Monitored Security

Businesses performing monitored security may charge a monthly fee to connect a household or business to a central monitoring facility. If the monitored alarm is triggered, roving security guards might inspect the location and / or call the police. The businesses also perform a wide range of other services that can also be billed including 'personal emergency medical response' (e.g. assistance to the elderly in case of a fall), and the installation and support of closed-circuit TV (CCTV), drive thru systems, nurse call systems and other video or first-responder communications.

Examples of monitored security vendors include 'Monitronics International' in the US, and 'Chubb' in Australia.

JUMP TO TOP go to top of page

Car Parking / Parking Garage

Car owners (or their employers) pay for dedicated access to a convenient, off-street parking space. Customers may use the car park (parking garage) when at work, or, if neighbourhood parking is tight, it may be used when parking at home. For a premium, customers may be allocated a dedicated parking space close to the entrance, or alternatively may pay a standard rate on a first-come first-served basis.

Car park businesses can reuse their experience to manage the parking for larger buildings, or may use it only in purpose-built facilities. Often car park businesses will manage many facilities to achieve economies-of-scale benefits. Examples of car parking businesses include the 'Fifth and Mission'' garage in San Francisco, and 'Wilson Parking' operating in Australia. Wilson Parking has a 'Platinum Card' facility whereby customers can be billed monthly for their casual use across a range of Wilson Parking's locations.

JUMP TO TOP go to top of page

Long-term / Self Storage

Individuals rent a room, lock-up garage, or cage to store personal effects due to lack of space, whilst they travel or during a move / house-sale. Businesses can rent similar space to store their records off-site, hold seasonal stock, or to build up inventory that will be sold over a short period of time (e.g. the Christmas rush).

The amount charged (billed) might vary based on the space rented (e.g. by area / volume) and the duration of the storage. Examples of storage facilities include ''Manhattan Mini Storage' in the US and 'Kennards' in Australia. Specialist storage facilities are available for cars, boats and planes.

JUMP TO TOP go to top of page

Bank Safety Deposit Box

The bank charges different rates depending on the size of the storage required. The bank may also store envelopes in a secured facility without the use of a box.

Two examples of such facilities include 'Scotiabank' in Canada, and 'Guardian Vaults' in Australia.

JUMP TO TOP go to top of page

Ambulance Service Membership

Individuals and families become members of an ambulance service where membership provides 'ambulance services' (if and when required) at no cost. In effect ambulance members insure themselves against the high costs of ambulance transport locally and interstate (e.g. within Australia), including air transport by plane or helicopter.

Annual fees are levied with different amounts charged for individuals and families (including all under-age children and tertiary students). Bills are sent out once a year unless membership is paid for multiple years in advance.

JUMP TO TOP go to top of page

Comments welcome: stephenjones(at)purebill.com