When it comes to low voltage installations—like network cabling, security systems, and door access controls—the contractor you choose matters more than you think. While licensed, reputable companies like GETDSI (Digital Systems Integration, Inc.) invest in quality, shady contractors are cutting corners, dodging regulations, and leaving customers with expensive problems.
Here’s the kicker: these shady outfits look legit at first glance. Flashy websites? Check. Too-good-to-be-true quotes? Double-check. But dig a little deeper, and the warning signs are obvious. If you know what to look for, you can save yourself the headaches they cause.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. No Real Address—Or a Fake One
A reliable company has nothing to hide, starting with their location. Shady contractors, on the other hand, love mystery. They might claim to have a fancy office but use fake addresses or PO boxes that lead nowhere.
How to check: Plug their address into Google Maps. Does it lead to an office or a random strip mall? Or worse, a vacant lot?
2. The Many Websites, One Phone Number Trick
Ever notice that some companies have multiple websites that all point to the same number? These “contractors” try to drown out competitors (and bad reviews) by saturating search results with deceptive listings.
How to check: Look up their phone number. If you find the same contact information on websites with different company names, you’ve caught them red-handed.
3. No Proper Auto-Attendant Greetings
When you call a professional company like GETDSI, you’re greeted with a clear, professional auto-attendant. Shady contractors? Their phones are often answered by vague, unhelpful greetings like, “Hello, who’s this?” or worse, by a call center representative who barely knows what the company does.
Pro tip: A real company introduces itself confidently. If you have to ask whether you’ve reached the right place, hang up.
4. Call Centers Outside the U.S.
Many shady contractors outsource their calls to overseas call centers. While there’s nothing wrong with outsourcing in general, these reps often have no clue about your project or even the company they’re answering for. It’s a recipe for frustration.
How to spot it: Ask a few detailed questions. If the person on the line is flipping through scripts or deflecting with vague answers, you’re not talking to the real team.
5. Deceptive Ads
Shady contractors love ads that overpromise and underdeliver. They might claim to be “top-rated” or “voted #1,” but when you dig deeper, there’s no proof. No customer reviews, no awards, just empty claims designed to lure you in.
What to do: Look for third-party reviews on sites like Google or Yelp. Are their claims backed by real customer experiences, or is it all fluff?
6. Keyword Stuffing in Their Website
Their websites might look fine at first glance, but read a little closer. Do the sentences sound like a robot wrote them? Are they crammed with repetitive phrases like “best low voltage contractor Florida Melbourne network cabling cheap low voltage install”? That’s keyword stuffing, a desperate attempt to trick search engines.
How to check: Trust your gut. If the website feels off or hard to read, it’s probably not a company you want to trust.
Why These Contractors Are a Danger to Your Business
- Non-Compliance with Safety Standards:
They ignore state-mandated codes and regulations, leaving you with systems that are unsafe and prone to failure. - No Accountability:
When something goes wrong—and it will—you’ll have no recourse. Good luck chasing a contractor with no address or license. - Subpar Workmanship:
You might save a few bucks upfront, but their poorly installed systems will cost you more in repairs, downtime, and replacements. - Risk of Data and Security Breaches:
Improperly installed network cabling or access controls can expose your business to cyberattacks or physical breaches. - No Insurance Coverage:
Most unlicensed contractors don’t carry liability insurance. If their negligence causes damage, guess who’s footing the bill? (Hint: it’s not them.)
How to Spot a Reliable Contractor
- Physical Address: Look for a verifiable office location, like ours at 739 North Drive, Coastal Technology Center, Suite A, Melbourne, FL 32934.
- License Number: Trust only licensed professionals. GETDSI proudly holds a Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Number: ES12001896.
- Professional Phone Greeting: We don’t outsource calls or make you guess if you’ve reached the right company.
- Transparent Advertising: Our claims are backed by real reviews, and we don’t play keyword games.
Why Choose GETDSI?
At GETDSI (Digital Systems Integration, Inc.), we’ve built our reputation on trust, quality, and compliance. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Licensed and Insured: Our work meets Florida’s rigorous standards, ensuring safety and reliability.
- Local and Accessible: Located right in Melbourne, FL, we’re always here when you need us.
- Expert Team: From structured cabling to advanced security systems, we deliver precision and professionalism on every project.
- Clear Communication: When you call us, you’re speaking to professionals who know the business—not an overseas call center.
Don’t gamble on shady contractors who cut corners and disappear when things go wrong. Choose a partner you can trust to protect your business and get the job done right.
🔗 Learn more about our services and see the GETDSI difference.
GETDSI—Reliable. Licensed. Local.
When it comes to low voltage contractors, you deserve better than vague promises and shady practices. Get real results with a real company.
