Virtual Doorman Offering Free, Expanded Services for All Customers During COVID-19 Emergency
Mann Publications Virtual Doorman, a New York-based provider of remote doorman and security services, announced details of its emergency plan to expand services and provide much-needed security and safety to both its customers and their buildings’ staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual Doorman systems use technology and real people to serve the residents of multi-tenant buildings across the U.S., remotely providing secure, no-contact access to buildings and apartments for residents, deliveries, visitors, and service calls. Virtual Doorman has reached out to over 35,000 residents in its network of customers to offer upgraded services and expanded hours, free of charge to help cover shifts for on-site building staff. The offering comes as millions of Americans are confronted with a new reality as COVID-19 continues to spread both nationally and internationally. “We have been closely monitoring the situation and want to make sure each and every one of the thousands of people we serve feels safe and protected during this time,” said Colin Foster, founder and chief innovation officer of Virtual Doorman. “We are aware this crisis has deep ramifications into how we conduct our daily lives and we hope that through the offering of free upgrades to our packages and expansion of our hours we will be able to bring additional safety and security not only to our customer base but also to their building’s existing personnel.” As the COVID-19 crisis magnifies, Virtual Doorman is committed to continuing to offer services that under this particular crisis are not only convenient but, in some cases, absolutely necessary. Virtual Doorman’s personalized service uses integrated digital CCTV, cameras, video intercoms, access control devices, and remote operators at its Doorman Command Center. The company’s services include building security; building access for residents, deliveries, and guests; as well as virtual concierge services. Virtual Doorman’s Command Center has evolved into one of the most advanced technical operations in the nation. The company’s first national emergency crisis came during Hurricane Sandy in New York in 2012. As other remote doorman companies struggled, Virtual Doorman’s Command Center in Florida provided constant and uninterrupted service throughout the emergency. Today, many Virtual Doorman customers have found a “silver lining” because they were uniquely prepared to handle the current situation. Social distancing is not easy for buildings with traditional doormen and onsite staff. Buildings that were forward-thinking and already had technology in place have been able to continue providing critical services while keeping everyone safe and the building running smoothly. These buildings have found Virtual Doorman to be helpful as the company has been able to cover shifts so doormen and supers can stay safely at home. “Virtual Doorman’s team of remarkable professionals is used to going the extra mile,” added Foster. “We are tremendously proud of our team and are deeply thankful for their dedication and support as we expand our services and look to provide additional comfort and relief to our clients during this trying time. Although our software is known for being best-in-class, we believe what sets us apart is not our technology but the people behind it.” Virtual Doorman has been developing and perfecting its suite of remote doorman services since it was founded twenty years ago. This article first appeared in Mann Publications. Previous PostNext Post
Virtual Doormen: Deliveries in the Age of Virtual Staff
The Cooperator New York | By A.J. Sidransky Online services have revolutionized everything – but especially shopping. Virtually anything you want is now at your fingertips, and virtually everything can be delivered. Online versions of every service, from food delivery to furniture to pharmaceuticals, can arrive at your door without you ever leaving the comfort of your bedroom. Online services are revolutionizing the building service industry as well. Gone are the days of the post office box, when residents of non-doorman buildings had to rent an address at the local post office to receive packages, or have everything sent to their office, then had to drag it all home on a crowded subway packed with irritable commuters. Services such as Butterfly MX, Academy Makilbox, Cyberdoorman, and Virtual Doorman, just to name a few, are making life easier for residents of limited service buildings. How Does it Work? Obviously, having near-anonymous personnel coming and going in residential buildings requires a great deal of thought – not only to logistics, but also to security. For most delivery systems, security is provided through a web based information management platform that streamlines communications between residents, building managers, and a command center in the form of an interactive web portal. The main entry point to a client building is equipped with an alarmed card-access lock, a two way audio communication module and a video camera, which in turn is connected to a digital video recorder (DVR). Whenever a package arrives, the delivery person initiates a contact with the command center through the portal. The courier is instructed to go to a storage room, also under electronic surveillance. The command center unlocks the door to the storage room and verifies that the courier leaves the package and doesn’t take anything from the package locker. The courier is monitored until he or she has left the building, and the resident is notified of their delivery by the command center by phone, email or text, whichever they have chosen for notification that a package has arrived and can pick up the package when they arrive home. No muss, no fuss, no Christmas tip. Smartphone Apps Some companies like provide users with an app for their smartphone that provides the user to opportunity to control their deliveries from anywhere. They can open and manage doors from any location. For example, according to their website, “ButterflyMX transforms any smartphone into a mobile video intercom system. Once the intercom has been installed in the building and the app has been downloaded, “Visitor calls from the intercom will come through the app as a video call wherever you are, so you can view the visitor before granting access to the building.” ButterflyMX’s system also provides for virtual keys, messaging options, and digital timestamps. These systems cost between $5,000 and about $7,000 to install, depending on specifications, building size, and other variables. Greg Cohen, President of Impact Management, a co-op and condominium management firm with offices in Manhattan, Westchester and Long Island, says a number of their clients in limited service buildings are using these types of systems and describes yet another iteration. “I saw the concept a few years ago on Shark Tank. It’s called doorman.co. It doesn’t cost the co-op anything. The recipient has packages shipped to doorman.co, and they deliver the package to the resident at a more convenient time. The company delivers late into the evening. The user pays a small fee per package.”
