Installing Costco security cameras and CCTV systems is not as easy as the store employees and the equipment packaging might lead you to believe. If you have purchased or are considering purchasing an off-the-shelf (OTS) security camera system at Costco then this post will give you valuable insights and tips to ensure your system is both installed correctly and cost-effectively.
Costco Security Cameras
Costco sells security camera systems that are cheap and lower-quality alternatives to the systems offered by commercial-grade security system suppliers. That being said, the OTS packages purchased at big-box stores are still decent security systems that can meet the needs of many homeowners and small businesses who need basic surveillance features on a tight budget. (For instance, baby or puppy monitoring, small areas, store entrances, etc.)
Quick plug – If you are in the greater Colorado Springs area and looking for a professional security camera installation company to take over the install of your Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Home Depot, Best Buy or Amazon security camera then give System Links a call. We are happy to help you with installing your system, and the price might surprise you.
Costco sells security camera systems by Lorex, AvertX, Blink, Arlo, Swan, and Ring, among others.
Does Costco Install Security Cameras?
The short answer is no. Costco as a company does not install the security camera systems they sell. Rather, they are selling a do-it-yourself (DIY) security system. The customer service section of the Costco website will tell you to refer to the instruction manual (if one is included) and for further assistance, contact Costco Concierge Services at 866-861-0450. Please have your membership number and serial number available.
When you call the Costco customer service number, prepare yourself for a lengthy voice response menu. After responding to half a dozen menu choices, a friendly person will eventually come on the line. However, when you ask the Concierge Services member about how to get your security camera installed the reply is: “You can install it yourself, or you can go to Google and search for a local security camera installation service near me.”
The Concierge Services member might also mention that sometimes the member services desk at your local Costco might have a list of installers, but don’t count on it.
Related: Best Places To Install Home Security Cameras
Factors to Consider When Attempting a DIY Install of Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Security Camera System
Yes, you can install your own security camera systems. The challenge is the camera wiring, which involves many factors that most DIY’ers don’t have the skills or experience to accomplish effectively. Here is an example of the types of factors you need to take into consideration when installing a wired security camera system yourself:
- Planning where the camera should go for best effectiveness
- Locating the camera recording system for power, security, and noise
- Fishing and running wire through attics, walls, soffits, HVAC ducts
- A significant variety of tools are needed which most homeowners do not have in their toolbox
- Crawling around tight attics and spider-infested crawl spaces
- Complex wiring connections
- Quality of materials (OTS systems use cheap plastic that is not made to withstand harsh Colorado weather conditions)
- Drilling through interior and exterior walls, ceilings, foundations
- Configuring the recording system
How Much Does It Cost to Have Costco Security Cameras Installed?
Naturally, the answer to the question of how much does it cost to install security camera systems is “it depends.”
The expert installers at System Links install hundreds of security camera systems in the greater Colorado Springs area each year. On average, the installation of home security systems purchased at Costco will cost in a range between $500 and $2,500. The number of cameras, size of the home, number of rooms you wish to monitor, and outside surveillance requirements are the key cost drivers.
Business and commercial installations have a much bigger range and it is difficult to make a ballpark estimate. We install Costco security systems in small apartment buildings, retail operations, restaurants, commercial buildings, smaller hotels and motels, schools, churches, storage lots, etc. As in the case of home installation, the specific requirements of each installation affect the cost to install.
Commercial Grade Security Cameras Can Be as Cost-Effective
Yes, multi-camera surveillance systems sold at the likes of Costco can be cheap. But, like anything, you get what you pay for.
Buying CCTV security equipment is similar to any other purchase you will make, in the sense that cheaper equipment will do the job. But, how well do you want that job done? Do you need or want higher video quality, effective system design, security and reliability, user-friendliness, reliable warranty, integration with pre-existing equipment, and accessories? If so, then you really need to contact a professional security camera installer in Colorado Springs.
As we said above, at System Links, we are experts at installing Costco security cameras for our neighbors and local business owners. Click to schedule a free site visit and a reliable quote for an OTS CCTV security camera installation in Colorado Springs.
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