never sends. Crash & Smash: sensor trips → signal sent immediately, before countdown. Smashing the panel can't stop what's already transmitted. Alarm.com handles at cloud level.

📡

Cellular Backup

The panel communicates via 4G LTE cellular — same network your phone uses. No phone line. No internet required. If a burglar cuts your internet or your power goes out, the cellular signal keeps working on battery backup.

🎤

Two-Way Voice Monitoring

Built-in speaker/mic in the panel. Central station can speak directly through your panel during an alarm. "Is everything okay? Police are being dispatched." Customer hears it, can respond verbally. Critical for medical alerts or panic situations.

🌡️

Environmental Monitoring

Not just burglary. Central station responds to fire, CO, flood, and freeze alerts exactly like intrusion alarms — dispatches fire department or sends notification. Sells the system as a whole-home protection platform, not just a burglar alarm.

Questions to Ask — Monitoring Discovery

Have you ever had a false alarm with a previous system? If yes — acknowledge it. Explain the password system, the cell-only signal, and that false alarms are manageable. Don't dismiss their experience.
Do you have pets that stay indoors? Motion sensor height and sensitivity needs to account for dogs under 50 lbs. Qolsys has pet-immune PIR sensors. Bring this up before they do.
What's your response preference if an alarm goes off? Some customers want the call. Some want the app first. Explain both happen — they're not mutually exclusive.
Does anyone else have access to your home regularly? Housekeeper, dog walker, family — these people need their own codes. Prevents false alarms. Prevents unauthorized access.
Do you travel frequently? Frequent traveler = sell the monitoring hard. "Nobody's home. Central station is there 24/7 when you can't be."

Talk Track — Self-Monitoring vs Professional Monitoring

The "What's Your Plan?" Close

"Ring and SimpliSafe give you an app. Your phone beeps at 2am. Now what? You're half-asleep, not sure if it's a real intrusion or the dog. You silence it. With professional monitoring, you don't have to make that decision. Trained operators make it for you — they verify, they dispatch, they contact your family. Your only job is to sleep. That's what you're paying for."

Module 8 · Sales Process

ROLE-SPECIFIC TALK TRACKS

Your pitch isn't the same from a front door as it is from a phone, a customer's kitchen, or a retail counter. Know your channel. Own your process.

🚗 Outside Sales — Door-to-Door Process

THE 5-STEP DOOR APPROACH

The First 3 Seconds

Stand back from the door (not right up on it). Smile. Name + company immediately. "Hi, I'm [Name] with AAA Smart Security — I'm not selling you anything right now, I'm just talking to your neighbors." Pattern interrupt. Curiosity over pitch.

Neighborhood Social Proof

Drop the name of a neighbor or a nearby street (with permission or general reference). "A few of your neighbors over on [street] just added cameras and a smart door lock — they wanted me to let you know we're in the area if you had any interest."

Discovery — One Question

Don't interrogate. One question: "Have you thought about adding cameras to the front of the house, or do you feel like you're pretty covered?" Let them talk. Qualify from their answer.

The Qualifying Conversation

Asking permission: "Do you mind if I take 2 minutes and show you what your neighbors got? It's not a presentation — just a quick look." If yes, pull out phone/tablet. Show Alarm.com app. Show one camera clip. That's the hook.

Next Steps — Never Leave Without One

Either set the appointment for an in-home survey or get a number for a call-back. "Can I get 30 minutes with you and whoever helps make decisions for the home? I'll do a full walkthrough at zero cost."

Outside Sales — Opener Scripts

The Cold Door Openers That Actually Work

Option A: "We just installed a system down the street and I have a couple of slots this week for neighbors. No pressure — just want to show you what cameras and smart locks have done for the block."

Option B: "I know you didn't invite me over here — I'll make this fast. We're putting together a neighborhood group buy this month. If you've ever thought about cameras or a smarter alarm system, now's the cheapest it's ever going to be for your zip code."

Option C: "Are you the homeowner? Great. I'm not here to sell you today — I'm here to find out if there's even a fit. Can I ask you one question?"