One Door Closes, A Virtual One Opens
Mann Publications | By Mahzabeen Alam Imagine walking into your building and a voice calls your name. You look around you, but there’s no one there. It’s your virtual doorman greeting you. No, there isn’t a hologram of a man or woman in concierge uniform, but instead a camera on the wall being monitored by remote personnel. Since the inception of virtual doormen almost two decades ago, many New Yorkers have been enjoying this perk. With the rise of technology, companies like Virtual Doorman, Cyberdoorman, and ButterflyMX are creating alternative methods to surveillance and concierge services. Luxury buildings, such as those in East Williamsburg, Woodside, Astoria, and the West Village are turning to remote services to offer security and safe delivery of resident packages. So, what does it mean to have a remote doorman? They essentially function like this: when a package arrives, the delivery person first makes contact with the command center and is directed to a locked storage room where they leave the package. The remote doorman carefully monitors the courier’s activity until he or she leaves the building, ascertaining the safety of the packages. But are remote doormen really revolutionary, or should we stick to the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” Consistency and Surveillance For starters, it depends on what kind of condo/co-op building you’re trying to represent. The busy and bustling New Yorker might not be too bothered with substituting a physical doorman with a virtual one. The promise of privacy and non-judgmental looks as residents walk in with their grocery haul offers more than just physical security. Therefore, there is a sense of peace and freedom that a physical doorman can’t offer. Not only can residents rest easy knowing their packages have been delivered safely, but they can also appreciate the absence of someone watching their comings and goings. Then there’s the cost of rent. For those looking to save up for a vacation or perhaps already have a healthy spending habit, saving a few hundred bucks on rent would be a burden off their shoulders. Labor costs are high, and, in addition to the annual wage, New York etiquette requires doormen to receive regular tips. In the past, there have been threats of doormen going on strike over fair contracts. However, remote doormen eliminate this concern and allow tenants to put a nice extra chunk into your savings. And the perks continue: instead of being hired by building managers, remote doormen are simply recruited by security companies like Virtual Doorman, which offers stability not only for residents, but for the doorman as well. Residents wouldn’t have to walk down to the lobby one day only to find their doorman had been laid off the night before or impulsively decided to quit, leaving the building without security or a package delivery service. The Human Touch The paradox with smart technology, such as the remote doorman, is that it can also be fragile at times. One technological malfunction can result in a total system shutdown, resulting in lost security, as the remote doorman is not there to reassure concerned residents. Power outages ranging between minor street-long ones to the infamous Summer 2003 blackout can be detrimental to all the amenities and security that remote doormen provide. Moreover, it wouldn’t take just a power outage to take down the system, but also internet disruptions. Something as minor as a loss of connection between the command center and the remote doorman can result in getting locked out of the building with no alternate way in. With how fickle technology can occasionally be, it would be uncertain as to how long residents have to wait to get in. This certainly wouldn’t be an issue with a physical doorman, who could take the place of a complex technological system. Besides offering support during blackouts, physical doormen provide something that a remote one can’t: a human touch. Beyond handling packages with a careful hand that random delivery people may lack, they take stock of tenants’ needs. In a city like New York, where we are constantly surrounded by people and yet barely acknowledge one another, doormen offer a way to be present. They are more than just a person opening the door for you or informing you of a package delivery—they are a friendly neighbor, a comrade who offers safety and lends an actual helping hand. The exciting new developments that percolate in apartment buildings can add to a comfortable and secure living environment, but, at the end of the day, it’s up to you as a manager to decide what makes your building complete.
