New law called the Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016 enacted in the waning days of the Obama Administration prevents integrators from including a non-disparagement clause in their contract, specifically protecting consumers’ right to post negative reviews. Law takes effect March 14, 2017.
Jason Knott · February 22, 2017
If one of your clients’ homes has an incident and you receive a ‘claim letter’ inquiry, you need to immediately contact your insurance company, preserve all records related to that account, limit what you provide to the client’s insurer or lawyer, and don’t try to explain what happened.
Jason Knott · January 13, 2017
Recent court ruling nails out-of-state wholesale security distributor for not charging integrators ‘retail sales tax.’ Integrators are deemed as ‘true end users’ of the equipment.
Jason Knott · December 19, 2016
Integrators will not fare well in court enforcing change orders, service agreements or alarm monitoring contracts that are unsigned or signed by unauthorized employees. Adding signature provisions that stipulate certain signatures are required can make it even worse.
Jason Knott · December 09, 2016
SB 1428 would make all monitoring agreements with annual auto-renewal clauses revert to just month-to-month renewals upon expiration of initial term. Requires renewal clauses to be more conspicuous in contracts.
Jason Knott · October 31, 2016
The Jackson, Mich.-based integrator Comtronics’s leadership outlines details of its packaged DIY smart home solution. Discover the ROI, sales compensation, and go-to-market retail and online strategies that are giving the company a competitive edge.
Jason Knott · August 23, 2016
Legal expert Ken Kirschenbaum argues that payment by credit card is well worth the extra fees vs. risk of ‘bouncing’ checks or waiting for funds to be available.
Jason Knott · August 04, 2016
CE pros need to stay ‘on script’ when conducting an over-the-phone service call to protect clients from an electrical shock or fall while repairing their own system. Where does liability start and end?
Jason Knott · July 28, 2016
As long as the cameras are not covert (and a contract is in place), it is OK for integrators to install surveillance cameras in a strip club dressing room and in every room in an 80-year-old doctor’s ‘bachelor pad.’
Jason Knott · May 04, 2016
Home technology integrator wants to know: What are the laws on installing secret nanny-cams in a customer’s home? Security and home-automation attorney Ken Kirschenbaum responds.
Julie Jacobson · January 29, 2016