📞 Inside Sales / Call Center — Phone Discovery

INBOUND LEAD CALL FLOW

Acknowledge → Thank → Qualify

"Thanks for reaching out — I'm glad you called. Before I pull up any pricing, can I ask what's prompting you to look at a security system right now?" Let them answer. That answer tells you everything — recent break-in nearby, just moved, bad experience elsewhere, kids home alone.

The 3 Fast Qualifiers

Own vs rent? Square footage/type of home? Already have a system or starting fresh? These three answers let you build a relevant package without fishing for an hour.

Build the Package Live on the Call

Don't just quote a price. Walk them through it: "So for a 2,200 sq ft home with 4 entry points, here's what I'd put together..." Build the mental picture while they're on the phone with you.

Handle Objections on the First Call

Don't let them hang up to "think about it." Use the objection section. Have the Ring/ADT response ready. The second they hang up without a commitment, your conversion drops 60%.

Close to Appointment or Credit Card

Either: "Let me get you scheduled with an in-home consultant this week" OR "I can get you started right now — I just need a card to hold the appointment." Make the next step concrete.

🏠 In-Home Consultant — The Full Walk-Through

ROOM-BY-ROOM ASSESSMENT

First 5 Minutes — Listen, Don't Pitch

Ask: "Before I look at anything — what made you reach out? What's important to you?" Shut up and take notes. Their words become your close.

Front of House Survey

Front door, garage, driveway approach. Ask about existing deadbolt brand (smart lock upsell), porch coverage, package theft experience. Start building the proposal mentally.

Interior Walk — Count Entry Points

Count every exterior door. Every accessible window on ground floor. Sliding glass doors — these get glass break sensors. Basement entry — note it.

The Utility Areas

Water heater, laundry, under sinks — this is where you sell environmental. Don't ask permission, just say "while we're here — this is where I'd put a water sensor." Make it natural.

Build the Proposal at the Table — In Their Home

Don't go back to the car. Sit at their kitchen table, open the tablet, build the quote with them. Line by line. Their name on it. This is the close — personalization is the pitch.

🏪 Branch / Retail — Counter Conversation

CONVERTING BROWSERS TO BUYERS

The Welcome — Break the Ice Fast

Don't "can I help you?" — that gets "just looking." Try: "Are you adding to an existing system or starting from scratch?" Forces an answer that opens a conversation.

Demo First — Words Last

Pull up the Alarm.com app on a demo device. Show the live feed. Show the arm/disarm. Show the smart lock control. Let them touch it. Hands-on demo = 3x higher close rate than verbal description.

Qualify for Their Home

Ask: "What's the setup at your place — house, condo, apartment?" Then: "Any cameras currently? Any existing alarm?" Two questions = the right package.

Print the Quote at the Counter

If you can print or email a personalized quote before they leave, conversion doubles. People who walk out with nothing buy nothing. Give them something to hold.

Module 9 · Objection Handling

EVERY OBJECTION.
EVERY ANSWER.

You don't overcome objections by arguing. You reframe them. These aren't scripts to memorize — they're frameworks to internalize so you respond naturally and confidently when it matters.

⚡ "I already have Ring."▼

Don't dismiss Ring. Reframe it.

"Ring is a great doorbell camera — I'm not going to tell you otherwise. Here's what Ring isn't: Ring isn't a professionally monitored security system. If your Ring doorbell detects motion at 3am and you're asleep, your phone beeps. What do you do? With what we install, a trained operator is already verifying and dispatching while you're still figuring out what's happening. Ring watches your porch. We protect your home." If they push back: "Can Ring call the fire department when your smoke alarm goes off? Can it call you when a water pipe breaks under your kitchen sink? Our system does all of that."

⚡ "ADT is cheaper."▼

Price comparison = apples and oranges. Make them see it.