How Do Virtual Doorman Services Work?
If you have never heard of Virtual Doorman or remote doorman services, you are sure to be curious about how they work and they’re similarities and differences from traditional doorman services. Virtual Doorman services provide the same services of a traditional doorman plus assist with property management and building security. If you own or manage an apartment building anywhere in the United States and are ready to hire Virtual Doorman to improve tenant experience and assist with property management, review our different packages and contact us today. Remote Operators Our Virtual Doorman system works with our remote operators. These are real people that you or your tenants can be connected to. When Virtual Doorman is working to verify guests or monitor package delivery, there is a remote operator on the other end ensuring the safety of your tenants and your building. Remote operators are there to assist you and your tenants with anything that may require additional questions or concerns that can’t be answered by the Virtual Doorman alone. Access From Mobile App Virtual Doorman is the only remote doorman service to offer a web portal for residents and property managers available through our mobile app. When tenants would like to schedule a guest, they can simply use the app to set it up. If you, as the property manager, would like to schedule a delivery or allow access for an outside contractor, you can utilize the app to ensure that everything will run smoothly. And, when you need to make a new key card for a tenant or deactivate one from a former tenant, you can simply use the building manager portal. Guest Services Virtual Doorman utilizes state-of-the-art technology to interact with your tenants. Virtual Doorman will accept packages and even allow guests entrance. You and your tenants simply use the Virtual Doorman mobile app to set up when guests will arrive and Virtual Doorman works with our remote operators to verify guest’s identities and grant them building access. This system can be utilized to allow access for contractors, friends and family, a dog walker, or cleaning staff. Virtual Doorman can also give restaurant recommendations or will even book a spa visit for you with our Red Hat Concierge services. We also offer lock-out services to allow tenants entry in the case that they forget or lose their key. Virtual Doorman works in conjunction with our remote operators at our command center to verify the tenant’s identity and grant them access to their apartment without having to disturb you, the property manager. Acts as a Security System As the building manager, you will have 24/7 access to view your security cameras from the building manager portal. And not only will you be monitoring your cameras, but Virtual Doorman will be as well. The Virtual Doorman system works with our remote operators to ensure the safety of your tenant and building and will contact you at the first sign of any suspicious activity. Assists with Property Management Virtual Doorman comes equipped with the building manager portal, which is designed to assist building managers with property management. We offer different packages depending upon the amount of services each building requires. You can even choose to include 24/7 answering services by our command center. Virtual Doorman can assist with as little or as many property management responsibilities as you would like. Hire Virtual Doorman Today! Virtual Doorman is designed to provide high-end doorman amenities and services for you and your tenants at a fraction of the price of a traditional doorman. You can have packages received, allow guest entry, monitor security cameras, and even utilize our Red Hat Concierge services. Visit our website to read more about how Virtual Doorman services work and view our packages and lists of features. Contact us for a quote when you’re ready to hire Virtual Doorman!
