Calvis vs Securitas | On-Demand Security vs Traditional Contracts 2025

When evaluating security options, businesses often compare modern marketplace platforms like Calvis with established traditional providers like Securitas. While both deliver security services, they represent fundamentally different approaches: instant, flexible booking versus long-term contract relationships.

This comprehensive comparison helps you understand which model best fits your security needs and business operations.

Company Overview

Securitas: Global Traditional Security Provider

Securitas is one of the world's largest security services companies, with over 300,000 employees across 45 countries. Founded in 1934, they represent the traditional security agency model with comprehensive service offerings through long-term client relationships.

Business Model: Traditional B2B security contracts Scale: Massive global presence Service Delivery: Account managers, multi-year contracts, dedicated guard teams Target Market: Enterprises, governments, facilities requiring ongoing security

Calvis: Modern On-Demand Security Marketplace

Calvis is a technology platform that connects customers with multiple pre-vetted security agencies for instant guard booking. Built for the modern business environment, it delivers the flexibility and transparency customers expect from on-demand services.

Business Model: Digital marketplace platform Scale: Multi-agency network in major US markets Service Delivery: Self-service platform, instant booking, real-time management Target Market: Businesses and individuals needing flexible, transparent security

Quick Comparison Overview

Detailed Feature Comparison

1. Booking & Engagement Process

Securitas Traditional Process:

Phase 1: Initial Contact (Week 1-2)

• •Submit security inquiry or RFP
• •Initial meetings with sales team
• •Site assessment and security analysis
• •Needs discovery and scope definition

Phase 2: Proposal Development (Week 3-4)

• •Custom security plan development
• •Staffing and deployment planning
• •Technology integration recommendations
• •Pricing proposal preparation
• •Service level agreement drafting

Phase 3: Negotiation (Week 5-6)

• •Contract review and negotiation
• •Legal and procurement involvement
• •Insurance and compliance verification
• •Final terms agreement
• •Background checks and onboarding

Phase 4: Implementation (Week 7-8+)

• •Guard recruitment and assignment
• •Site-specific training
• •Systems and technology setup
• •Account manager introduction
• •Operational kickoff

Total Time: 6-12 weeks minimum Complexity: High - requires significant organizational resources Commitment: Multi-year contracts typical

Calvis Modern Process:

Step 1: Browse (30 seconds)

• •Visit platform or open mobile app
• •Enter shift requirements (date, time, location, type)
• •See available guards from multiple agencies instantly
• •Compare pricing, reviews, and credentials

Step 2: Book (30 seconds)

• •Select guards based on your criteria
• •Review total cost before confirming
• •Complete booking with credit card
• •Receive instant confirmation and guard details

Step 3: Manage (Day of Shift)

• •Guards clock in with GPS verification
• •Track guard location in real-time via app
• •Communicate directly through platform
• •See cost accumulating minute-by-minute
• •Automatic payment processing when shift ends
• •Rate guard performance

Total Time: 60 seconds to book Complexity: Minimal - intuitive self-service Commitment: No contracts, book single shifts

Winner: Calvis for speed and simplicity, Securitas for complex integrated security programs

2. Pricing & Cost Structure

Securitas Contract Pricing:

Typical Structure:

• •Hourly guard rates: $28-$55+ (varies by market and requirements)
• •Account management overhead
• •Administrative fees
• •Technology fees (if using Securitas systems)
• •Contract minimums and volume commitments
• •Overtime premium rates
• •Holiday and weekend surcharges

Hidden Costs:

• •Implementation and setup fees
• •Training and uniform costs
• •Equipment and technology charges
• •Contract modification fees
• •Early termination penalties
• •Seasonal rate adjustments
• •Invoice processing delays

Contract Terms:

• •1-3 year commitments standard
• •Volume minimums often required
• •Price escalation clauses (annual increases)
• •Renewal auto-renewals with notice periods
• •Cancellation penalties

Enterprise Advantages:

• •Volume discounts for large deployments
• •Bundled services (guards + tech + consulting)
• •Fixed pricing for budget predictability
• •National account pricing

Calvis Transparent Pricing:

Clear Structure:

• •Hourly guard rates: $22-$45 (displayed upfront)
• •All costs included in quoted rate
• •No hidden fees or surprise charges
• •GPS-verified billing (pay exact minutes worked)
• •Transparent minute-accurate invoicing

No Commitment Model:

• •Book single 4-hour shifts or recurring coverage
• •No contracts or long-term agreements
• •No minimums or volume requirements
• •Flexible cancellation policy
• •Edit or cancel shifts with reasonable notice

Cost Visibility:

• •See total cost before booking
• •Real-time cost tracking during shifts
• •Instant digital receipts
• •No billing delays or disputes
• •Export cost data for analysis

