Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure
Full transparency on how Dcaged earns revenue, how we choose products to review, and the important boundaries between our recommendations and professional advice.
Last updated: February 20, 2026
FTC Compliance Notice
In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Endorsement Guidelines (16 CFR Part 255), this page discloses all material connections between Dcaged and the products, services, or companies mentioned on this website.
How Does Dcaged Earn Revenue?
Dcaged earns money in two primary ways, and we want you to understand both clearly:
1. Affiliate Commissions
Some product links on our review pages are affiliate links. When you click one of these links and make a purchase, the retailer may pay Dcaged a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help fund our editorial operations, including product testing, content creation, and website maintenance.
We participate in affiliate programs with major security product retailers. Affiliate relationships exist with brands and platforms that sell the equipment we review. The specific commission rates vary by program and product category.
2. Lead Generation
When you submit a free quote request on Dcaged, we connect you with licensed security installers in your area. Installers may pay a fee to receive qualified leads through our platform. This is how our free quote service stays free for homeowners.
Your decision to request a quote or hire an installer is entirely your own. We do not receive additional compensation based on which installer you choose or the value of your project.
Does Revenue Influence Our Reviews?
No. Our editorial process operates independently from our business relationships. Here is how we keep them separate:
- Scores are earned, not bought. Every product review on Dcaged includes scores based on actual testing and evaluation. No brand can pay for a higher rating. Our review methodology evaluates features, build quality, app experience, installation difficulty, monitoring options, and overall value.
- We review products we choose. Our editorial team selects which products to review based on market relevance, reader interest, and product availability. Companies cannot pay to be reviewed or to influence the order of our rankings.
- Negative reviews get published. If a product performs poorly in our testing, we report that honestly. Products with significant flaws receive lower scores and clear warnings, regardless of any affiliate relationship.
- Affiliate links are clearly marked. When a link on our site earns us a commission, the context makes that relationship clear. We do not hide affiliate relationships behind misleading labels.
How Does Dcaged Evaluate Security Products?
Every review published on Dcaged follows a consistent methodology. Here is what we evaluate:
Equipment Quality
Build materials, sensor accuracy, camera resolution, wireless range, and weather resistance when applicable.
Installation Experience
Time from unboxing to full operation, clarity of instructions, required tools, and technical skill level needed.
App and Software
Mobile app usability, notification speed, alert customization, video playback quality, and platform compatibility.
Monitoring Options
Self-monitoring features, professional monitoring pricing, cellular backup availability, and response time data.
Pricing and Value
Upfront equipment cost, monthly fees, contract requirements, cancellation terms, and total cost of ownership over 3 years.
Customer Support
Support channel availability (phone, chat, email), response times, warranty terms, and return policy flexibility.
We combine these factors into an overall rating. Products with higher scores deliver better performance across more categories. For complete reviews with detailed scores, visit our DIY Security Reviews section.
Is Dcaged Content Professional Advice?
No. The information on Dcaged is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional security assessments, legal advice, or licensed contractor consultations.
Specifically:
- We are not licensed security contractors, electricians, or alarm technicians
- Our content does not constitute a home security assessment for insurance purposes
- Local building codes, alarm permit requirements, and HOA regulations vary by jurisdiction. Always verify requirements with your local authorities before starting a security installation
- Emergency situations require calling 911 or your local emergency number, not browsing a website
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and your local police department are the best resources for reporting security threats and understanding crime statistics in your area.
What About Links to Other Websites?
Dcaged links to external websites including product manufacturers, retailers, government resources, and industry organizations. These links help you access additional information and verify our claims.
However, we do not control external websites. We are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or accuracy. When you leave Dcaged by clicking an external link, you are subject to that website's terms and privacy policy.
We make a genuine effort to link only to trustworthy sources. If you find a broken or suspicious link on our site, please report it through our contact page.
How Accurate Is Our Information?
We work hard to keep all information on Dcaged current and accurate. Our editorial team regularly updates reviews, pricing data, and local security information. However, the home security industry moves quickly, and details can change between our updates.
Product specifications, pricing, promotional offers, and feature availability may differ from what we publish. Always verify current details directly with the manufacturer or retailer before making a purchase decision.
Local security statistics, crime data, and regulatory information come from publicly available sources including the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, city police departments, and state consumer protection agencies. These figures represent historical data and may not reflect current conditions.
If you spot an error in any of our content, let us know at editorial@dcaged.com. We take corrections seriously and update content promptly.
Questions About This Disclaimer?
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships, editorial process, or anything covered on this page, reach out:
Email: editorial@dcaged.com
Contact Page: dcaged.com/contact