Four Ways Life Is Made Easier For Tenants With Virtual Doorman
Having a doorman has always been an exclusive, more expensive option that was only offered at higher-end properties, but Virtual Doorman allows the privilege to be extended to many more properties because of its innovative design and affordable cost. Utilizing technology to provide doorman services makes tenant’s lives easier and can be a big selling point for potential residents. Having a doorman has always been an exclusive, more expensive option that was only offered at higher-end properties, but Virtual Doorman allows the privilege to be extended to many more properties because of its innovative design and affordable cost. Utilizing technology to provide doorman services makes tenant’s lives easier and can be a big selling point for potential residents. Get a quote today for Virtual Doorman and attract more potential tenants to your apartments! 1.) Tenant Lockouts Traditionally, when a tenant gets locked out, they would have to contact their property manager and have them come to the property and unlock the door. It could be made even more inconvenient when the tenant gets locked out at night or on a holiday when it’s harder to get a hold of the property manager. Traditionally, when a tenant gets locked out, they would have to contact their property manager and have them come to the property and unlock the door. It could be made even more inconvenient when the tenant gets locked out at night or on a holiday when it’s harder to get a hold of the property manager. When a tenant gets locked out of their apartment that is equipped with Virtual Doorman, they can get access to their home instantly, no matter the time of the day or the day of the week. They simply use the Virtual Doorman video intercom unit at the building entrance and the Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to allow the tenant access to their home. When a tenant gets locked out of their apartment that is equipped with Virtual Doorman, they can get access to their home instantly, no matter the time of the day or the day of the week. They simply use the Virtual Doorman video intercom unit at the building entrance and the Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to allow the tenant access to their home. The remote operators have remote access to open all doors and they can assist the resident getting back into the building and their apartment. If the tenant has just forgotten their key card or fob inside, the problem is solved. However, if the tenant has lost their key card, the property manager can deactivate the old card, and activate a new one from the Building Manager Portal. There is no more need to go out and make an extra copy of an actual key or re-key the locks if safety is an issue. 2.) Deliveries Traditionally, when a tenant is receiving a delivery they would have to buzz up the delivery driver, leave permission with the doorman, or sometimes the deliveries are just left at the front desk. Traditionally, when a tenant is receiving a delivery they would have to buzz up the delivery driver, leave permission with the doorman, or sometimes the deliveries are just left at the front desk. With Virtual Doorman, the tenant does not have to be home or go pick up their package at the front, they simply notify the Virtual Doorman of the delivery. Delivery personnel use the video intercom unit at the building’s entrance to check-in, and the Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to allow the package to be delivered. With Virtual Doorman, the tenant does not have to be home or go pick up their package at the front, they simply notify the Virtual Doorman of the delivery. Delivery personnel use the video intercom unit at the building’s entrance to check-in, and the Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to allow the package to be delivered. Virtual Doorman allows for quick and simple deliveries, whether it be a package or a food delivery while ensuring the safety of the residents. Virtual Doorman allows for quick and simple deliveries, whether it be a package or a food delivery while ensuring the safety of the residents. Residents utilize the Virtual Doorman Web Portal App to allow for deliveries, so they can register a delivery from anywhere. They will no longer have to worry about picking up packages or ringing in the delivery driver. Residents utilize the Virtual Doorman Web Portal App to allow for deliveries, so they can register a delivery from anywhere. They will no longer have to worry about picking up packages or ringing in the delivery driver. 3.) Visitors The Virtual Doorman also makes having visitors a breeze, whether you’re having friends over, or you employ a dog walker or cleaning person. The tenant registers the visitor with the Virtual Doorman on the Virtual Doorman Web Portal App, and that’s it. The Virtual Doorman also makes having visitors a breeze, whether you’re having friends over, or you employ a dog walker or cleaning person. The tenant registers the visitor with the Virtual Doorman on the Virtual Doorman Web Portal App, and that’s it. When the guests arrive they utilize the video intercom unit and the Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to ensure the identity of the guest and allows them access. Tenants can even see how long their visitors were in the building by accessing the information from our app. When the guests arrive they utilize the video intercom unit and the Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to ensure the identity of the guest and allows them access. Tenants can even see how long their visitors were in the building by accessing the information from our app. 4.) 24/7 Access To Virtual Doorman Whether it be for a tenant lockout, guests, deliveries, or our concierge services, tenants have access to the Virtual Doorman 24/7. The remote doorman never takes a day off, goes on
