Eight red flags in a CCTV quotation.

Two CCTV quotes for the same building can differ by half. The cheaper one is not always the better value. These signs help you tell the difference.

1. No site survey. A quote written from a phone call cannot know the cable routes, heights, lighting or glare.
2. Camera count with no purpose. Each camera should have a stated job: detect, recognise, identify.
3. “HD cameras” with no model or resolution. Ask for make, model, sensor, lens and low-light behaviour.
4. No storage calculation. Retention in days depends on resolution, frame rate, compression and activity. A quote without the sums will under-deliver.
5. Cabling and power vaguely included. Cable type, conduit, PoE switches and UPS should be itemised.
6. No mention of network design. Cameras on the office network create risk and congestion.
7. No cyber basics. Default passwords, open ports and unpatched recorders are common attack paths.
8. Nothing about handover and support. Look for documentation, training, warranty terms and a maintenance option.

What a good quote includes

A site survey summary, a camera schedule with purposes, a floor plan, storage sizing, network and power design, acceptance tests, a handover pack and clear support terms.

A quick test

Ask the vendor to explain why a camera is at a given spot and what it will show. If the answer is specific, you are probably talking to someone who understands the site.