Choosing a security agency is often narrowed down to an hourly rate. This is important, but without checking insurance, substitutability, qualification of people and reporting, a low price can mean a weak operation. Here are five signs it makes sense to check before signing a contract.
1. Price below the cost limit
Security is a labor-intensive service. If the agency offers you a rate of 130 CZK/hour and at the same time claims that the guard will be paid decently, it is a good idea to ask for a detailed explanation. It may be about undervalued contributions, a missing reserve for substitutability or a non-standard form of employment.
2. "We have insurance" but they won't show the certificate
An agency may say it is insured, but what does the policy cover and up to what limit? A liability policy may exclude theft-related damage or damage to property being guarded.
Want to see the policy and check the coverage limit. For bigger ones logistics premises the limit should correspond to the value of the protected operations and possible damages.
3. High staff turnover
If there's a different person sitting at your gate every week, that's a problem. The guard needs time to get to know the premises, the staff and the routine. That's when he notices that there is "something different". Constantly changing people means constant training and holes in security.
4. No control system
Confidence in one's own people is important, but in the security service it must be complemented by control and reporting. A serious agency uses:
- Electronic patrol systems (Active Guard, EGS), which record the movement of the guard in real time.
- Spot checks by an operations supervisor, including at night.
- Regular reporting to the client.
5. They promise a different type of service than they actually deliver
In the menu, the service may look different from how it then works on site. The physical fitness, communication, technical literacy and experience of the people must match the type of service. For construction you need a different profile than on reception or to the administrative building.
Choosing an agency is a partnership. Look for a company that talks openly with you about guard wages, risks and what you're actually getting for your money.
Also read about comparison of physical security and camera systemsto know which combination to choose.
How to compare two quotes side by side
If you have two offers on the table with different prices, don't just compare the rate. Create a simple spreadsheet: number of people, number of hours, allowances, substitutability, responsible person, insurance, reporting, equipment and performance review method. Only then can it be seen whether it is really the same scope of service.
For long-term facility security, also ask about onboarding documentation, training for a specific location, transfer of shifts and rules for changes in operation. For a one-off event, again for briefing, division of roles, shift commander and communication with the organizer. The same rate may mean different real service in each of these modes.
What to ask for in writing
- Scope of Service: where the worker stands, what he checks and what no longer belongs to the service.
- Cover for absences: how to deal with illness, delays or sudden stoppage of shift.
- Reporting: how often the client receives the record and in what form.
- Incidents: who decides on escalation and to whom the situation is reported.
- Information protection: how to work with cameras, records, keys, codes and operations data.
How to verify a security agency's references
A list of logos or a general recommendation does not by itself show how the agency actually managed the service. Ask for two or three references similar to your brief in terms of the type of operation, shift coverage or required level of responsibility. For each one, ask the agency to explain exactly what service it provided and during what period.
- Confirm consent to be contacted: if the reference client agrees, ask for the name and business contact details of the person who was responsible for the service.
- Ask about service delivery: ask about mobilisation, cover for absences, communication during incidents, reporting quality and the handling of operational changes.
- Compare the briefs: a reference from a small reception assignment is not automatically proof that the supplier can manage a continuously operated logistics site or a large-scale event.
- Request a sample deliverable: an anonymised sample shift report, patrol log or mobilisation plan reveals more than general praise.
- Verify the basic details: check that the company, licence and insurance stated in the proposal match the legal entity that will actually deliver the service.
If direct contact is not possible for confidentiality reasons, ask at least for an anonymised description of the service scope and how performance was evaluated. The important thing is to distinguish verifiable experience from a marketing claim and not assess a supplier solely by a well-known name in its presentation.
When to ask for a supplementary meeting
If proposals differ significantly, arrange a short meeting or site visit. Ask the supplier to explain the proposed staffing, patrols and risks. Clarify any unexplained shifts or duties before comparing prices.
A short meeting can cover entrances, risk areas, busy periods, responsible contacts and reporting. Use this information to assess whether the proposal matches your operations.
If after these questions the supplier refines the offer, it is a good sign. The security service should be based on specific operations, not on a universal template. After the negotiation, the client should know exactly what he is buying, who will lead the service and how to know that the agreed regime really works. It is this clarity that is often more important than the lowest number on the table and helps avoid disputes later.
