Pro Installer April 2020 - Issue 85 | Page 20

20 | APRIL 2020 Installer Support Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN ERA’S INSTALLER SCHEME Only a year after its launch, the Installer Scheme, from ERA, the UK’s leading home security expert is proving exceptionally popular, and not just with locksmiths. With ever-growing demand for reliable people to fit tradition- al security products and smart- ware, the importance of installers is clear and ERA is committed to a meaningful business relation- ship to support their work. The ERA Installer Scheme has been a huge success, not only with locksmiths but also with builders, electricians and door/window installers. So, what is the ERA Installer Scheme? Put simply, the ERA Installer Scheme allows locksmiths, securi- ty specialists and other installers to be part of a well-publicised and properly supported scheme that provides free training on the full features and benefits of ERA smartware products, including in- stallation and correct set up with a customer. Not only that, ERA provides Installer Scheme members with marketing materials such as uniforms, van livery and station- ery; exclusive special offers and ‘first look’ priority for brand new product lines; beta testing op- portunities when they arise and finally those all-important high quality leads for homeowners looking for the best installers that sell and set up the best security products to protect their proper- ty, keeping their families safe and sound, via ‘Find an Installer’. Tania Tams, Head of Market- ing at ERA said, ‘We’re putting the ‘middle-man’ back in, which we feel is the best way for many installers to move forwards with their business, especially smaller outfits and one-man-bands. When a homeowner wants an ERA product, ERA will match them up to an installer in their area. The installer, who will be fully trained in the product, can price up the job as normal – ERA acts as the matchmaker. ‘We have invested heavily in the promotion of the Installer Scheme, both locally and nation- ally, so as well as leads from the ‘top down’ in the form of installer support helplines, marketing materials, product training and promotions, our installers will also be getting crucial grass roots contacts as we match home and business owners with local installers.’ Who can join? Designed to be fully inclusive, ERA’s new Installer Scheme is open to installers of traditional security products, smartware or indeed both. In order to join, installers must produce their DBS certification, li- ability insurance documents (cov- ered for £2 million) and complete a registration form agreeing to our terms and code of conduct. Don’t be scared of the DBS check! Tania explained, ‘We need to ensure that the installers that we are recommending to homeown- ers demonstrate a professional and responsible code of conduct at all times. We are proud of ERA’s reputation and want to make sure that our representa- tives reflect our values. ‘As such, we require our Install- er Scheme members to under- take a DBS check, which can be organised simply online at the addresses below:- For working in people’s homes, a standard DBS certifi- cate is acceptable, which can be obtained here – www.gov.uk/ request-copy-criminal-record For those working within public buildings such as schools or care homes where there are vulnerable people, an enhanced DBS certificate is required, which can be obtained via the following link – www.gov.uk/find-dbs-um- brella-body It helps give peace of mind to everyone – ERA, our installers and our valuable customers.’ DBS check explained The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks. Vulnerable groups of people need to be protected and DBS checks assist in ensuring that the most suitable people are appoint- ed to roles working with these groups – since installers will be going into customers’ homes, the check becomes an important safeguard. The cost for a DBS check ranges from £23 to £40 and prices can be reviewed here – www.gov. uk/government/news/fee-changes- for-dbs-checks . The application is checked and processed within 24 hours with certificates taking approximately 10 days – they are issued by either The Disclosure & Barring Service England & Wales or Disclosure Scotland, depending on the location of the applicant. only purchase via ‘ the correct DBS government site ’ Beware of sites selling DBS certificates and stay with Gov.uk Many people google search for a DBS certificate and land on websites which are not genuine DBS sites. Certificates are more expensive, charging between £70 and £100 as they add on their own fees. Their certificates usually state at the top – THIS IS NOT A DBS CERTIFICATE. Unfortunate- ly, we are unable to accept these types of certificates, so PLEASE be aware and only purchase via the correct DBS government site. What are the benefits of joining? ERA’s Installer Scheme offers a host of benefits for those joining. Once signed up via the website – www.erahomesecurity.com – members receive an initial start up package which includes, ERA Installer Van Decals in a choice of traditional or intruder alarm or Smartware branding, ERA Installer branded clipboard, pens, beanie hat and freepost feed- back forms, that can be left with customers to encourage them to leave feedback. (They will also be asked to leave feedback by email as well). Once the installer has received 5 ratings of 5 stars or above, which have been verified, the installer will receive a complete uniform package which can be ERA Installer or Dual branded worth £140, which includes polo shirts, sweatshirt, jacket and hat, available in black or navy with either the ERA logo or their own logo. Increased profits from satisfied customers Head of Marketing at ERA, Tania Tams said, ‘The scheme is a huge investment from ERA and demonstrates our commit- ment to supporting tradespeople and building a robust installer network. The scheme works to provide installers with not only marketing support, such as van decals, advertising and special offers. ‘Installers don’t have to wor- ry about giving up their own identity when they join the ERA Installer Scheme – it’s all about partnership. The scheme has been designed to help installers improve their own individual brands by being associated with ERA. For example, when it comes to their profile page, the installer has full control over what infor- mation the customer reads about them and includes their company logo, any associated icons, back- ground on their business plus full contact details. ‘Installers can select the radius in which they want to work so will never be asked to go outside of their ‘normal’ working range. This is significant for two reasons – one, it means lower van mile- age and two, it helps to boost an installer’s reputation in the local area – something that ERA is very keen to help develop via the Installer Scheme. ‘Adding to this investment, ERA also intends to heavily promote the scheme to householders who are demanding high quality tradespeople to help with the perceived complexities of fitting ever more sophisticated security products. Often security is seen as a specialist job and therefore homeowners look to security