Referal Fees

[Mr. Security]

For you consultants out there: What kind of fee would you expect for referring a client to a security officer company? What do you base it on?

[Curtis Baillie]

I never charge a fee or expect anything in return. "Security Consulting Strategies LLC is an independent security management-consulting firm. We do not accept fees, commissions, or other valuable considerations from any individual or organization that sells, supplies, or distributes security equipment or services."

[Mr. Security]

I'm looking for ways to increase income. There are so many potential accounts in my area and the big security companies aren't marketing. I don't offer security officer services. (Yet) I also don't work for free. :)

[Bill Warnock]

I'm looking for ways to increase income. There are so many potential accounts in my area and the big security companies aren't marketing. I don't offer security officer services. (Yet) I also don't work for free. :)
As a security consultant you must have allegiance to no one except the client with the intent to serve all those who request your assistance. To accept referral fees is in some way taking away your independence. Rather, a consultant should present the client with a list of several vetted companies and let the client make the choice. Your allegiance is to the client and only the client.
I was asked one time if a referred company could express its gratitude in some monitary way. My response was: "You can express your gratitude by continued professionalism toward the security industry."
I've made recommendations in the past and when this or that company got sloppy, I dropped them like a hot rock.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Mr. Security]

Curtis & Bill - These accounts are not clients of mine. Is that still a conflict of interest? I just wanted to clearify this. If you still feel that it is, then I'll leave it be.

[Curtis Baillie]

Not all consultants are true consultants - meaning some 'consultants' sell products and represent a client's products. Many people who call themselves consultants sell alarm, cctv, shopper services, etc. It's really up to you. There is nothing wrong with it - you just need to decide what type of consultant you want to be.

Like Bill, I recommend security services to clients and non-clients alike. Many times when a potential client contacts me I'm not able to meet their needs, and I recommend other consultants - often giving then a list of 3 or 4 other consultants who I know do the type of work they are looking for. Other consultants have done the same for me.

[Bill Warnock]

Curt, you hit the head on the nail. If you cannot in good faith meet a potential client's needs, recommend them to someone you KNOW based on your professional experience who can perform the service or services requested and or required.
We just don't want to see you compromise your integrity.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Mr. Security]

Thanks guys - good points regarding integrity. :) The security guard company is partly owned by a cop that I know from my dispatch days. However, I'm not sure about the quality of the company - so until I can be sure, I'll pass on it.

[N. A. Corbier]

I've noticed in consulting, that people are basically trusting your word. The only products I sell are my own, because I am sure of the quality. And by selling, I simply state, "Well, for a project like this, you have several options available. We can do this in-house, as well."

[Mr. Security]

I've noticed in consulting, that people are basically trusting your word. The only products I sell are my own, because I am sure of the quality. And by selling, I simply state, "Well, for a project like this, you have several options available. We can do this in-house, as well."

Yeah, that's the hard part with contract security. I don't offer the service yet because the licensing/insurance is very expensive and I not going to spend the money unless I know there is an account that justifies the investment.

Of course, that puts me in the which came first - the chicken or the egg dilemma: I can't market w/o a license and I won't get a license until there's a market.

[Curtis Baillie]

I've noticed in consulting, that people are basically trusting your word. The only products I sell are my own, because I am sure of the quality. And by selling, I simply state, "Well, for a project like this, you have several options available. We can do this in-house, as well."The only things I sell are my time and knowledge.