Marketplace Advantages:

• •Multi-agency rate comparison
• •Competitive pricing through marketplace dynamics
• •No account management overhead
• •Pay only for verified time worked
• •Scale up/down instantly without penalties

Real-World Cost Comparison:

Scenario: Small business needs 2 guards × 8 hours × 4 days/week

Securitas Contract:

• •Negotiated rate: $35/hour
• •Account management: $750/month
• •1-year minimum commitment
• •Monthly cost: (2 × 8 × 4 × 4) × $35 + $750 = $9,710/month
• •Annual commitment: $116,520
• •Early termination: 50% penalty = $58,260 if canceled

Calvis Marketplace:

• •Market rate: $28-$32/hour (choose best option)
• •No fees, no commitment
• •Pay only shifts used
• •Monthly cost (at $30/hr): (2 × 8 × 4 × 4) × $30 = $7,680/month
• •No annual commitment, flexible scaling
• •No penalties for reducing or pausing coverage

Potential Savings: $2,030/month = $24,360/year + complete flexibility

Winner: Calvis for transparency and cost control, Securitas for volume discounts at large enterprise scale

3. Flexibility & Modern Features

Securitas Service Model:

Strengths:

• •Comprehensive security solutions (physical + electronic + consulting)
• •Dedicated account management team
• •Specialized services (mobile patrols, remote monitoring, investigations)
• •Global capabilities for international operations
• •Risk assessments and security consulting
• •Integration with building management systems
• •Established procedures and protocols

Limitations:

• •Rigid contract terms and commitments
• •Changes require account manager approval
• •Slow response to changing needs
• •Limited customer visibility into operations
• •Technology features vary by contract tier
• •Minimal real-time customer control
• •Long approval cycles for adjustments

Calvis Platform Features:

Strengths:

• •Instant booking and scheduling changes
• •Real-time GPS tracking on all shifts
• •Multi-agency choice and comparison
• •Modern mobile apps (iOS/Android)
• •AI-powered incident reporting
• •Dynamic shift editing during active shifts
• •Transparent performance metrics
• •Same-day and emergency bookings
• •Self-service management dashboard

Limitations:

• •Focus on guard staffing (not full-service security consulting)
• •Geographic coverage still expanding
• •Best for standard guard services vs. specialized security
• •Platform-based (less personal relationship)
• •Technology-dependent (requires internet access)

Winner: Securitas for comprehensive security programs, Calvis for flexible guard booking

4. Technology & Customer Experience

Securitas Technology:

Traditional technology approach:

• •Legacy systems for operations management
• •Client portals (if included in contract)
• •Guard tour verification systems
• •Incident reporting tools
• •Integration with client access systems
• •Video monitoring services

Customer Experience:

• •Technology access depends on contract level
• •Often requires additional fees
• •Implementation takes weeks/months
• •Training required for client staff
• •Limited real-time visibility
• •Reports generated weekly/monthly
• •Changes require account manager coordination

Calvis Modern Technology:

Built-for-mobile platform:

• •Instant Booking Engine: Amazon-like browsing and booking
• •Live GPS Tracking: Real-time guard location monitoring
• •AI Features: Voice messaging, automated incident reports
• •Cost Transparency: Minute-by-minute spend tracking
• •Mobile-First Design: Full iOS/Android functionality
• •One-Click Actions: Book, edit, cancel, communicate instantly
• •Smart Matching: Algorithm matches needs to available guards
• •Real-Time Alerts: Notifications for clock in/out, incidents

Customer Experience:

• •All features included standard
• •Zero setup or training needed
• •Consumer-grade intuitive interface
• •Continuous platform improvements
• •Multi-device access (phone, tablet, desktop)
• •Instant notifications and updates
• •Complete self-service control

Winner: Calvis for modern customer experience, Securitas for enterprise systems integration

5. Guard Quality & Vetting

Securitas Quality Control:

Processes:

• •Extensive background checks
• •Standardized training programs
• •Ongoing certification management
• •Performance monitoring systems
• •Supervisory oversight
• •Quality assurance audits
• •Large pool of experienced personnel

Customer Perspective:

• •Guards assigned by Securitas management
• •Consistency through dedicated guard teams
• •Professional uniforms and equipment
• •Established standard operating procedures
• •Limited direct guard selection
• •Quality dependent on local branch performance
• •Complaint resolution through account manager

Reputation: Established brand with 90+ years of history

Calvis Quality Assurance:

Processes:

• •Platform vetting of all partner agencies
• •Agency-level screening requirements
• •Public customer review system
• •Performance tracking across all shifts
• •Multiple agencies compete on quality
• •Verified credentials and licensing
• •GPS-verified shift completion

Customer Perspective:

