Granted, there are people who posses the know-how on installing their own alarm systems. Unfortunately, these are few and far between, which is why I recommend having a professional install it. Likewise, I know of a lot of seriously unqualified installers and shops, and make quite a chunk of change fixing their screw-ups.
CNZ, I apologize for coming down on you, but in general, I do not think that your advice is prudent. Having a professional install the alarm shifts the burden of proof and performance from you (the apparently unqualified, from a theoretica legal standpoint, as you do not do this for a living, nor are likely to be certified), to someone who was supposed to know how to do this. You've got someone to go after, and as a consumer, are no longer likely to be blamed.
In regards to price scheming, I don't mean to be sarcastic, but there is no great conspiracy with vendors and retailers controlling prices. Think about it. Even if I could control the market price, I cannot control who you buy product from, meaning that there is no incentive for me to stick to any pricing index, as such would not likely influence your decision. If everyone's price was teh same, there is incentive for you to come to me rather than someone else. It is not in my interest to be priced like everyone else. This does make sense, right??
Since this only applies to over the counter sales, what I can offer, besides a low price, is professional advice, Installation and geniune merchandise that really does come with a warranty.
NETZ, it's not MCEP, but MECP "Mobile Electronics Certification Program", it's a common mistake. It is merely a certificate of theoretical knowledge, not proof of ability in regards to your installation prowess. For example, a fully paralyzed individual could study for the exam, pass, and yet never be able to do an install. I agree 100% that some of the worst installs I've ever seen were from supposedly certified installers.
The tracking system is not failsafe, I never stated that it was. It is merely the best available system I have come across. The only failsafe product is their Kill switch, for reasons that I have already explained. Realistically, you can only make your car a more difficult target, not an impossible one.
The DEI payout is real, most customers that have filed for claims have been cut a check for their deductible. The only one's that have had problems, were customers that requested to have Active instead of Passive arming on their DEI alarms, meaning that the alarm would not self-arm. Again, here we have a case where the burden of proof is shifted to the consumer, rather than the retailer/installer.
If you disagree, or find that I am not truthful, please feel free to correct me, as I'm not trying to be a smartass, but merely help in the decision making for those looking to upgrade their alarm.
Again, I apologize if anyone has taken this the wrong way, or if I have offended any of you.