Virtual Doorman FAQ’s
Do you have questions about Virtual Doorman? That’s okay, we know this may be a new idea to some, to use technology for doorman services, but we’ve been the leaders in the remote doorman industry since 2000 and we know it works. Today we will look at some of the most common questions we get about Virtual Doorman in a little more depth, and hopefully, put any of your doubts to rest. Contact Virtual Doorman today for a quote to get started! What Is A Virtual Doorman? Virtual Doorman is leading the industry in 24/7 personalized, remote doorman services. Virtual Doorman offers all of the features that a traditional, human doorman can offer, but at a fraction of the cost. When it comes to hiring a traditional doorman, property managers have to hold interviews, hire, handle payroll and other human resources aspects. But with Virtual Doorman, there is none of that inconvenience. You simply pay monthly for a service that handles everything from package delivery, residence entry, camera access, and even concierge services. Virtual Doorman is a technology that makes the old ways obsolete. No need to have someone sitting or standing at your front door day and night. Virtual Doorman is there for you 24/7. Of course, you’ll also receive access to our remote operators who can assist you in any aspects that you would like. Having a doorman at your apartment building used to be considered at high-end amenity that only some could afford, but with Virtual Doorman everyone can have access to the benefits that a doorman offers. Can Virtual Doorman Offer Security? Virtual Doorman offers superior security services. Your Virtual Doorman has 24/7 access to all building security cameras, and with our Building Manager Portal, you can view them from anywhere at any time. Our remote doorman operators also monitor your property and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. The Virtual Doorman works with video surveillance, intercoms, access control systems, and of course our remote doorman operators to keep your building and residents safe and secure. Can Virtual Doorman Offer Concierge Services? Virtual Doorman makes a great concierge! We call it our Red Hat Services; we hold our standards to that of a luxury hotel. You can ask your Virtual Doorman to recommend anything from pet boarding to booking a spa treatment. What Is The Price Difference Between A Real Doorman And Virtual Doorman? Because you don’t have to hire an actual person or two, Virtual Doorman costs about 90% less than hiring an actual human doorman. This is because you don’t have to worry about payroll or any human resource services. Having a doorman used to be considered a high-end amenity, but now you can have 24/7 access to our personal doorman services at a fraction of the cost of a traditional doorman. Virtual Doorman makes doorman services accessible to a larger number of people than ever before because of our affordability. What Happens If A Resident Gets Locked Out? Virtual Doorman is built to handle situations such as a resident forgetting or losing their key card. Our remote doorman operators can verify the resident’s identity and allow them access to their home. The property manager then has access to create a new key card if necessary. How Does Virtual Doorman Accept Packages And Deliveries? Delivery personnel can contact Virtual Doorman right from the entrance to deliver packages or even dinner. The Virtual Doorman can access the information necessary to determine who is allowed access and when. If you know that you’ll be accepting a delivery of some kind, you can let your Virtual Doorman know in advance so that everything runs smoothly. How Long Has Virtual Doorman Been Around? Virtual Doorman launched in 2000 as the first remote doorman system, revolutionizing the real estate industry. We have spent the past 20 years improving our Virtual Doorman and evolving with the times. When it comes to remote doorman services, you cannot beat the original. Are you ready to hire Virtual Doorman? Contact us today for a quote! Equip your building with the best remote doorman services in the country! How Do Residents Check In Guests? Residents can inform the Virtual Doorman of guests that will be entering the building. The Virtual Doorman works with the remote operators to ensure easy access for guests, but also safety for its residents. What If I Need To Talk To A Real Person? Whether the property manager or the resident needs to speak to a real person, they can access our remote operators 24/7. Operators have access to all of the information you may need in the event that you have any questions or concerns. Does Virtual Doorman Have An App? Yes! You can take the Virtual Doorman with you and access it anywhere, any time. The Virtual Doorman Web Portal allows residents to remotely access and manage their account any time they need. Do I Have Remote Access To The Cameras? Yes! The beauty of utilizing technology as your doorman means that you can access your cameras from anywhere. With Virtual Doorman, you will always have the assistance of our remote operators keeping an eye on things, and you will have full, unlimited access to your security cameras from anywhere you can access the internet. What Do I Do When A Resident Moves Out? When a resident moves out of your building, whether you have a traditional doorman, Virtual Doorman, or no doorman at all there is always a move-out procedure to ensure the safety and privacy of your other residents. When a resident moves out you’ll utilize the Building Manager Portal where you can activate and deactivate access cards and fobs. I Have Apartment Buildings In NYC And Los Angeles. Can I Use Virtual Doorman In Both? Absolutely! Because Virtual Doorman is just that — virtual— you can use Virtual Doorman at any apartment building, anywhere in the U.S. Imagine having apartment buildings throughout the country, and to manage them, you just need to
