The short answer is yes, Vivint does have an activation fee. The amount of the fee depends on the type of equipment and service plan you choose. In this article, we will explain what the activation fee is, why Vivint charges it, and how you can reduce or avoid it.
The activation fee is a one-time charge that Vivint applies to your initial invoice when you sign up for their home security or smart home system. The fee covers the cost of activating your system and connecting it to Vivint’s cloud service and monitoring center.
The activation fee is not the same as the installation fee, which is a separate charge that covers the labor and materials required to install your system. The installation fee varies depending on the size and complexity of your system, and whether you opt for professional or self-installation.
Why does Vivint charge an activation fee?
Vivint charges an activation fee to cover the expenses associated with setting up your account and system. Vivint claims that the activation fee helps them provide high-quality service and support to their customers. According to their website, the activation fee allows them to:
Offer 24/7 professional monitoring and customer care
Provide free mobile app access and remote control of your system
Maintain and update their cloud service and technology
Ensure compatibility and integration with third-party devices and platforms
The amount of the activation fee depends on the type of equipment and service plan you choose. Vivint offers two main options for purchasing equipment: financing or paying upfront.
If you finance your equipment through Vivint, you will pay a higher activation fee, typically ranging from $99 to $199. This is because you are essentially borrowing money from Vivint to pay for your equipment over time, and the activation fee acts as a down payment or interest charge.
If you pay for your equipment upfront, you will pay a lower activation fee, usually $49. This is because you are not taking on any debt or interest from Vivint, and the activation fee only covers the cost of activating your system.
The activation fee also varies depending on the service plan you choose. Vivint offers two main service plans: Smart Security and Smart Home. The Smart Security plan includes basic home security features, such as sensors, cameras, and alarms. The Smart Home plan includes advanced smart home features, such as thermostats, doorbells, locks, and garage controllers.
The Smart Home plan costs more than the Smart Security plan, and it also comes with a higher activation fee. The activation fee for the Smart Home plan is $99, regardless of whether you finance or pay for your equipment upfront. The activation fee for the Smart Security plan is $49 if you pay for your equipment upfront, or $99 if you finance your equipment.
How can you reduce or avoid the activation fee?
There are a few ways you can reduce or avoid the activation fee when you sign up for Vivint. Here are some tips:
Negotiate with Vivint. Vivint is known for being flexible and willing to work with customers to find the best deal. You can try to negotiate with Vivint to lower or waive the activation fee, especially if you are a new customer, a loyal customer, or a customer who is switching from another provider. You can also ask Vivint to match or beat the offers of their competitors, who may have lower or no activation fees.
Look for promotions and discounts. Vivint often runs promotions and discounts that can lower or eliminate the activation fee. You can check their website, social media, or online reviews for the latest deals and offers. You can also ask Vivint directly if they have any current or upcoming promotions that can save you money on the activation fee.
Choose the right equipment and service plan. As we mentioned earlier, the activation fee varies depending on the type of equipment and service plan you choose. You can save money by choosing the equipment and service plan that best suits your needs and budget. For example, if you only need basic home security features, you can opt for the Smart Security plan and pay for your equipment upfront, which will result in a lower activation fee of $49. If you want advanced smart home features, you can opt for the Smart Home plan and finance your equipment, which will result in a higher activation fee of $99, but lower monthly payments.
Vivint is one of the leading providers of home security and smart home systems in the US. However, they also charge an activation fee that can add to the initial cost of signing up for their service. The activation fee is a one-time charge that covers the cost of activating your system and connecting it to Vivint’s cloud service and monitoring center. The amount of the fee depends on the type of equipment and service plan you choose, and it can range from $49 to $199. You can reduce or avoid the activation fee by negotiating with Vivint, looking for promotions and discounts, and choosing the right equipment and service plan. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of Vivint’s service without paying too much upfront.
