Anyone have any experience with DiscountHomeAutomation.com ?

[charliebarns]

I won't mince any word at all: Anyone who is getting into HA and goes with the cheap option to save 5% is an idiot, and deserves the hellish frustration they'll get.

To any newbies lurking: You will piss away more money in this hobby on the wrong stuff than you can possibly imagine. This isn't a prediction, it's a 100% guarantee, it will happen. And, the first time you have a problem with something, or need to return something you bought, a place like AO is worth it even if you don't get any additional discounts. I buy everything at AO and I haven't bothered asking for a discount as I get something better: the ability to ping Brandon or Martin on Chat or email to help me with something. I had to return a few hundred dollars worth of sensors because they just wouldn't work for me - try that with Discounts 'R Us.

If a 5% spread on anything you buy is the difference between being able to afford something and not being able to afford something, then put down the credit card and walk away - this hobby isn't for you.

Is that clear enough?

very well put!

 

[sic0048]

And IVB should add that he speaks from experience. (Not so much buying from the wrong retailer, but trying to skimp on price and product only to have to replace it with what he should have bought from the beginning).

 

[Digger]

Please don't mince words, your are saying many negative things about the place.

Just remember AO will match any authorized sellers prices too. Keep in mind also that advertising Elk or HAI components at less than MSRP is also a violation of terms. Anyone can play those games if they want one way or another. But you can't compare a place like AO that answers the phone and has real support (even authorized trainers) on staff vs a robot in a warehouse. Even if AO did match the robots price completely it is well worth it when you need to make that phonecall. Not saying anything negative about this place but you just can't compare.

That is your interpretation because you are taking it personally and are being defensive. The bottom line is you simply can't compare a place that has a full staff including support and training that are easily accessible to a place that operates out of a warehouse behind an email address. Change the names, I don't care, not making any judgments on DHA or anyone, they may ship promptly and be a great place to deal with but facts are facts. I suppose if you want to save a few cents and get the absolute lowest price then buy from whoever, DHA, someplace on eBay or whatever. But don't complain about it later when you need help and can't get it and wish you paid $20 more.

Bottom line is the OP asked a question and now they have many opinions and now its simply up to them to decide what's right for them. I'm not going to debate this or comment further on the subject.

So you are saying that someone like me that happens to be an authorized reseller for several mfg's is no good because I am not as big as AO yet? If I remember correctly AO started out on ebay and became one of the best distributors in the country in less than 10 years. But they had to start somewhere. i also buy from them as well for many items for my own house or for installs I occasionally do and could not be any happier. Nothing but excellent service and quality products.

Dont say someone is no good just because they are smaller or less expensive. Sometimes the small guys can do better than bigger guys (I wont mention names even though they are not part of this forum but i have dealt with some big guys that were horrible).

I have never screwed a customer. Even if the customer is happy I try and make them happier. Many come back 3 or 4 times in a few months for more products. Even if a customer makes a mistake and buys the incorrect item I will refund the shipping. How many places will do that? An order gets lost by UPS for weeks and reshipped the product AND gave the guy his money back so it was free. Why? I bet he will be a customer for life and he deserved the item for free. A guy needs help I draw him a wiring diagram and fax or email it to him or talk him through ELK RP etc over the phone. And yes I do make money.

While I fully agree AO is one of the best there is in this field there are others out there that are excellent as well no matter what their size. Every company is individual and should not be lumped into the bad pile because they are not as big as another guy yet.

 

[IVB]

And IVB should add that he speaks from experience. (Not so much buying from the wrong retailer, but trying to skimp on price and product only to have to replace it with what he should have bought from the beginning).

I started making a list of how much stuff i've bought off from stores with no pre-sales customer service or return policies (ie, eBay "stores" or online places like the OP) that ended up being a bad idea, and then I got sad. Plus worried that my wife would find the list.

Here's a hint: The "pissed away" number has 4 figures, and the first one isn't a 1. I've managed to sell some of it on eBay, but typically gotten <50% of my sales price. If I had pre-sales guidance, I wouldn't have bought the stuff. If there was a return policy, I could have sent it back.