7 High-End Amenities Residents Are Looking For
Wherever you’re managing an apartment building or condos, from New York City to Los Angeles, in order to compete with other businesses, your building, the units themselves, and the amenities really need to stand out. For residents who are looking for the best, it’s not enough anymore for a home to just have pet-friendly options or in-suite washer and dryer. High-end amenities are going above and beyond to attract top tenants who will stay in the building for longer and will increase the overall look and feel of the building. From doorman services to the latest technology to gym equipment and classes, and more — here are the top amenities that you can’t go without. Rooftop Recreation Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a view of NYC’s Empire State Building, Chicago’s Willis Tower, or Miami’s amazing views of the ocean? After a long day at work or to host a classy party on the weekend, rooftop patios are the latest trend to hit the biggest cities, and residents frequently have this on their most-wanted list. Even if your building isn’t located in an ideal area with the best views, the ability to get outside and enjoy a space with a garden, a lounge area, or a BBQ will have potential tenants flocking to your building. Environmentally Friendly Speaking of a rooftop garden, tenants are especially looking for environmentally friendly amenities throughout the building. Equip your apartments or condos with energy-efficient appliances (for both water and electricity), use responsible materials when renovating or painting, switch to LED light bulbs, or upgrade to energy-efficient windows — there are dozens of options to decrease the carbon footprint of your building. If you have on-site parking, consider installing a charging station for electric vehicles. Smart Home Features To go along with the environmentally-friendly amenities, smart features will help increase tenant satisfaction and can even make property managers’ jobs easier and the building more efficient. Options include smart thermostats so tenants can monitor their home’s temperature while they’re away and make adjustments on the fly, smart locks and light switches, and if you have the budget, smart refrigerators. When a tenant moves out of the building, it’s a quick fix to turn off the thermostat in order to save money. Add a Gym Any amenity that will reduce a tenant’s monthly expenses is a must. When a gym membership can range from $60 to well over $100 a month, it’s a significant perk when there is an on-site gym. However, when you want to truly provide residents with high-end amenities, consider including regular fitness classes, a sauna, basketball court, or a hot tub. And if you’re looking to take amenities to another level, add spa services, such as nail care and facials. Coworking Spaces The traditional office space is disappearing these days, so giving your tenants a place to work can be incredibly appealing. And when it’s impossible to tell what professions your tenants will have, make the coworking space as diverse as possible. Don’t just add a few tables with a couple of ethernet hookups, make the space large enough so residents can schedule conferences, include a snack bar, espresso bar, and other features that will entice people to actually use the space as well as bring coworkers or clients there. Wi-Fi Internet One of the most arduous tasks of moving into a new apartment building is having to sign up for internet services and have them installed. When residents simply need to find someone to help them move, that may be what they need to choose your building over another. High-speed internet is more than just a convenience, it’s a must for anyone who is on the go and wants to stay connected. Cities like New York City are getting safer every day, but crime is still a significant concern. Having key fob access to the building is a start as the cards are harder to duplicate than traditional keys, but there are many other options when it comes to building security. Doorman services is also a great place to start and offers residents a friendly face when they enter their building. Virtual Doorman A high-end amenity that is becoming more and more popular is having a remote doorman. Instead of a physical doorman, who will need weeks of training to recognize who lives in the building, property managers will also need to work out a schedule, payroll, and many other tasks involved with a doorman standing at the entry. Instead, have Virtual Doorman install a welcome station where residents can communicate through video chat with support staff for a variety of needs. With Virtual Doorman, residents can: Offer residents the same great doorman services at a fraction of the cost. Virtual Doorman isn’t just for residents, though, property managers can also experience a variety of benefits. Remote staff can: Security is a significant concern for many residents, so Virtual Doorman will also install security cameras near the entryway and in storage areas where deliveries are kept until the resident can pick them up. Anyone who enters the building will be monitored, increasing tenant peace of mind. Lower rent, pet-friendly apartments, and granite countertops are nice, but it takes another level of high-end amenities to attract the best residents. At Virtual Doorman, we believe our doorman service technology, our friendly staff, and the ability to increase efficiency for property managers is one of the best ways to bring in tenants who will stay in your building for longer. Serving several large cities across the country, learn more about how Virtual Doorman works and get in touch with us today with any questions.
