They are quick to respond when needed and for that they get a few stars. However, to be honest, the level of service and overall cost leave something to be desired. They dont tell you when you sign a 3 year contract that every time you need help, there is an automatic $75 service charge. And very few things you can do yourself remotely like with other systems (so you have to use their tech for even the smallest of issues). For instance, when your power flickers or you reset your internet modem....they have to come out to reset/relearn your devices....thats $75 just to show up. And really all they do is delete the device from the network and reconnect it (which other companies allow you to do this yourself). But then they charge you $85 per hour for labor on top of the service call. So what is the $75 for? Gas? Thats a heck of a lot of gas for a 10 mile drive. And $85 per hour for labor? I know Doctors that dont make $85 an hour. That seems a bit high for pushing a reset button. Essentially, you can count on a $160 total charge minimum every time they show up. But again, these are the things you discover after entering into the contract. For me, not trying to give them a bad name as response time is pretty good....but there are better options for your money. I recommend shopping around. My contract will certainly not be renewed. I prefer to push my own reset button.
I spent a lot of time exploring different security options for our new office. After meeting with the owner of 1st Choice Protection, I felt like they had exactly what I was looking for to ensure our safety. A bonus was they donated the system to us since we were a nonprofit (Bethany Christian Services). 1st Choice Protection was really easy to work with and very professional. The alarm system is easy to use, and we have not had any issues since we have moved into our new space. I highly recommend this company regardless of if you’re looking for a security system for your house or business!
Big plus going with 1st Choice protection is they are Locally owned and operated! Customer service is above and beyond expectations!!!!Great Job!
Company is not very forthcoming about the fact that you are required to sign a 3 year contract up front and you cannot break this without paying in full. Monthly cost is around $50. Two additional sensors will run you $180. Meanwhile, you can purchase an entire alarm system like Ring or Simpli Safe for around $200 and receive the same professional monitoring for roughly $10 per month. I have also had issues with false alarms. In one case, a sensor indicated a door was open at 2am even though it was not and the police showed up. 1st Choice also called me recently and wanted to charge me for someone to come out and look at a faulty sensor that I purchased mere months ago. 1st Choices business model is very antiquated and there are simply many better options put there. Unfortunately I didnt do enough research before signing their ridiculous binding contract.
Ive been a client since 2005 and at 3 different residences. Prices are very reasonable and the owner has always been easy to work with and very responsive if anything was needed. I have never had an issue with any equipment (other than something minor like needing to replace a battery) and I recommend them to anyone considering a security or AV system. It is great to work with a local business and get a person on the phone who knows their clients when you call.
1st Choice wired a house for some clients of mine, alarm, surround sound, and indoor/outdoor speakers. My clients wanted to shop around to find the best price and as a custom builder Ive always been ok with that. First choice responded quickly, installation went smoothly, and my clients are very happy with the results.
I previously had Vivint as our security company. Theres no comparison to the value and customer service weve received from 1st Choice. The team here is responsive and courteous. The system itself is easy to use. I couldnt ask for much more (but they have much more to offer which is fantastic)!
We were most fortunate that our home builder had 1st Choice Protection Systems install the fire and alarm system when our home was built. It was natural to have them also do the monitoring. No additional devices were needed and we have had no issues. Highly recommended.
I am very pleased with the professionalism and customer service First Choice has provided for my family and fellow neighbors. Mr Calhoun is always a phone call away and always more than happy to help. I would highly recommend First Choice for your security and home entertainment needs.
After reviewing my options in Fayetteville for home security systems, I decided to go with 1st Choice. Mr. Calhoun came to my home and we discussed what I wanted in a system; he was very knowledgeable and professional. Within a few days, Troy (the installer) came and put in my system. Because I had decided to add a few options not previously wanted, 1st Choice immediately ordered the extras and they will be installed as soon as they are received. Troy was very helpful and professional as well, and made sure to show me everything about my new system. I am very pleased and would highly recommend this local company to handle all your home security needs. A few days after my initial installation, Troy was back with the additional parts I had ordered. He quickly and efficiently installed and checked the remaining add ons. I simply couldnt be happier. I would highly recommend this company; I have had nothing but an exceptional experience.
Love my alarm system and this company! Excellent service and the owner is awesome!! I would highly recommend this company to anyone.