"ADT is absolutely a name-brand option. What I'd ask you to do is compare the full cost: ADT's install fees, their hardware lock-in, their monitoring rate, their contract length, and what you can and can't do with their app. Our system runs on the Alarm.com platform — the same platform that 1 in 3 professionally monitored homes in the US uses. Smarter app, better cameras, no proprietary hardware trap. The monthly rate is competitive. But more importantly — what ADT can't do is [lead with your specific advantage for the conversation]."

⚡ "I'll think about it."▼

This is not a no. This is a yes that's scared of commitment. Find the real objection.

"I totally understand — this isn't an impulse purchase. Can I ask what specifically you want to think through? Is it the price, the equipment, how it works, or something else?" Pause. Wait for the real objection. Almost always it's price or perceived complexity. Address that specific thing. Then: "If I could make [specific concern] work for you, would you want to move forward today?"

⚡ "I don't want a contract."▼

Address the fear under the objection — they're afraid of being trapped.

"I hear that a lot — most people who've been burned by long contracts feel that way. Let me explain our structure: [explain your actual contract terms clearly]. The monitoring agreement exists because the equipment we're installing is heavily subsidized. If you want no contract — you can pay full hardware cost upfront and go month-to-month. That option exists. Most customers find the subsidized equipment + monitoring package pencils out better. Which would you like to see the math on?"

⚡ "I rent — I don't own the place."▼

Renters can absolutely have a security system. Address the assumption.

"That's totally fine — a lot of our customers are renters. The IQ Hub is designed specifically for that — no hardwiring required for the sensors, panel mounts with a bracket and 3M tape, and the whole thing moves with you to your next place. Your lease protection is actually the reason to do this: if something happens in your unit, the landlord's insurance doesn't cover your personal belongings. This protects you — and it moves with you."

⚡ "My neighborhood is safe."▼

Never argue with their perception of safety. Redirect to what the system actually does.

"I believe you — and I hope it stays that way. But here's the thing: burglars target safe neighborhoods because they're less vigilant. Beyond that — your smoke detector going off at 2am, a water pipe leaking under your kitchen sink while you're on vacation, your CO alarm tripping with the family asleep — none of those have anything to do with your neighborhood's crime rate. The security system is the smallest part of what we install. The life safety and environmental protection is why most of my customers sleep better."

⚡ "I already have a system — I just don't use it."▼

This is actually your best lead. They have proof the old system failed them.

"Why did you stop using it?" That one question gives you everything. Too complicated? Old app? Too many false alarms? No smart features? Whatever killed the old system is what you rebuild around. Then: "That's exactly why people switch to us. The app takes 90 seconds to learn. The system is designed to get out of your way and just work." Then show them the Alarm.com app demo — live, on your phone, right now.

⚡ "I need to talk to my spouse/partner first."▼

Legitimate objection — don't dismiss it, involve the partner.

"Of course — this is a household decision. Is your partner home? Can I take 10 minutes to walk both of you through it, or would it be easier to schedule a time when you're both available?" If partner isn't available: "What questions do you think they'll have? Let me make sure you have all the answers when you talk to them tonight." Send a follow-up text/email with the proposal and a one-page summary they can share.

⚡ "SimpliSafe is cheaper and I can do it myself."▼

Respect the DIY angle. Win on professional installation, monitoring grade, and platform depth.

"SimpliSafe is a solid self-install option — if you want to spend a Saturday watching YouTube videos to get it right. What you get with us is professional installation, cellular-grade monitoring with crash-and-smash protection, the Alarm.com platform for full smart home control, and a live person in the field who makes sure everything works before leaving your home. SimpliSafe can't send a technician when something goes wrong. We can. That's the difference between a DIY alarm and a professional security system."

💡

Master Rule on Objections: The rep who panics at an objection loses the deal. The rep who says "that's a fair point — let me address it" wins it. Your tone when you hear an objection tells the customer more than your words. Stay calm, stay curious, stay confident.

🧠 Knowledge Drills

Test your product knowledge, talk tracks, and objection responses. 200+ questions across all 10 modules.

