How to Budget for Your Business Security System
business owner with employee smiling and reviewing paperwork
Business Security

How to Budget for Your Business Security System

By Ring on September 14, 2023

You’ve invested countless late nights, early mornings, and weekends into building your business. Now, it’s time to invest in your company’s future with a security system. While that investment may involve a few upfront costs and new monthly fees, the extra expense is more than worth the peace of mind it brings.

Here’s how to determine the investment needed to improve your company’s security — and the different options you can get for your budget.

How Much Does a Business Security System Cost?

Your business security system investment will depend on several factors, including:

  • The size of your building and number of entry points: Retail businesses or restaurants in a small storefront may only need a few sensors to protect entrances, windows, and offices. You'll need more sensors to safeguard the building if you run a large warehouse with several doors, restricted areas, and a loading dock.
  • The complexity of your security system: Businesses with significant foot traffic, like retail shops, may need more security cameras to monitor common areas than offices that aren’t open to the public.
  • The add-ons you choose: If you want to include environmental monitoring in your security system, such as leaking water, smoke, or freezing temperatures, you can purchase additional sensors. You can also add security lighting, panic buttons, and other optional products to enhance your strategy.
  • Your installation and monitoring needs: Business owners who enjoy a simple DIY project can install their own security system components, but you also have the option to pay a little extra for professional installation. You can also enroll in a security subscription to get professional monitoring, video sharing, and other perks for a monthly or yearly fee. Doing it yourself is free but requires a significant time commitment — and you might miss a notification if you’re preoccupied.
  • Costs to Include in Your Security System Budget

    To determine the exact investment you’ll be making, you need to factor in each product, service, and subscription you plan to buy. These are the different components to include in your budget.

    Alarm System and Video Cameras

    Your Ring Alarm system will contain four products: a Base Station, Keypad, Motion Detectors, and Contact Sensors. You’ll need one Contact Sensor for each first-floor door and window and enough Motion Detectors to cover hallways, restricted areas, and any other place you want to monitor. You can start with an Alarm Kit, but you’ll likely need to buy additional sensors — and the more you need, the more your initial investment will be.

    Security cameras aren’t included in your kit, but they add an extra level of visibility you can’t get with sensors alone. Depending on the type of business you run, you may want several Indoor cameras to capture footage of registers, receptionist desks, and merchandise displays. Outdoor cameras help monitor exterior doors, parking lots, loading docks, patios, and pathways. The cost will depend on how many you need and your desired features, like motion-activated lighting, 3D Motion Detection, and crisp Two-Way Talk.

    If you’re unsure how many sensors and cameras you need to achieve your security goals, a Ring Security Specialist can help here. With a little information about you and your business, our team can offer expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

    Installation

    With a lengthy to-do list, you may not have time to install your sensors and cameras. While you focus on inventory or presenting a proposal, a professional can tackle installation for a fee. There is a fixed cost for each product you need installed, and your technician can quote additional work during their visit.

    24/7 Monitoring

    virtual security guard looking at footage

    Monitoring your security system is a significant undertaking — on top of your job as a business owner. With professional monitoring, you can focus on day-to-day operations while trained agents monitor your Alarm notifications. The company will attempt to call you and other emergency contacts when the Alarm gets triggered and send an emergency response if no one answers or someone requests help.

    24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring for Ring Alarm is available with your Ring Protect Pro subscription, which costs $20 a month or $200 a year for each business location. 1 2

    Can’t decide between self-monitoring or bringing in a professional for your business? Learn why you should go the professional route.
    Discover the Benefits

    Cloud Video Storage

    If you want easy access to your security footage via the cloud, plus the ability to quickly download and share that footage, consider a subscription plan that includes cloud storage. A Ring Protect subscription lets you view and download clips from the past 180 days,3 so you can access critical information for police reports, insurance claims, or customer complaints.

    If you subscribe to Ring Protect Pro for 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring, you don’t have to pay anything additional for cloud storage — it’s included in your monthly or yearly fee.2

    Upgrades

    While a security kit and cameras offer a layer of protection in and around your business, you can also invest in some upgrades to take security to the next level. Your options include:

  • Video Doorbell: This simple security addition allows you to respond to visitors remotely, track package deliveries, monitor your building’s entrance, and even use Two-Way Talk to help deter uninvited guests.
  • Panic Button: With a 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring subscription, you and your employees can use this button to request emergency assistance with one click.2
  • Flood & Freeze Sensor: This environmental sensor triggers your Alarm when it detects running water or temperatures below 40 degrees, so you can potentially prevent costly leaks. You can also include this sensor in professional monitoring at no additional cost.2
  • Glass Break Sensor: This helpful extra detects the sound of broken glass and triggers your Alarm. Your professional monitoring company will also receive a notification if you’re enrolled.2
  • Smart Lock: When you trade your traditional deadbolt for a smart alternative, you can limit access to your business with a code. You can also integrate select locks with your Ring Alarm and a Ring Protect Pro subscription, which allows you to remotely unlock the door from your Ring App after someone rings your Video Doorbell.1
  • Wifi Router With Built-In Cybersecurity: Keeping your network secure is just as important as protecting your building — and with an Alarm Pro Base Station, you can get built-in cybersecurity. This Alarm hub doubles as a wifi router and adds automatic protection to your network.4
  • Security Lighting: Motion-activated lighting turns on when someone walks by, providing a well-lit path for employees or a warning for intruders. With a Ring Bridge, you can link your lights and cameras to ensure you get footage when a light detects motion.
  • Virtual Security Guard: For an extra $99 each month, trained agents can monitor your Alarm and camera feeds and use Two-Way Talk to try and deter suspicious activity in real time.5 6
  • If you don’t have room in the budget right now for all the upgrades you want, your Ring system enables you to add additional sensors and cameras anytime. That means you can take as long as you need to build up your system without limiting your company’s cash flow.

    Ring for Business Has Options for Every Budget

    No matter what type of small business you own, keeping up with expenses while investing in growth can be challenging. At Ring, we understand that you don’t have an unlimited budget for security — which is why we offer customizable security solutions that scale with your business. Whether you want to start with an Alarm Kit or go all-in on upgrades now, we have affordable options for any business owner. Plus, you can get several helpful extras, like video storage and sharing, professional monitoring, and 24/7 backup internet with one Ring Protect Pro subscription.1

    Need help deciding which Ring for Business products to add to your business? Speak with a specialist now to find the best options for your budget.


    1 Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.

    2  A compatible Ring Protect subscription is required to enroll in the Ring Alarm professional monitoring service. Professional monitoring service is available only within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its own professional monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for a business or commercially zoned address. See Ring alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional permit or false alarm fees may apply depending on your local jurisdiction. Additional charges may apply in areas that require permits or guard response service for alarm verification.

    3  Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.

    4  Advanced online security features are available to US customers with eero Secure, which is included with a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

    5 Virtual Security Guard is an add-on service that requires the following (each sold separately): subscription fee per enrolled location plus a compatible Ring Protect plan, Ring Alarm system, enrollment in Ring Alarm professional monitoring, and an eligible device. Rapid Response is the seller and provides the service and agents monitoring person detected motion events. Learn more.

    6 Virtual Security Guard does not support Two-Way Talk for ONVIF-compatible cameras.

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    Have a Story?

    If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.

    Business Security

    How to Budget for Your Business Security System

    By Ring on September 8, 2023

    You’ve invested countless late nights, early mornings, and weekends into building your business. Now, it’s time to invest in your company’s future with a security system. While that investment may involve a few upfront costs and new monthly fees, the extra expense is more than worth the peace of mind it brings.

    Here’s how to determine the investment needed to improve your company’s security — and the different options you can get for your budget.

    How Much Does a Business Security System Cost?

    Your business security system investment will depend on several factors, including:

  • The size of your building and number of entry points: Retail businesses or restaurants in a small storefront may only need a few sensors to protect entrances, windows, and offices. You'll need more sensors to safeguard the building if you run a large warehouse with several doors, restricted areas, and a loading dock.
  • The complexity of your security system: Businesses with significant foot traffic, like retail shops, may need more security cameras to monitor common areas than offices that aren’t open to the public.
  • The add-ons you choose: If you want to include environmental monitoring in your security system, such as leaking water, smoke, or freezing temperatures, you can purchase additional sensors. You can also add security lighting, panic buttons, and other optional products to enhance your strategy.
  • Your installation and monitoring needs: Business owners who enjoy a simple DIY project can install their own security system components, but you also have the option to pay a little extra for professional installation. You can also enroll in a security subscription to get professional monitoring, video sharing, and other perks for a monthly or yearly fee. Doing it yourself is free but requires a significant time commitment — and you might miss a notification if you’re preoccupied.
  • Costs to Include in Your Security System Budget

    To determine the exact investment you’ll be making, you need to factor in each product, service, and subscription you plan to buy. These are the different components to include in your budget.

    Alarm System and Video Cameras

    Your Ring Alarm system will contain four products: a Base Station, Keypad, Motion Detectors, and Contact Sensors. You’ll need one Contact Sensor for each first-floor door and window and enough Motion Detectors to cover hallways, restricted areas, and any other place you want to monitor. You can start with an Alarm Kit, but you’ll likely need to buy additional sensors — and the more you need, the more your initial investment will be.

    Security cameras aren’t included in your kit, but they add an extra level of visibility you can’t get with sensors alone. Depending on the type of business you run, you may want several Indoor cameras to capture footage of registers, receptionist desks, and merchandise displays. Outdoor cameras help monitor exterior doors, parking lots, loading docks, patios, and pathways. The cost will depend on how many you need and your desired features, like motion-activated lighting, 3D Motion Detection, and crisp Two-Way Talk.