At this point in my 3+year journey to implement HA, I buy my stuff from places that have good references, a clear location, good pre-sales assistance, and return policies. I'm done pissing away $$ on stuff I didn't need, and would have known better than to buy had I someone to guide me.

That might include Digger's place, I didn't actually know he had a shop, but at least the criteria is clear.

 

[Steve]

Please don't mince words, your are saying many negative things about the place.

Just remember AO will match any authorized sellers prices too. Keep in mind also that advertising Elk or HAI components at less than MSRP is also a violation of terms. Anyone can play those games if they want one way or another. But you can't compare a place like AO that answers the phone and has real support (even authorized trainers) on staff vs a robot in a warehouse. Even if AO did match the robots price completely it is well worth it when you need to make that phonecall. Not saying anything negative about this place but you just can't compare.

That is your interpretation because you are taking it personally and are being defensive. The bottom line is you simply can't compare a place that has a full staff including support and training that are easily accessible to a place that operates out of a warehouse behind an email address. Change the names, I don't care, not making any judgments on DHA or anyone, they may ship promptly and be a great place to deal with but facts are facts. I suppose if you want to save a few cents and get the absolute lowest price then buy from whoever, DHA, someplace on eBay or whatever. But don't complain about it later when you need help and can't get it and wish you paid $20 more.

Bottom line is the OP asked a question and now they have many opinions and now its simply up to them to decide what's right for them. I'm not going to debate this or comment further on the subject.

So you are saying that someone like me that happens to be an authorized reseller for several mfg's is no good because I am not as big as AO yet? If I remember correctly AO started out on ebay and became one of the best distributors in the country in less than 10 years. But they had to start somewhere. i also buy from them as well for many items for my own house or for installs I occasionally do and could not be any happier. Nothing but excellent service and quality products.

Dont say someone is no good just because they are smaller or less expensive. Sometimes the small guys can do better than bigger guys (I wont mention names even though they are not part of this forum but i have dealt with some big guys that were horrible).

I have never screwed a customer. Even if the customer is happy I try and make them happier. Many come back 3 or 4 times in a few months for more products. Even if a customer makes a mistake and buys the incorrect item I will refund the shipping. How many places will do that? An order gets lost by UPS for weeks and reshipped the product AND gave the guy his money back so it was free. Why? I bet he will be a customer for life and he deserved the item for free. A guy needs help I draw him a wiring diagram and fax or email it to him or talk him through ELK RP etc over the phone. And yes I do make money.

While I fully agree AO is one of the best there is in this field there are others out there that are excellent as well no matter what their size. Every company is individual and should not be lumped into the bad pile because they are not as big as another guy yet.

I really do not want to get sucked back into this, but with all due respect Digger it sounds like you are making this personal and totally missed the point. The total bottom line is it has nothing to do with size, nothing personal with these or any other vendors mentioned. The whole point is that somebody *should* expect to pay more from someplace they expect to get knowledge and support. Whether that is a one man shop or a huge corporation.

Also look at what the company rep said... "We highly recommend contacting the manufacturer or a full service distributor for product advice." What does that really mean? I take that as if you want product advice and help go somewhere else, if you know exactly what you want at a good price, buy from us.

Digger: If all those things you say about yourself are true, then sure, you'd be a great person to do business with and people shouldn't hesitate. But I have a feeling you would charge more than a rock bottom price too and deservedly so. And you'd probably give a customer your phone number too.

So please people, don't get all personal and defensive about this, it has nothing to do with any of the named entities or anyone else or size or anything. Just the principle of getting what you pay for and that applies to lots of places not even just HA.

But...

Vista, California 92083
United States

Who would want anything to do with Vista anyway?

OK - that was a computer joke if you did not get it. Nothing to do with any company or city.

