It’s often said that experience is the best teacher — but when you’re trying to grow a security or wireless integration business, learning from other people’s experience is even better.
We asked some of the UK’s most successful wireless and biometric integrators a simple but revealing question:
“If you could go back and start your business again, what would you do differently?”
Their answers were honest, surprising, and — above all — valuable for anyone looking to avoid common pitfalls and build smarter from the start.
Here’s what they told us.
Stop Trying to Be Everything to Everyone
Most integrators start off saying yes to every project. Offices, warehouses, small shops, friends of friends. Anything that pays.
But almost every partner said they wish they’d specialised sooner.
“We didn’t realise how much stronger our pitch would be if we focused on transport infrastructure. Once we niched, we started winning better projects.”
Lesson: Find your niche early. It makes your marketing sharper, your proposals more confident, and your margins higher.
Build Relationships with Vendors and Distributors from Day One
Several integrators said they underestimated the importance of partnerships — not just with clients, but with suppliers.
“If I could start again, I’d get aligned with a strong wireless distributor sooner. We wasted time trying to piece together our own stock and config tools.”
Lesson: Don’t go it alone. A reliable supplier can help with design support, bid assistance, faster delivery, and even credibility.
Document Everything — Especially Site Work
More than one partner said they learned the hard way that not documenting work properly can lead to disputes, delays, or even legal exposure.
“We lost out on a final payment once because we had no proof of partial sign-off. Never again.”
Lesson: Take photos, get signatures, keep a trail. It’s not just about covering yourself — it also helps when planning support and upgrades later.
Don’t Undervalue Support and Maintenance
Early-stage integrators often focus on installs — the visible, exciting part. But recurring revenue is built after the install.
“I’d start from day one with support contracts. It would’ve stabilised our cash flow and deepened client trust.”
Lesson: Think beyond the install. Build your service model from the start.
Price for the Work You Actually Do
One of the most common regrets? Underpricing.
“We charged what we thought the client could afford, not what the job really cost. It nearly sank us in year two.”
Lesson: Be realistic. Be confident. Don’t be the cheapest — be the best at solving a specific problem.
Conclusion
There’s no shame in learning as you go. But if you can skip a few potholes on the road to growth, why wouldn’t you?
Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about how to scale, take these lessons to heart. And if you’d like to talk about how we support growing integrators with reliable wireless and biometric tech, drop us a line.
We’ve been there too.