Universal Security Instruments, Inc.: Fire alarm supplier in Owings Mills, MD

The service provider, as administrator of the site, does not verify whether the opinions published on the site come from consumers who have purchased or used the product or service in question. The rating in stars (up to 5) is the arithmetic average of all ratings given within the reviews published below.

• El Aleman

  • 5,0
  • Add opinion

  I was really disappointed with this purchase. I ordered several units, but unfortunately one arrived damaged and I had to return it. I covered the shipping costs myself – a total of $8 – and paid the USPS an additional $9.65 to send it back. So, I ended up spending over $17 on something I originally paid $13 for. Now, weeks later, I still haven’t received my replacement. I’ve contacted the seller and, despite having proof that they received the returned item three weeks ago, I’m still getting no updates or information about when my replacement will be shipped. It’s frustrating that they don't seem to be able to simply fulfill my order promptly. report abuse

• Brett Beckwith

  • 5,0
  • Add opinion

  I’m really disappointed with the USI Electric Smoke & Fire alarm I purchased. It only lasted three years, which is incredibly short considering it’s supposed to last 10 years with its power and battery backup. When I contacted them about the warranty, they weren’t helpful at all – they just sent me the manual and told me to reset it. Then, they wanted me to pay $22 to send the detector back for a replacement, along with a check. Honestly, it felt like a huge hassle and a waste of money, especially since I doubt it would even last another 10 years. Their customer service was also frustrating; they found my contact information in my spam folder even though I filled out the form on their website. I wouldn't recommend this product – there are much better, more reliable brands out there that won’t require you to pay for repairs after such a short lifespan. report abuse

• Martinique IIF

  • 5,0
  • Add opinion

  I’m really disappointed with my experience with this company and, specifically, with their customer service. I purchased the MI106S fire and smoke alarm, and unfortunately, the battery was malfunctioning – it was making two beeps every minute. When I contacted customer service, the representative, Michele Metcaf, responded with a dismissive and frankly, unhelpful email. She essentially blamed me for not knowing how to address the issue, even though the manual clearly stated that two beeps indicated a low battery. I followed the manual’s instructions and deactivated the device. However, when I pointed out her misunderstanding, she just told me to return the product without offering any guidance on where to send it or what the return process would cost. It felt incredibly frustrating and lacking in support. It’s a shame, because I’ve heard about other companies handling similar situations much better. report abuse

• Lynn B

  • 5,0
  • Add opinion

  “I was really frustrated with the whole experience. The company that built my house said their warranty was expired, and when I contacted the manufacturer to see about it, I was told I’d be charged a shipping fee to send back the faulty smoke detector – even though it was only four years old and still covered under warranty. Michelle, the customer service representative, essentially made me feel like I was getting a special favor when she said she’d waive the shipping fee. She offered to send me a replacement with an expired date, but insisted that accepting it would also cancel the remaining warranty on the other detectors I had. To top it off, she was incredibly condescending, especially since I have a hearing problem. My husband even thought she was rude. Ultimately, she insisted I replace all three detectors, which would have been more expensive than buying them here in Canada. It felt incredibly unfair and like a huge hassle, and definitely not the kind of customer service I expected.” report abuse

• Walter Wilga

  • 5,0
  • Add opinion

  “I was really pleased with the service – they quickly replaced my hardwired smoke and fire detectors, gave me a great price, and delivered them the very next day! It was incredibly speedy.” report abuse

• Andrew Graff

  • 5,0
  • Add opinion

  “I’m really disappointed with the response. The universal security instrument isn’t a solution to a malfunctioning gas detector – it actually burned up. I brought this to their attention with photographic evidence, but they refused to offer a replacement. It seems like a simple case of a defective product needing to be addressed.” report abuse