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5 Vertical Commercial Markets
Small office, restaurants, retail, churches and hotels are common transition markets.
When the housing market tanked last year, more CE pros than ever turned their focus toward various commercial market segments.
At first, the attention toward commercial was likely just "time filler," but for many dealers, these markets represent a potential windfall of new revenue.
The primary "foot in the door" to these markets is being driven by technology and customer service issues, which tend to lead dealers toward particular niches. Hotels, corporate offices, retail stores, bars, restaurants, funeral homes and clubs are perfect examples of commercial clients who understand and place great value on customer service and might be more inclined to gravitate toward a traditionally residential contractor to fill their technology needs.
Sixty-seven percent of CE pros report that they now install light commercial systems. That percentage is up from 55 percent back in 2005. Residential integrators often have an edge over their commercial systems integration counterparts in some technology categories.
For example, residential CE pros will likely have more expertise in selling, installing and programming touchscreen and certain keypad controls. These devices have been cornerstones for home automation and lighting control systems for years and are now becoming more prevalent in commercial environments as businesses seek to reduce energy usage, conduct corporate presentations, etc.
Other areas still remain the realm of commercial experts. For example, large display video and audio for arenas and stadiums require special skills and equipment. Live performance lighting, audio and video presentations (with mixing boards) for theaters are another vertical niche primarily suited for commercial systems integrators.
Commercial is one of six pillars of EHX Spring 2010, Orlando, Fla.
At first, the attention toward commercial was likely just "time filler," but for many dealers, these markets represent a potential windfall of new revenue.
The primary "foot in the door" to these markets is being driven by technology and customer service issues, which tend to lead dealers toward particular niches. Hotels, corporate offices, retail stores, bars, restaurants, funeral homes and clubs are perfect examples of commercial clients who understand and place great value on customer service and might be more inclined to gravitate toward a traditionally residential contractor to fill their technology needs.
Sixty-seven percent of CE pros report that they now install light commercial systems. That percentage is up from 55 percent back in 2005. Residential integrators often have an edge over their commercial systems integration counterparts in some technology categories.
For example, residential CE pros will likely have more expertise in selling, installing and programming touchscreen and certain keypad controls. These devices have been cornerstones for home automation and lighting control systems for years and are now becoming more prevalent in commercial environments as businesses seek to reduce energy usage, conduct corporate presentations, etc.
Other areas still remain the realm of commercial experts. For example, large display video and audio for arenas and stadiums require special skills and equipment. Live performance lighting, audio and video presentations (with mixing boards) for theaters are another vertical niche primarily suited for commercial systems integrators.
Commercial is one of six pillars of EHX Spring 2010, Orlando, Fla.
Guide to Going Commercial
 | Your Guide to Going Commercial Sixty-nine percent of you complement your residential projects with commercial work. We're here to help with all things commercial. 5 Tips for Going Commercial As residential CE pros migrate into B2B projects, here are some key differences to consider. 5 Vertical Commercial Markets Small office, restaurants, retail, churches and hotels are common transition markets." Blog: Are You Ready for Commercial Installations? The commercial market opens up a whole new arena for residential companies to ply their customer service and installation skills. 7 Problem Solvers for Commercial Installs A high-tech donut, a motion-sensing speaker and whacky acoustical panels provide CE pros with A/V flexibility. 13 Install-Friendly Commercial Video Products Here are 13 interesting commercial video products for your consideration. | |
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About the Author
Jason Knott, Editor, CE Pro
Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990. He joined EH Publishing in 2000, and before that served as publisher and editor of Security Sales, a leading magazine for the security industry. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He is currently a member of the CEDIA Education Action Team for Electronic Systems Business. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California.
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