📡

Qolsys Systems

20 Q's

📷

Cameras & CSVR

20 Q's

🔌

POE & Infrastructure

18 Q's

💡

Floodlights

15 Q's

🔥

Smoke & CO

20 Q's

💧

Water & Flood

15 Q's

🌐

Alarm.com

20 Q's

🛡️

Monitoring

15 Q's

⚡

Objections

20 Q's

🎯

Sales Process

15 Q's

🏆

FULL CERT DRILL

50 Mixed Q's

Q 1 of 20 Category Role

Question loads here...

Explanation

—

— correct out of —

—

Manager Access · Restricted

MANAGER PANEL

Full access to all sales training modules plus drill activity tracking, team notes, and the complete portal credential sheet. Use this view to certify reps and track training progress.

📋 Portal Credentials — Manager View

All active logins for this portal. Do not share this screen in a public setting.

Login Username	Password	Tier	Access Level	Allowed Roles at Login
ssu2024	admin2024	Sales Rep	All 10 training modules + Drills	Outside Sales, Inside Sales, In-Home Consultant, Branch / Retail
manager2024	mgrpass2024	Manager	All modules + Drills + Manager Panel	Manager (auto-selected)
admin2024	AAAsecure!	System Admin	Full access — all modules, Manager Panel, Admin Panel	System Admin (auto-selected)

⚠️

Security note: Change these credentials before distributing the portal to a new cohort. Admin password uses a special character — some older mobile browsers may autofill incorrectly. Test login on target device before training day.

📊 Access Level Matrix

Feature / Module	Sales Rep	Manager	Admin
All 10 Training Modules	✓	✓	✓
Knowledge Drills (200+ Q's)	✓	✓	✓
Role-Filtered Sales Process Module	✓	✓	✓
Manager Panel (credentials + activity)	✕	✓	✓
Admin Panel (full config + user table)	✕	✕	✓
Drill Activity Log	✕	✓	✓
Portal Notes / Manager Memo	✕	✓	✓

📝 Session Drill Activity Log

Scores recorded during this session only. Refreshing the page clears the log unless localStorage is available.

--:--No drill activity recorded yet this session.

💬 Manager Notes

Notes save to localStorage in this browser. Not synced across devices.

Auto-saved to browser · Clear browser data to reset

🎯 Certification Score Benchmarks

🏆

90%+ — Field Ready

Rep is certified for unsupervised customer contact on this module. Document score and date.

💪

75–89% — Conditional

Rep can work with supervision. Identify missed Q categories and assign targeted re-drill within 5 business days.

🔧

Under 75% — Not Ready

Do not deploy to customer-facing activity on this product line. Assign module review and re-test within 48 hours.

System Admin · Full Access

ADMIN PANEL

Complete portal configuration, full credential table, access tier management, and portal metadata. This pane is only visible to System Admin login. Do not leave this screen unattended on a shared device.

🔑 Complete Login & Password Reference

All credentials for AAA Smart Security Sales Training Portal — Mountain West Group. Last updated: 2026.

#	Username	Password	Tier	Roles Available	Portal Access
1	ssu2024	admin2024	Sales Rep	Outside Sales · Inside Sales · In-Home Consultant · Branch / Retail	Modules 1–10 · All Drills
2	manager2024	mgrpass2024	Manager	Manager (locked — no role selection required)	Modules 1–10 · All Drills · Manager Panel
3	admin2024	AAAsecure!	System Admin	System Admin (locked — no role selection required)	Full Access — all modules, Manager Panel, Admin Panel

🔒

Credential Hygiene: Rotate the Sales Rep password (ssu2024 / admin2024) each training cohort cycle. Manager and Admin passwords should be changed before each new deployment. The Admin password includes a special character — confirm it works on all target devices before training day.

🗄️ Portal Metadata

📁

Portal File

AAA_Sales_Training_Portal.html
Single offline HTML file — no CDN, no internet required after download. All content embedded. Works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari.

