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911 Supply
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
2 reviews for 911 Supply
2 reviews in English
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Review from Ritesh B.
Calgary, AB
8/31/2010
Good store they have everything and anything you will need at a security, EMS, police and fire department job. A little pricy though. Everything in the store is good quality specially their shoes.
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Review from Dustin H.
11/30/2011
First to get the first question most people ask out of the way: "What is it?" 911 Supply is a store that sells the parts of EMS/Police/Fire/Security/Military equipment that are legally available to the public. They sell generic uniform jackets (the kind that might say 'Security' or 'Police', etc. but without company/city patches and the like), hand cuffs, duty belt attachments to carry the tools of the trade, and even the standard issue style combat boots. Basically, its where all emergency services and security companies in Calgary get the stuff they don't need specific licensing for.
This store seems pretty cool to many of the uninitiated - either they're just getting into that line of work and are surprised a store like this existed without them knowing about it, or they aren't on "the job" and are surprised by some of the things that are available for public purchase... but I find once somebody's been in "service" for a year or two, a trip to 911 becomes a chore many can't be bothered to endure.
First of all, their one and only location is a major pain to get to, especially for many of those in the contract security industry, who often don't have the kind of income to have their own vehicle and have to take transit. It's also VERY easy to walk in with your pockets out-turned, as everything in there that's available anywhere else comes at at least twice the normal cost. I've seen flashlights for example, that sell here for over 100 dollars when you can get something VERY similar in size, power, etc. (just of a different brand, or without the signature service 'look') at a hardware or department store for 20 or less.
One of the primary factors that I think helps 911 succeed, despite so many flaws, is the lack of competition. If you want (or need, as is usually the case, to stay employed) about half of the products they offer, there really is no other option, which means they pretty much get to charge what they want, and do... and you'll just have to figure out how to find the store and get there, so they don't really have to worry about working to get or keep business.
I'm sure it could be a lot worse, but I really wish there was another option available in this field in Calgary, so that either there would be a more affordable and accessible alternative, or at least the little bit of competition would cause a little more value for their customers.
12/30