How to Offer Peace of Mind to Your Residents
It’s an unfortunate truth that there are security risks every day, especially in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. According to NYC Crime Map, there were hundreds of burglaries in September, 2019 throughout the city. New York City has become safer than decades ago, but tenants everywhere still worry about the safety of their home, whether they live in a single-family home, an apartment building, or a condo. But the good news is that homeowners, building owners, and property managers can do something about it! If you’re a property owner or manager, tenant peace of mind is most likely a high priority. But what are the best ways of increasing security for your buildings and allowing your residents to feel safe and secure? At Virtual Doorman, we offer remote doorman services that provide the same great benefits as a physical doorman, but at a fraction of the cost. With innovative technology and experienced staff who are passionate about helping you and your residents, you can provide a safe home for everyone living in your building. Increasing Safety and Security For Managed Properties Having well-lit entryways, hallways, and parking areas is a great method for deterring crime. In the event that someone does try to commit a crime, it will be easier to catch and stop them in the act. Exterior entryways should always have a light on, but for some interior spaces, you can consider installing motion-sensor lights that can warn anyone who isn’t aware of them. It’s also important to keep up with any damaged lighting as well. Flickering lights or bulbs that have broken make the building appear unsafe, and as if the management doesn’t care. Complete a Risk Assessment It will be hard for property managers to know how to protect a building when they don’t fully understand what is wrong in the first place. A professional risk assessment will provide valuable insight into the security of your building, including entryways, doors, locks, and how easy it could be for someone to break in. When you understand how to make improvements, it will be much easier to put an action plan in place. High-Security Locks Doors to individual homes should be equipped with high-security locks to further prevent break-ins. Many interior doors come with a basic lock that can be broken fairly easily. But a high-quality lock is made of strong materials that are harder to break and will extend the life of the lock. Install Stronger Doors Along with high-security locks, exterior and unit doors should also be incredibly strong and difficult to break. The door itself can be made with steel, aluminum, or a metal alloy, and using three-inch screws for the door’s strike plate and hinges can increase the strength of the door. Security Cameras Installing a security camera is a great way to prevent crime and increase resident peace of mind. Even if the only thing the cameras capture is residents and guests walking in and out, it’s a history and timeline of events that could be crucial if a crime does occur. Cameras installed near entryways and hallways will significantly decrease the threat of a crime. A physical doorman can be a reassuring presence for tenants, but it can be costly and time-consuming for property managers or owners. With Virtual Doorman, tenants can still be greeted by a human, but they’re simply off-site. With advanced technology, residents can use a video intercom that connects to Virtual Doorman staff who will facilitate letting in guests and screening service or delivery people. The technology features 24/7 instant connection, access to a mobile app for both Apple and Android phones, and a resident portal. The resident portal can be used to grant visitor access, schedule deliveries, request maintenance, request additional key fobs, and more. Each of your tenants will get personalized doorman services without the cost and hassle of having to train, manage, and pay a physical doorman. To go one step further, Virtual Doorman also offers remote camera viewing. When you work with us, we’ll install cameras throughout the building so our staff can monitor deliveries and residents can track visitors on their smartphone, wherever they are at the time. There’s no more missing a delivery just because tenants can’t be home at the time. Virtual Doorman doesn’t just provide peace of mind for the residents, though. We strive to help property managers as well. With our technology and staff, managing maintenance requests will be a breeze. We take over a variety of services to ensure that your tenants are getting the best possible experience, and you can save time and money at the same time. Building security may seem like a challenging task, but with the right combination of technology, hardware, and software, you can provide your tenants with real peace of mind. Virtual Doorman works with hundreds of buildings throughout New York City and other locations across the country. If your tenants are worried about building security, give them the best service possible with Virtual Doorman. View our service options and contact our team today with any questions.
