This is my personal story of how I got started in the security camera installation business.
I’m not going to spend too much time discussing business plans or repeating the usual advice you’ll find in similar articles. Many of them talk about things like identifying your target market, getting business permits, and building infrastructure, but never actually show you how to get started. Instead, I’ll share how I started my own business with almost $0 in capital.
About Me
First, let me introduce myself.
My name is Muhammad Jamil, and I run a security camera installation business in my local area of Jambi, Indonesia. I studied basic information technology at a private university, and during my college years, I took on various side jobs whenever I could, from selling newspapers to working as a technical support staff member at a small company.
Since I enjoy writing, I started a blog called cctvmanuals.com, where I share security camera guides based on my own hands-on experience.
How I Got Started in the Security Camera Installation Business
After working as a technical support staff member for nearly two years, I quietly started my own security camera installation business in 2016. My job gave me plenty of free time, so I decided to put those extra hours to good use and start building my business on the side.
Looking back, I think I was pretty lucky. Even while working at the company, I was able to start building my own security camera installation business on the side.
Eventually, in 2020, I decided to quit my job because the company’s vision and mission no longer aligned with what I wanted. After leaving, I chose to focus on growing my security camera installation business, which I had already started as a side hustle.
How I Got My First Customer With Almost $0 in Startup Capital
I started building my security camera installation business in 2016.
Since I already knew how to install security cameras, I didn’t need to start from scratch or spend time learning the entire installation process. This gave me the confidence to start my own security camera installation business. I also knew where to find affordable security camera equipment that I could resell to my customers at a profit.
I got my first customer through a free ad I posted on Facebook.
I posted a brochure on Facebook listing my security camera installation packages and their prices, with options for 2, 4, 8, 16, and even 32 cameras. A few days later, I received a call from someone who wanted security cameras installed at their shop. Eventually, I landed my very first security camera installation job, which involved installing eight cameras. To avoid spending my own money on equipment, I asked the customer for a 60% deposit upfront based on the total package price. This allowed me to purchase the necessary equipment without having to use my own capital.
I used that down payment to purchase security camera equipment, including:
- An 8-Channel Hikvision DVR
- 8 Hikvision 2 MP Analog Cameras
- 1TB Hard Drive
- Power Supply
- RG6 Cable
- I also needed other installation materials, such as cable clips, DC connectors, BNC connectors and other essential supplies.
The deposit alone was enough to cover all the security cameras, equipment, and materials I needed, so I didn’t have to spend any of my own money. Since I was buying from a supplier I already knew, I was also able to pay just half of the total purchase cost upfront.
How Much I Earned From My First Security Camera Installation Job?
I made a profit of nearly 40% with almost no money invested upfront.
You might be wondering: security camera installation requires tools like ladders, power drills, hand drills, hammers, and other equipment. So, where did I get all those tools? Didn’t I have to buy them myself? After all, purchasing equipment like this would require some startup capital.
You’re right—installing security cameras does require the right tools.
When I first started my security camera installation business, I was still working for a company. As part of the technical support team, we were provided with work equipment such as ladders, hammers, and other tools. I used these tools to install security cameras at customers’ homes, but only after getting permission from my supervisor. I made sure to do the installations on my days off, which were usually Sundays.
I used the profit from that job to invest in my own ladder and drill, two of the most essential tools for security camera installation.
So, I only used the company’s tools for my own installation job once.
Tips for Becoming a Security Camera Installation Technician
Start taking action today!
If you already have a basic background in electronics, you may have what it takes to become a security camera technician and start your own business. Some technicians prefer working for someone else rather than running their own business. But the question is, how long will an employer keep you on? As you get into your 40s and beyond, physical stamina can start to decline, making some jobs more challenging. In some cases, this could even affect your job security.
If you have the skills, why not start your own business and eventually open a security camera equipment shop? Building your own business today could help you achieve greater financial freedom in the future, so you won’t have to work as hard when you get older.
I’ve also proven that you can start a security camera installation business with almost $0 in startup capital.
Use High-Quality Security Camera Products to Offer to Customers
If you’re just starting out in the security camera installation business, stick with reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Avoid low-cost cameras like V380 Pro and generic alternatives such as Cam720, iCSee, and Eyesec, as product quality can vary and may lead to problems down the road.
This is one way to avoid customer complaints down the road.
As a security camera installer, customers judge you not only by the quality of your installation but also by how reliable the products you sell are. I once installed a V380 Pro camera, and it started having problems after just one week. When you sell customers poor-quality products, it can damage their trust in you and hurt your reputation as a technician.
These are the security camera brands I offered to my customers when I first started my installation business.
- Hikvision
- Dahua
- EZVIZ
- HiLook
- IMOU
- Holowits
- Tiandy
If the brands mentioned above aren’t available in your area, you can choose other reputable security camera brands that are easy to find locally. For example, if you’re in the US, where Hikvision and Dahua face certain restrictions, you could consider alternatives such as Avigilon, Honeywell, TP-Link, Arlo, Reolink, Verkada, AXIS, and Hanwha.
Conclusion
When I first started my security camera installation business, I didn’t pay much attention to market research or business permits.
What I noticed back then was that there were already security camera shops in my area. I figured that if there were shops selling security cameras, there must be a market for them. And I was right. Since I started my installation business in 2016, one of the security camera shops I used to buy equipment from has continued to operate. In fact, more and more security camera shops have opened in my area, and the number of installers has grown as well. Some technicians who previously specialized in air conditioning and electrical work have even started offering security camera installation services.
I hope my story inspires those of you who are just starting out in the security camera installation business.