    If you’re unsure how many sensors and cameras you need to achieve your security goals, a Ring Security Specialist can help here. With a little information about you and your business, our team can offer expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

    Installation

    With a lengthy to-do list, you may not have time to install your sensors and cameras. While you focus on inventory or presenting a proposal, a professional can tackle installation for a fee. There is a fixed cost for each product you need installed, and your technician can quote additional work during their visit.

    24/7 Monitoring

    Monitoring your security system is a significant undertaking — on top of your job as a business owner. With professional monitoring, you can focus on day-to-day operations while trained agents monitor your Alarm notifications. The company will attempt to call you and other emergency contacts when the Alarm gets triggered and send an emergency response if no one answers or someone requests help.

    24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring for Ring Alarm is available with your Ring Protect Pro subscription, which costs $20 a month or $200 a year for each business location. 1 2

    Can’t decide between self-monitoring or bringing in a professional for your business? Learn why you should go the professional route.
    Discover the Benefits

    Cloud Video Storage

    If you want easy access to your security footage via the cloud, plus the ability to quickly download and share that footage, consider a subscription plan that includes cloud storage. A Ring Protect subscription lets you view and download clips from the past 180 days,3 so you can access critical information for police reports, insurance claims, or customer complaints.

    If you subscribe to Ring Protect Pro for 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring, you don’t have to pay anything additional for cloud storage — it’s included in your monthly or yearly fee.2

    Upgrades

    While a security kit and cameras offer a layer of protection in and around your business, you can also invest in some upgrades to take security to the next level. Your options include:

  • Video Doorbell: This simple security addition allows you to respond to visitors remotely, track package deliveries, monitor your building’s entrance, and even use Two-Way Talk to help deter uninvited guests.
  • Panic Button: With a 24/7 Alarm Professional Monitoring subscription, you and your employees can use this button to request emergency assistance with one click.2
  • Flood & Freeze Sensor: This environmental sensor triggers your Alarm when it detects running water or temperatures below 40 degrees, so you can potentially prevent costly leaks. You can also include this sensor in professional monitoring at no additional cost.2
  • Glass Break Sensor: This helpful extra detects the sound of broken glass and triggers your Alarm. Your professional monitoring company will also receive a notification if you’re enrolled.2
  • Smart Lock: When you trade your traditional deadbolt for a smart alternative, you can limit access to your business with a code. You can also integrate select locks with your Ring Alarm and a Ring Protect Pro subscription, which allows you to remotely unlock the door from your Ring App after someone rings your Video Doorbell.1
  • Wifi Router With Built-In Cybersecurity: Keeping your network secure is just as important as protecting your building — and with an Alarm Pro Base Station, you can get built-in cybersecurity. This Alarm hub doubles as a wifi router and adds automatic protection to your network.4
  • Security Lighting: Motion-activated lighting turns on when someone walks by, providing a well-lit path for employees or a warning for intruders. With a Ring Bridge, you can link your lights and cameras to ensure you get footage when a light detects motion.
  • Virtual Security Guard: For an extra $99 each month, trained agents can monitor your Alarm and camera feeds and use Two-Way Talk to try and deter suspicious activity in real time.5 6
  • If you don’t have room in the budget right now for all the upgrades you want, your Ring system enables you to add additional sensors and cameras anytime. That means you can take as long as you need to build up your system without limiting your company’s cash flow.

    Ring for Business Has Options for Every Budget

    No matter what type of small business you own, keeping up with expenses while investing in growth can be challenging. At Ring, we understand that you don’t have an unlimited budget for security — which is why we offer customizable security solutions that scale with your business. Whether you want to start with an Alarm Kit or go all-in on upgrades now, we have affordable options for any business owner. Plus, you can get several helpful extras, like video storage and sharing, professional monitoring, and 24/7 backup internet with one Ring Protect Pro subscription.1

    Need help deciding which Ring for Business products to add to your business? Speak with a specialist now to find the best options for your budget.


    1 Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.

    2  A compatible Ring Protect subscription is required to enroll in the Ring Alarm professional monitoring service. Professional monitoring service is available only within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its own professional monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for a business or commercially zoned address. See Ring alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional permit or false alarm fees may apply depending on your local jurisdiction. Additional charges may apply in areas that require permits or guard response service for alarm verification.

    3  Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.

    4  Advanced online security features are available to US customers with eero Secure, which is included with a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

    5 Virtual Security Guard is an add-on service that requires the following (each sold separately): subscription fee per enrolled location plus a compatible Ring Protect plan, Ring Alarm system, enrollment in Ring Alarm professional monitoring, and an eligible device. Rapid Response is the seller and provides the service and agents monitoring person detected motion events. Learn more.

    6 Virtual Security Guard does not support Two-Way Talk for ONVIF-compatible cameras.

    Ring icon
    Contact Info
    Have a Story?

    If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.