4 Common Times Buildings Switch Over To Virtual Doorman
As we’ve discussed in many of our blogs, more and more building owners and managers are switching from traditional doormen to Virtual Doorman. The reasons are clear: up to 90% cost savings, no awkward chit chat, no tipping, no hiring and firing, and no having to rely on a doorman to decide which people to let into a building and which ones to deny entry to. But those are all reasons why you should use our Virtual Doorman services. Another important question is when you should switch over to our remote doorman service. Let’s take a look at the most common times that buildings finally make the switch from physical doormen to virtual doormen. Renovations Perhaps the most common time that buildings switch over to Virtual Doorman is during a renovation. It makes a lot of sense, considering that it’s a time of flux and that many changes are happening all at once. Installing a virtual doorman during renovations is beneficial because you’ll be able to upgrade your security system while there’s construction taking place. For instance, you can run the wires for the new cameras at the same time ceilings are being replaced, or you can put the Virtual Doorman locks on the doors at the same time you’re replacing the doors themselves. While Virtual Doorman works with many existing security systems, many such systems are getting old and need to be replaced. It simply makes practical and financial sense to install a remote doorman — and maybe the entire security system — at the same time you have easier access to wiring behind the walls, in floors, and in ceilings. When the Traditional Doorman Retires There’s no doubt that people can get attached to a particular doorman. But when you close your eyes and imagine a doorman, you probably think of someone who’s at least 60 years old…and with good reason. Doormen are getting older as the need for them goes away, and many are retiring. It’s perfectly fine to be attached to a doorman who’s been serving the building’s tenants for decades, but their retirement creates a perfect opportunity to switch to Virtual Doorman. During a Rent Decrease Rent doesn’t often go down, but if you are having to decrease rent in order to stay competitive in your market, then saving money by getting Virtual Doorman just makes sense. You can count all of that money you save on a full-time doorman as a means to decrease the rent. During a Rent Increase There are many reasons why tenants love Virtual Doorman. In fact, many times those who live in the building actually consider our remote doorman services to be an upgrade to traditional doormen. If you’re increasing the rent, it could be the time to switch to Virtual Doorman. If Virtual Doorman is indeed an upgrade in people’s eyes, then the tenants shouldn’t mind the rent increase as much. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell them that you’re actually saving money!) Ready To Make the Switch? The fact is, there’s no bad time to switch to Virtual Doorman; just don’t put the savings off anymore. If you’re ready to get all of the advantages of a remote doorman, click here to get a quote.
4 More Advantages of Having a Virtual Doorman Over a Real One
In our most recent article, we talked about three good reasons to have a virtual doorman over a real doorman. Two of those reasons had to do with speech: a remote doorman from Virtual Doorman can greet tenants in their own language (very important in places like NYC where more than 135 languages are spoken on a regular basis), and a virtual doorman also reduces the amount of chit-chat with a real doorman that might make tenants uncomfortable. Of course, we also touched on the primary reason that buildings choose Virtual Doorman: the cost is up to 90% less than hiring a full-time human door opener. But if you thought those were the only three reasons, you’d be wrong! In fact, we have quite a few more excellent reasons why your tenants will enjoy a virtual doorman over having one on-site every day. No Tipping Tipping can be a great practice in some situations, but just about everyone you talk to thinks it’s gotten out of hand. Shouldn’t we just pay everyone a living wage and only tip when we actually note good service…not just because we feel like we have to tip a dozen people a day? Having Virtual Doorman eliminates this awkward situation for tenants. When you tell them, “You don’t have to worry about tipping them today or any day,” they’ll certainly be happy to not have to face those situations again. Remote Doormen Don’t Have To Memorize Faces When you have a remote doorman system like ours, you don’t have to rely on someone to memorize the faces of the tenants or guests. Many of the tenants’ interactions with doors — both the primary entrance door and the door to their apartment — are controlled via their cell phone, so they don’t even have to worry about keys. Virtual Doormen Don’t Have To Be Told Who To Let In There are so many more problems with a real doorman when it comes to deciding who to let in. For instance, if someone is having a friend over, that friend will have to wait in the lobby while the doorman calls up to the tenant. In other circumstances, the tenant will have to come to collect their visitor. On the other hand, a tenant could tell the doorman, “Let in Peggy, who’s 5’4” and has light brown hair. But if Dana, who’s 5’6” and has dark brown hair, shows up, absolutely don’t let her in.” A doorman can easily get confused about who’s welcome and who isn’t, and it just gets worse the more units there are in a building. What if there’s a real doorman and someone is having a party? There’s really no good way for a doorman to decide who’s welcome and who isn’t. It’s so much easier with a virtual doorman. The guest simply presses a button that calls the tenant’s smartphone. When the tenant verifies who it is, they click their smartphone and the visitor is let in. No fuss, no muss. No Hiring and Firing Do you like hiring and firing doormen? Do you like it when they call in sick and you have to find a quick replacement? We didn’t think so. Virtual Doorman is never sick. Give Our Remote Doorman Service a Try! Trust us, Virtual Doorman has so many advantages that you’ll never even think about returning to the old ways. Click here to check out our service options!