In the world of AV integration, one mistake can cost more than just time. Mistakes cost money, trust, performance, and long-term reliability. That’s why AV integration best practices start with knowing who you’re hiring.
On a recent AVWeek, the panel tackled the all-too-familiar issue of “trunk slammers”. These are unlicensed, underqualified individuals who promise rock-bottom prices and lightning-fast installs, often working out of the trunk of their car. But at what cost?
Examples of Bad AV
“When you see something hanging from one cable in the ceiling, held up by a prayer, that was done by someone with a piece of equipment and a dream,” said Steph Beckett of AV Buyers Club. “They’re gone the second the job is done. No support, no warranty, no follow-up.”
Trunk slammers thrive on being cheap and fast. But best practices in AV integration require more than a low bid. They demand qualifications, insurance, references, and above all, accountability.
Beyond the Bottom Line
“You need to review the proposal without looking at the cost first,” advised Bren Walker of Kirkegaard. “If they don’t have insurance, references, or qualifications, you need to keep moving. And if you really need to save money, challenge your reputable vendors to sharpen their bids instead.”
From the perspective of systems integrators and the broader commercial AV industry, credentials and dealer partnerships go hand-in-hand with professionalism.
“There’s a big difference between ‘I can get the gear’ and ‘I’m certified to install and support it,’” said Commercial Integrator’s Amala Reddie. “Trunk slammers might be able to buy gear off Amazon, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right equipment for your needs. Integrators bring expertise and trusted partnerships that go beyond the hardware.”
AV Best Practices in the Real World
The appeal of low-cost AV installs is understandable, especially in budget-conscious areas like higher education or house of worship. But the long-term cost of cutting corners can outweigh any short-term savings. Those costs include downtime, replacements, lack of support, or counterfeit gear.
That’s why AV integration best practices always come back to diligence:
- Ask for certifications and verify them.
- Request recent references and speak to past clients.
- Require insurance documentation with your organization named.
- Prioritize total cost of ownership, not just initial price.
Because when it comes to professional AV systems, the job isn’t finished at installation. It has only just begun.
You can listen to the full episode of AVWeek here.
Tim Albright is the founder of AVNation and is the driving force behind the AVNation network. He carries the InfoComm CTS, a B.S. from Greenville College and is pursuing an M.S. in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. When not steering the AVNation ship, Tim has spent his career designing systems for churches both large and small, Fortune 500 companies, and education facilities.
- Tim Albright
- Tim Albright
- Tim Albright
- Tim Albright