🏗️

Build Info

Version: v2.0 — Manager + Admin tiers
Modules: 10 · Drill Q's: 200+
Roles: 4 sales + Manager + Admin
Branding: C2G Blue + Red palette

📦

Companion Files

AAA_Sales_Training_Portal.xlsx
140 Q's across 9 tabs · Answer Key · Manager Dashboard

AAA_Sales_Training_Portal.pptx
12-slide overview deck (python-pptx)

📊 Live Portal Stats

Logins This Session

Drills Completed

—

Avg Score

Total Modules

200+

Drill Q's

🗒️ Admin Notes

Saved to localStorage · Per-device only

⚠️ Security Reminders

⚠️

Never project the Admin Panel on a shared screen during training sessions. This pane displays all portal credentials. If training on a projector, switch to a Sales Rep login for the demo.

⚠️

localStorage is used for notes and drill logs. These persist in the browser until cleared. If deploying on a shared device (kiosk, lab computer), advise users to clear browser data after each session or use incognito mode.

💡

Credential Rotation Schedule: Sales Rep credentials — rotate each new hire cohort. Manager credentials — rotate quarterly. Admin credentials — rotate at every deployment update. Edit directly in the HTML file (search for USERS object in the script block).

SELL SMART.CLOSE STRONG.

QOLSYS PANEL SYSTEMS

The Panel Lineup

PowerG vs S-Line — Know This Cold

Questions to Ask — Panel Sizing

Panel Placement Best Practices

Common Qolsys Q&A

CAMERAS, POE & CSVR

Alarm.com Camera Lineup

Wireless vs POE — Decision Matrix

Questions to Ask — Every Camera Job

CSVR — What to Know and How to Sell It

POE, SWITCHES & INFRASTRUCTURE

When Wireless Fails — The Conversion Triggers

How to Have the Wireless-to-POE Conversion Conversation

POE Switch Sizing — What to Spec and When

Cable Runs — Cat5e vs Cat6, Max Distances, and Routing Rules

POE Extenders vs Intermediate Switch — When to Use Each

Commercial-Grade POE Cameras — Large Custom Homes & High-Security Installs

Large Custom Home Camera Blueprint — 5,000+ Sq Ft

Questions to Ask Before Speccing Any Camera System

POE Extenders & Switches — Specific Products to Know

FLOODLIGHT CAMERAS

Alarm.com Floodlight Camera Models

⚠️ Pre-Sell Questions — CRITICAL

Switch-Loop vs Neutral Wire — What You Need to Know

How to Sell the Floodlight — The Safety + Deterrence Angle

SMOKE & CO DETECTORS

Qolsys Life Safety Sensor Lineup

Placement Rules — Know Code Minimums

Questions to Ask — Life Safety Sizing

Insurance Discount Angle

WATER & FLOOD SENSORS

Qolsys Water Sensor Products

Where to Place — The 7 Locations Every Home Has

Questions to Ask — Water Sensor Qualification

Insurance Discount Talk Track

The Vacation Home / Rental Property Upsell

ALARM.COM PLATFORM

Service Tier Overview

Key Platform Features — Selling Points

How to Sell Alarm.com — The Ecosystem Close

Alarm.com Q&A — Common Customer Questions

CENTRAL STATION MONITORING

What Professional Monitoring Actually Does

Key Monitoring Features — Know These Cold

Questions to Ask — Monitoring Discovery

ROLE-SPECIFIC TALK TRACKS

🚗 Outside Sales — Door-to-Door Process

📞 Inside Sales / Call Center — Phone Discovery

🏠 In-Home Consultant — The Full Walk-Through

🏪 Branch / Retail — Counter Conversation

EVERY OBJECTION.EVERY ANSWER.

🧠 Knowledge Drills

MANAGER PANEL

📋 Portal Credentials — Manager View

📊 Access Level Matrix

📝 Session Drill Activity Log

💬 Manager Notes

🎯 Certification Score Benchmarks

ADMIN PANEL

🔑 Complete Login & Password Reference

🗄️ Portal Metadata

📊 Live Portal Stats

🗒️ Admin Notes

⚠️ Security Reminders

SELL SMART.
CLOSE STRONG.

EVERY OBJECTION.
EVERY ANSWER.