 

[hooman00]

I must say that Digger was the FIRST person to PM me right after my post and recommend AO. I didnt even know he was a reseller and to me that means something. That means he genuinely cares about well being of his clients and is not trying to just make a quick buck.

reminds me I better call AO again to get my quote

have a good weekend peeps

 

[ysualum]

Just wanted to add my experience as a newbie using both AO and Worthington Distribution. Both have really helped me in planning which components and setup will be best for me. AO has also allowed returns no questions asked. Well worth a little extra price. I don't even try to price shop anymore, as the support is extremely important.

 

[jharrell]

Wow, so now I am an idiot for purchasing from a store because they have lower prices on the same product, thanks for being clear. I repeat I bought from them and have had no problems, and yet this board is ripping them apart for no apparent reason and now I am getting personally attacked, WTF?

I have no affiliation with them, I was just expressing my experiences with them since I seem to be the only one who as actually used their services.

I won't mince any word at all: Anyone who is getting into HA and goes with the cheap option to save 5% is an idiot, and deserves the hellish frustration they'll get.

To any newbies lurking: You will piss away more money in this hobby on the wrong stuff than you can possibly imagine. This isn't a prediction, it's a 100% guarantee, it will happen. And, the first time you have a problem with something, or need to return something you bought, a place like AO is worth it even if you don't get any additional discounts. I buy everything at AO and I haven't bothered asking for a discount as I get something better: the ability to ping Brandon or Martin on Chat or email to help me with something. I had to return a few hundred dollars worth of sensors because they just wouldn't work for me - try that with Discounts 'R Us.

If a 5% spread on anything you buy is the difference between being able to afford something and not being able to afford something, then put down the credit card and walk away - this hobby isn't for you.

Is that clear enough?

 

[jharrell]

I suppose accusation of violating TOS, playing games, no real support, being a robot could not be interpreted as negative, then I ask why did you even say it to compliment them?

Please don't mince words, your are saying many negative things about the place.

Just remember AO will match any authorized sellers prices too. Keep in mind also that advertising Elk or HAI components at less than MSRP is also a violation of terms. Anyone can play those games if they want one way or another. But you can't compare a place like AO that answers the phone and has real support (even authorized trainers) on staff vs a robot in a warehouse. Even if AO did match the robots price completely it is well worth it when you need to make that phonecall. Not saying anything negative about this place but you just can't compare.

That is your interpretation because you are taking it personally and are being defensive. The bottom line is you simply can't compare a place that has a full staff including support and training that are easily accessible to a place that operates out of a warehouse behind an email address. Change the names, I don't care, not making any judgments on DHA or anyone, they may ship promptly and be a great place to deal with but facts are facts. I suppose if you want to save a few cents and get the absolute lowest price then buy from whoever, DHA, someplace on eBay or whatever. But don't complain about it later when you need help and can't get it and wish you paid $20 more.

Bottom line is the OP asked a question and now they have many opinions and now its simply up to them to decide what's right for them. I'm not going to debate this or comment further on the subject.

 

[sic0048]

Wow - it's amazing how quickly a thread can spiral out of control with a few misunderstandings. I think everyone needs to calm down, back away from the computer, and take a few deep breathes.....

IVB's post was strongly worded and perhaps could be taken as hostile, but I assure you it wasn't meant to be hostile. He's just trying to prove a point - it's been his experience that buying the cheapest product isn't always the best. It's like getting several quotes from contractors doing a job - the lowest bid may not be the best choice in the grand scheme of things. But it is your choice to make.

Thats it. Don't read more into it and think that everyone is bashing the lowest price provider (that is thrown out there to everyone - not a specific person or group of people).

I have bought very little from AO, although they do give great support. I've shopped locally for the most part - or ordered from places like Newegg and Monoprice. Of course those places are not really in competition with AO, Setnet, Worthington, or any of the other home automation retailers.

 

[Digger]

Please don't mince words, your are saying many negative things about the place.

Just remember AO will match any authorized sellers prices too. Keep in mind also that advertising Elk or HAI components at less than MSRP is also a violation of terms. Anyone can play those games if they want one way or another. But you can't compare a place like AO that answers the phone and has real support (even authorized trainers) on staff vs a robot in a warehouse. Even if AO did match the robots price completely it is well worth it when you need to make that phonecall. Not saying anything negative about this place but you just can't compare.

