By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Cheap quotes hide costs
CCTV quotes in Bangalore can differ by a large margin for what looks like the same number of cameras. The difference is usually in what is not written: camera quality, cable type, hard disk size, how neatly cables are run, whether passwords are secured, and what happens when something stops working. Asking the right questions makes quotes comparable and protects you from surprises.
About the plan and products
- Will you visit the site before quoting?
- Which exact camera, NVR, hard disk and switch models are you quoting?
- Are these IP camera models certified for sale in India?
- What will each camera see, and will it identify faces at the entrance?
- How will cameras perform at night at our site?
About installation quality
- What cable will you use — pure copper Cat6 or copper-clad aluminium?
- How will cables be routed and protected — conduit, casing, trays?
- Will outdoor connections be weatherproofed and surge protected?
- Where will the NVR go, and will it have a UPS?
- Who are the technicians — your own staff or subcontractors?
About recording and access
- How many days of recording will the quoted hard disk give at our settings?
- Will you set unique strong passwords and give us the admin credentials?
- Will you update firmware before handover?
- Will remote viewing work without opening ports on our router?
- Who else will have access to our system after installation?
About warranty, support and AMC
| Ask | Good answer |
|---|---|
| Product warranty | Stated per item in years, through the brand in India |
| Workmanship warranty | A period for installation faults, in writing |
| Response time | A clear time to visit after a complaint |
| Who handles warranty claims | The installer collects and replaces, not leaving you to deal with the brand |
| AMC after warranty | A written scope with visits and response times |
About the company
- How long have you been installing CCTV in Bangalore, and can we see similar installations?
- Do you hold authorised dealer or partner status with the brands you quote?
- Do you have an office and stock locally for quick replacements?
- Can you also handle networking, power backup and access control, or will we need other vendors?
About handover
- Will you train us on viewing, playback and exporting footage?
- Will we get a document with camera list, IP addresses and settings?
- Will the app be set up on our phones with separate user logins?
Comparing two quotes fairly
Put the quotes side by side and line up each item: camera model and resolution, lens size, NVR channels and AI features, hard disk size and retention days, cable type and length, switch, UPS, surge protection, signage and labour. A quote that seems expensive often includes a bigger disk, better cable and surge protection that the cheaper one leaves out. Ask each installer to fill any gaps before you decide.
Red flags
- A price per camera with no model numbers.
- No site visit for anything larger than a flat.
- Cash only, no GST invoice.
- Refusal to share admin passwords with the owner.
- Port forwarding as the only way to view remotely.
- Pressure to sign immediately to get a “special price”.
What we commit to
SightShield quotes exact models, uses pure copper Cat6, secures every system before handover, gives you the admin credentials, and provides a GST invoice, written warranty terms and AMC options.
Our CCTV installation service →Quick answers
How do I choose a good CCTV installer?+
Look for a site survey, exact models in the quote, quality cabling, secure setup, clear warranty and local support.
Why are some CCTV quotes so cheap?+
Often cheaper cable, smaller hard disks, unbranded parts, no surge protection or no after-sales support.
Should I get the admin password?+
Yes. The owner should hold the admin credentials.
Is copper-clad cable bad for CCTV?+
Copper-clad aluminium cable has higher resistance and is less reliable for PoE over long runs; pure copper Cat6 is preferred.
Should the installer give a GST invoice?+
Yes. It is needed for warranty claims, insurance and business accounts.