After 3 months of service, I noticed all the pre-wired CAT 6 outlets did not work (tried to connect wired internet throughout my home). They charged a $68 service call fee, $100 per hour labor, and $10 per line....to simply come out and place new end caps on the ethernet lines that I was told they pre-wired before I bought the home. A week later, the garage module to my security system failed. The app shows the incorrect door status and the garage cant be controlled remotely any longer. Ive tried for 3 days to contact their support and did not received a returned call. I have left messages for the owner twice...And didn’t get a response. However, the receptionist was able to call me back and schedule another $68 service call with $100 per hour labor for someone to come take a look at the system again. So, beyond the monthly service charge, the homeowner is also responsible for quite a few unforeseen expenses that can add up.UPDATE/EDIT: upon further discussion with the company owner, who I had a conversation with a few months after the above incident concerning another issue: I was made aware that 1st choice pre-wiring work was only completed up to the junction box. Whoever installed internet prior to me buying the home incorrectly installed the connectors. 1st Choice had to correct the provider’s mistakes and therefore had to charge for that (understandably). They also followed up with the garage door manufacture to ensure issues outside their control were corrected while resolving that issue as well. I feel compelled to increase the overall rating as the owner did follow through with a full explanation when approached. And their serviceman (once scheduled) is quick to arrive and very thorough with finding the root cause of the problem.
1st Choice Protection Systems will always be my 1st choice. They have given me the sense of safety, which allows my house to become a home! They are always very prompt and eager to help.
Excellent Service! I wouldnt go with any other company. They understand there customers, and even work with them in hard times. You should check them out.
I am very happy that I decided to use 1st Choice Protection System to secure my home. The owner and his staff are very professional and I am very pleased with there serves.
Best Security system and service! Super quick response and very friendly staff that make you feel safe 24/7
First choice security is always my first choice, he has everything. From home security to music systems to data drops. Overall Derick Calhoun and first choice is the best choice for your home/ business security needs in Norrhwest Arkansas.
Orginally had First Choice install audio/video for my home during construction as well as a negotiated alarm system contract. FYI.. First Choice pre-wires all of Buffington’s Homes so don’t settle with First Choice if you do not want to. Other alarm system companies can use First Choice’s pre-wire for their system. The installer, (forgot his name) was awesome. Very knowledgeable. All said and done, I have paid First Choice over $8,000.The bulb in the projector recently burned out and asked First Choice for an estimate. The estimate included a service call charge that normally I would be okay with. However, First Choice is routinely in my subdivision wiring homes and asked for that piece of the estimate to be waived - as they aren’t having to go out of their way to replace the bulb. Especially for a customer who is $8K deep. First Choice refused to work with me forcing me to hire another company who was significantly cheaper with their service call included.I wasn’t even going to leave a review, but while conversing with neighbors I see that First Choice’s employee, Belinda Ball, is leaving a 5 star review with no comments goes to show what kind of company First Choice is. Even if Belinda purchased a service, she has a vested interest and should not be leaving a review.. and one without comments. Blows my mind. Really research before purchasing from First Choice.
1st Choice has been a fantastic security partner. The app is great to arm and disarm the system.
Derek was awesome so helpful and friendly! Would very much recommend this company!
Very professional organization. Attention to detail and treated us the same as day one with great customer service. I was with 1st choice for 10 years before moving. If I move back to NWA I would sign up again and I highly recommend Mr Calhoun as your 1st Choice.
Great experience working with a locally operated security company that provides dedicated, round-the-clock, reliable service at an affordable price. Would highly recommend FCS to anyone in the NWA area that is looking for peace of mind for the safety and security of your household.
Ive been working wi the the owner for years now. He very meticulous and detailed. Theres no question in my mind this company will do a good job for you!
Update- I again tried to work with the owner to no avail. I also want to say that this is for service I never received. I only lived in the home for a year and so I am being garnished for a contract that was NEVER even completed. This is just gouging and I am disgusted. I offered to make payments and that was refused. Ive never dealt with a company this unethical. Ill be posting on all social media, to my friends and family so that no one has to go through something like this.This company has been horrific. I mistakenly signed a 3 year contract when I was only leasing a home for a year. I have tried to make payments, have turned in my equipment and have repeatedly tried to make things right. My husband is out of work, I have 3 children and they have garnished my wages for over a third of my take home. I cannot afford the basics. I could not be more disgusted by how they run their business and I will tell anyone who will listen.
I had another company and my mistake was to switchThat company gives bad attention when my contract is sold I will look for another company the owner is very rude.