That is your interpretation because you are taking it personally and are being defensive. The bottom line is you simply can't compare a place that has a full staff including support and training that are easily accessible to a place that operates out of a warehouse behind an email address. Change the names, I don't care, not making any judgments on DHA or anyone, they may ship promptly and be a great place to deal with but facts are facts. I suppose if you want to save a few cents and get the absolute lowest price then buy from whoever, DHA, someplace on eBay or whatever. But don't complain about it later when you need help and can't get it and wish you paid $20 more.

Bottom line is the OP asked a question and now they have many opinions and now its simply up to them to decide what's right for them. I'm not going to debate this or comment further on the subject.

So you are saying that someone like me that happens to be an authorized reseller for several mfg's is no good because I am not as big as AO yet? If I remember correctly AO started out on ebay and became one of the best distributors in the country in less than 10 years. But they had to start somewhere. i also buy from them as well for many items for my own house or for installs I occasionally do and could not be any happier. Nothing but excellent service and quality products.

Dont say someone is no good just because they are smaller or less expensive. Sometimes the small guys can do better than bigger guys (I wont mention names even though they are not part of this forum but i have dealt with some big guys that were horrible).

I have never screwed a customer. Even if the customer is happy I try and make them happier. Many come back 3 or 4 times in a few months for more products. Even if a customer makes a mistake and buys the incorrect item I will refund the shipping. How many places will do that? An order gets lost by UPS for weeks and reshipped the product AND gave the guy his money back so it was free. Why? I bet he will be a customer for life and he deserved the item for free. A guy needs help I draw him a wiring diagram and fax or email it to him or talk him through ELK RP etc over the phone. And yes I do make money.

While I fully agree AO is one of the best there is in this field there are others out there that are excellent as well no matter what their size. Every company is individual and should not be lumped into the bad pile because they are not as big as another guy yet.

I really do not want to get sucked back into this, but with all due respect Digger it sounds like you are making this personal and totally missed the point. The total bottom line is it has nothing to do with size, nothing personal with these or any other vendors mentioned. The whole point is that somebody *should* expect to pay more from someplace they expect to get knowledge and support. Whether that is a one man shop or a huge corporation.

Also look at what the company rep said... "We highly recommend contacting the manufacturer or a full service distributor for product advice." What does that really mean? I take that as if you want product advice and help go somewhere else, if you know exactly what you want at a good price, buy from us.

Digger: If all those things you say about yourself are true, then sure, you'd be a great person to do business with and people shouldn't hesitate. But I have a feeling you would charge more than a rock bottom price too and deservedly so. And you'd probably give a customer your phone number too.

So please people, don't get all personal and defensive about this, it has nothing to do with any of the named entities or anyone else or size or anything. Just the principle of getting what you pay for and that applies to lots of places not even just HA.

But...

Vista, California 92083
United States

Who would want anything to do with Vista anyway?

OK - that was a computer joke if you did not get it. Nothing to do with any company or city.

Steve if you have been burned by this company or know someone that has then your post is valid for that company. I have been burned pretty bad by SH (as if we all dont know) and I definitely share my expereince with them. They are expensive, have factory trained staff with years of experience, lots of customer service staff, a large building, and more phone lines that I can probably count on my hands and feet. Yet they are not the best service provider.

But the DHA company was honest and up front with the OP. Had they lied to the guy I could understand you warning him away. The company recommended he go to a full service distributor which to me shows he was concerned about the customers well being. I was as well and I recommended AO since for that product they are the best distributor I know for that product. Would you say I am a bad company to deal with also since I recommended the OP to AO?

Had I thrown the guy a bunch of BS and tried to bluff my way through the sale to make a few bucks then I would not have been doing the OP any favors and you would have been entitled to rip me apart.

I have two coworkers that have used just about every brand of residential alarm system out there. If there is a question I cant answer I can get an answer for a customer in most cases. If I cant get the answer that way then I call the mfg. Heck sometimes a mfg does not have an immediate answer.