Reviewed, sourced guidance
How to compare commercial CCTV quotes
Direct answer
Compare the proposed views and evidence purpose first, then recording assumptions, network and power work, privacy features, commissioning, training, warranty and recurring charges. Confirm the VAT basis and quote-validity date, and ask installers to price missing items or mark them as excluded.
A lower headline price may describe a different job. Put each proposal against the same requirements and identify blanks before comparing totals.
Key takeaways
- Compare the intended evidence outcome, not camera counts in isolation.
- Separate included items from exclusions and provisional assumptions.
- Compare one-off and recurring costs over the same period, with VAT basis stated.
- Ask how privacy controls and authorised access will be configured.
- Do not treat this worksheet as an installer recommendation.
Compare proposal scope, not marketing language
Write the proposal reference in each column. Use "not stated" when an item is missing.
Version: 2026-08-12-v1
| Requirement | Proposal A | Proposal B | Proposal C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage tied to stated risks | Notes for Coverage tied to stated risks: Proposal A | Notes for Coverage tied to stated risks: Proposal B | Notes for Coverage tied to stated risks: Proposal C |
| Image purpose and viewing conditions | Notes for Image purpose and viewing conditions: Proposal A | Notes for Image purpose and viewing conditions: Proposal B | Notes for Image purpose and viewing conditions: Proposal C |
| Recording mode and storage assumptions | Notes for Recording mode and storage assumptions: Proposal A | Notes for Recording mode and storage assumptions: Proposal B | Notes for Recording mode and storage assumptions: Proposal C |
| Network, power and building work | Notes for Network, power and building work: Proposal A | Notes for Network, power and building work: Proposal B | Notes for Network, power and building work: Proposal C |
| Privacy features and user permissions | Notes for Privacy features and user permissions: Proposal A | Notes for Privacy features and user permissions: Proposal B | Notes for Privacy features and user permissions: Proposal C |
| Testing, commissioning and training | Notes for Testing, commissioning and training: Proposal A | Notes for Testing, commissioning and training: Proposal B | Notes for Testing, commissioning and training: Proposal C |
| Warranty, maintenance and response | Notes for Warranty, maintenance and response: Proposal A | Notes for Warranty, maintenance and response: Proposal B | Notes for Warranty, maintenance and response: Proposal C |
| Firmware support and replacement-part availability | Notes for Firmware support and replacement-part availability: Proposal A | Notes for Firmware support and replacement-part availability: Proposal B | Notes for Firmware support and replacement-part availability: Proposal C |
| VAT basis (included or excluded) | Notes for VAT basis (included or excluded): Proposal A | Notes for VAT basis (included or excluded): Proposal B | Notes for VAT basis (included or excluded): Proposal C |
| Quote validity date | Notes for Quote validity date: Proposal A | Notes for Quote validity date: Proposal B | Notes for Quote validity date: Proposal C |
| Recurring charges and contract term | Notes for Recurring charges and contract term: Proposal A | Notes for Recurring charges and contract term: Proposal B | Notes for Recurring charges and contract term: Proposal C |
| Exclusions and unresolved assumptions | Notes for Exclusions and unresolved assumptions: Proposal A | Notes for Exclusions and unresolved assumptions: Proposal B | Notes for Exclusions and unresolved assumptions: Proposal C |
Tick each item before you compare quotes; bring the completed sheet to every provider conversation. Nothing is saved or sent.
Compare the scope before the headline price
Compare the complete cost
Resolve blanks before selection
Compare the scope before the headline price
A proposal should connect each required view to the purpose it serves. Ask what can and cannot be identified from each position.
Check whether the design states camera model, lens or field of view, mounting location, recording settings, storage and network assumptions.
Sources for this section: ICO, guidance on video surveillance including CCTV (observed 2026-09-25; under review)
Compare the complete cost
Separate installation, equipment, licences, monitoring, cloud storage, maintenance and call-outs. Record whether VAT is included, the quote-validity date, renewal dates and what happens when a contract ends.
An advertised starting price is not a like-for-like quote unless its included scope, term and exclusions match the alternatives.
Amax’s August 2026 guide labels some examples all-in and another + VAT. Those are one supplier’s UK-wide examples, not a Birmingham market benchmark; compare the tax basis and included scope on the actual proposals.
Sources for this section: Amax, CCTV Installation Cost Guide for UK Sites (published 2026-08-13; observed 2026-09-25; supplier examples)
Resolve blanks before selection
Ask each installer to answer the same open questions. Keep a reason for the final decision with the approved proposal and site plan.
Next steps
- Fill one column for each proposal.
- Get written answers for blank or excluded items.