How to Find a Gate Vendor (Proper Vetting Before You Get Stuck)

Don’t Let the Wrong Vendor Cost You Time and Headaches

If you’ve ever waited days for a call back about a broken gate or had a vendor show up unprepared, you already know — not all gate companies are created equal.

The right vendor can save your community time, money, and stress. The wrong one can leave your gates stuck open, residents frustrated, and your reputation on the line.

Before you sign another maintenance contract or award a new project, here’s how to properly vet a gate vendor and make sure they’re truly qualified to service or install your system.

1. Verify Real Experience — Not Just “Years in Business”

Many companies advertise decades of experience, but that doesn’t always mean they’ve handled complex or modern systems.

Ask questions like:

• Have you installed or serviced LiftMaster, Doorking, and Viking operators?

• Are you experienced with access control, LPR, and cloud-based platforms?

• Do you have certifications or factory training from the brands you sell?

A reputable integrator will know the difference between an entry-level installer and a trained technician — and they’ll be proud to share their qualifications.

2. Ask About Communication and Response Times

One of the biggest complaints property managers have is slow or inconsistent communication.

Before hiring a vendor, find out:

• How do they handle service requests (phone, email, portal)?

• What’s the typical response time for emergency gate issues?

• Do they provide service reports or visit summaries?

A professional company will have clear processes, not just promises.

3. Check for Licensing, Insurance, and Safety Standards

Always confirm the vendor holds valid low-voltage or electrical licenses, carries full liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and follows proper safety procedures.

This protects both your property and your residents.

If a company can’t quickly provide this documentation, that’s a red flag.

4. Look for Organized Maintenance Programs

A solid vendor should offer more than just “on-call” repairs.

Ask if they provide:

• Preventive maintenance plans with scheduled inspections

• Reports of gate condition and system health

• Recommendations for upgrades

Vendors who track and log their maintenance work are far more likely to prevent gate failures before they happen.

5. Look for patterns — both good and bad.

Positive signs include:

• Clear communication and consistent follow-up

• On-time appointments

• Detailed proposals. Layouts of the system create a much clearer picture of the offering than just a written scopes of work.

Why Secure Space Integrations Sets the Standard

At Secure Space Integrations (SSI), we built our company around solving the exact problems property managers face with typical gate vendors:

Fast response times and clear communication

Knowledgeable Techs for LiftMaster, Doorking, and Viking systems

Preventive maintenance programs that reduce emergency calls

Full transparency — reports, documentation, and easy tracking of every visit

We don’t just fix gates — we help you manage your entire entry system smarter and more reliably.

Need a Reliable Gate Partner?

Don’t settle for guesswork or empty promises.

👉 Schedule a Vendor Evaluation today and see why HOAs and commercial properties across Greater Tampa Bay trust SSI for dependable gate automation and service.