• •See guard reviews and ratings before booking
• •Choose from multiple vetted agencies
• •Rate guards after each shift
• •Request high-performing guards
• •Switch agencies if quality declines
• •Active participation in quality control
• •Direct feedback impacts guard/agency ratings

Reputation: Modern platform with transparent quality metrics

Winner: Tie - Securitas for established processes, Calvis for customer-driven quality control

Use Case Analysis

When Securitas Makes Sense

Large Enterprise Security Programs

• •Multi-site operations requiring standardized security
• •100+ guards across multiple locations
• •Need for dedicated account management
• •Complex security requirements (guards + technology + consulting)
• •Long-term predictable security needs
• •Budget for comprehensive security services

Critical Infrastructure Protection

• •Government facilities and sensitive sites
• •High-security clearance requirements
• •Regulatory compliance needs
• •24/7/365 coverage requirements
• •Risk assessment and consulting services
• •Integration with advanced security systems

International Operations

• •Global security standardization
• •Multi-country coordination
• •Centralized account management
• •Consistent procedures worldwide
• •Expatriate protection services
• •Crisis management capabilities

Example: "We're a Fortune 500 company with 75 facilities across North America needing standardized security with integrated access control. We need dedicated account management, quarterly risk assessments, and are prepared for a 3-year commitment."

→ Securitas is well-suited for this.

When Calvis Makes Sense

Flexible Business Operations

• •Event security (concerts, conferences, trade shows, weddings)
• •Seasonal or variable security requirements
• •Need to scale up/down quickly
• •Want to avoid long-term contracts
• •Require transparent, predictable costs
• •Prefer self-service control

Modern On-Demand Needs

• •Retail stores with changing schedules
• •Construction sites with project-based security
• •Startups and growing businesses
• •Emergency or last-minute security needs
• •Pop-up events and temporary locations
• •Want real-time visibility and control

Cost-Conscious Organizations

• •Need pricing transparency before committing
• •Want to compare multiple agencies
• •Require flexible payment terms
• •No budget for account management overhead
• •Value pay-as-you-go model
• •Need to justify every security dollar

Example: "We run multiple events monthly and need reliable security that we can book quickly, track in real-time, and scale based on event size. We want transparent pricing, the ability to compare agencies, and no long-term contracts."

→ Calvis is perfect for this.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Corporate Office Security

Securitas Traditional Approach: Month 1: RFP and discovery process Month 2: Proposal review and contract negotiation Month 3: Implementation and guard assignment Ongoing: Dedicated guard team, weekly reports, quarterly business reviews Cost: $40/hour with $1,500 monthly account fee Contract: 3-year commitment with auto-renewal Flexibility: 90-day notice for schedule changes

Total Implementation: 90 days Annual Cost: $91,200 (for 2 guards × 8 hours × 5 days/week) + commitment risk

Calvis Modern Approach: Day 1: Browse available guards, compare agencies, book online Ongoing: Track guards in real-time, adjust coverage via app Cost: $32-35/hour transparent rate, no account fees Contract: None - book weekly or month-to-month Flexibility: Edit shifts anytime via app

Total Implementation: 60 seconds Annual Cost: $68,640 (at $33/hour) + complete flexibility

Savings: $22,560/year + no commitment risk

Scenario 2: Retail Chain (10 Locations)

Securitas Traditional Approach:

• •National account pricing negotiation
• •Standardized guard deployment across all stores
• •Regional supervisors and account management
• •Fixed costs regardless of foot traffic
• •Annual contract with volume commitments

Challenge: Paying for guards during slow periods, difficult to adjust coverage

Calvis Modern Approach:

• •Book guards per location as needed
• •Adjust coverage based on foot traffic and sales data
• •Compare local agencies in each market
• •Scale up during holidays, down during slow periods
• •No commitments if stores close or relocate

Advantage: Flexible coverage matching actual needs, potential 20-30% cost savings

Scenario 3: Manufacturing Facility (24/7 Operations)

Securitas Traditional Approach:

• •Comprehensive security assessment and planning
• •Dedicated supervisor and consistent guard rotation
• •Integration with facility access and alarm systems
• •Predictable monthly costs
• •Long-term relationship with specialized training

Advantage: Consistency, integration, specialized knowledge

Calvis Modern Approach:

• •Book 24/7 coverage through platform
• •Mix agencies for optimal coverage and cost
• •Real-time monitoring and incident reporting
• •Flexibility to adjust staffing levels
• •Pay only for verified hours worked

Challenge: May require more customer management vs. dedicated team

Winner for 24/7: Securitas - better for complex integrated operations requiring consistency

The Contract Lock-In Reality

Securitas Contract Terms

Typical Commitments:

• •1-3 year initial term
• •Auto-renewal clauses (must give 90-120 day notice)
• •Volume minimums (minimum hours per week/month)
• •Early termination penalties (50-100% of remaining contract value)
• •Price escalation clauses (3-5% annual increases)
• •Modification fees for scope changes

Real Cost of Lock-In: Scenario: Sign 2-year contract at $120,000/year

Year 1: Business thrives, security needs met Year 2: Business downturn, need to cut costs Result: Stuck paying $120,000 or face $60,000 termination fee

Flexibility Cost: Zero ability to adjust without penalties

Calvis No-Contract Model

Complete Flexibility:

• •No contracts or commitments
• •Book daily, weekly, or ongoing
• •Adjust coverage anytime without penalties
• •Pause service during slow periods
• •Resume instantly when needed
• •Cancel or modify shifts with reasonable notice

Real Value of Flexibility: Scenario: Start with $120,000/year security budget

Busy Periods: Scale up coverage (add guards/hours) Slow Periods: Scale down or pause coverage Result: Pay only for security you actually need

Flexibility Value: Potential 20-40% annual savings through right-sizing

Corporate Overhead Analysis

Securitas Cost Structure

As a global corporation with 300,000 employees:

• •Corporate headquarters and regional management
• •Sales teams and account managers
• •Extensive administrative overhead
• •Marketing and brand building
• •Legal, compliance, and HR departments
• •Technology infrastructure and development
• •Shareholder returns and executive compensation

How This Affects You:

• •Account management fees ($500-$2,000/month)
• •Administrative overhead in guard rates ($3-$5/hour markup)
• •Contract complexity requiring legal review
• •Implementation delays from bureaucracy
• •Slow decision-making for changes

Hidden Cost: Estimate 25-35% overhead markup vs. direct agency pricing

Calvis Efficiency Model

As a technology platform connecting agencies with customers:

• •Minimal overhead (software vs. large workforce)
• •No account management staff
• •No sales team commissions
• •Direct agency-to-customer connection
• •Automated platform operations
• •Platform fee included in competitive rates

How This Benefits You:

• •No account management fees
• •Lower overall rates through marketplace competition
• •Instant booking without sales involvement
• •Real-time changes without bureaucracy
• •Direct communication with guards/agencies

Result: 15-25% cost savings while maintaining quality

Geographic Coverage Comparison

Securitas Global Presence

Coverage:

• •45 countries worldwide
• •All 50 US states
• •Major metro and rural areas
• •Specialized services in most markets
• •National account coordination
• •International consistency

Advantage: Go-to-market anywhere Securitas operates

Calvis Expanding Network

Current Coverage:

• •Major US metropolitan areas
• •Rapidly expanding to new markets
• •Dense coverage in key cities
• •Multiple agency options per market
• •Growing nationwide presence

Limitation: Not yet in all markets (check availability)

Winner: Securitas for comprehensive geographic coverage, Calvis in served markets

Customer Support & Service

Securitas Support Model

Support Structure:

• •Dedicated account manager (primary contact)
• •Local branch operations team
• •Regional support and escalation
• •National account team for enterprise
• •24/7 emergency response
• •Scheduled business reviews

Customer Experience:

• •Personalized relationship with account manager
• •Proactive communication
• •Quarterly performance reviews
• •Custom reporting
• •Slower response for changes (must go through account manager)

Calvis Support Model

Support Structure:

• •Platform customer support team
• •Direct communication with guards/agencies
• •Real-time assistance via chat and phone
• •24/7 support during active shifts
• •Self-service dashboard
• •Instant platform-mediated issue resolution

Customer Experience:

• •Immediate self-service for most needs
• •Quick response for platform issues
• •Direct guard communication
• •Real-time problem resolution
• •No waiting for account manager availability

Winner: Tie - Securitas for relationship-based service, Calvis for instant self-service

Conclusion: Traditional vs. Modern Security Hiring

The choice between Calvis and Securitas fundamentally depends on your security needs and business model:

Choose Securitas If You:

Need comprehensive security solutions (guards + technology + consulting) Have multi-site operations requiring standardization Can commit to long-term contracts (1-3 years) Need specialized services or international coverage Want dedicated account management Have enterprise-level security requirements Value established brand and procedures Require complex system integration

Choose Calvis If You:

Need flexible, on-demand guard staffing Want instant booking and transparent pricing Prefer to avoid long-term contracts Value modern technology and real-time tracking Want multi-agency options and comparison Need cost-effective, scalable security Operate in major US metro areas Want complete self-service control

The Market Evolution

The security industry is evolving from traditional contract relationships toward modern marketplace platforms. While Securitas excels at comprehensive enterprise security programs, Calvis represents the future of flexible, transparent, customer-controlled security hiring.

Traditional Model (Securitas): Long-term relationships, bundled services, account management overhead Modern Model (Calvis): On-demand booking, transparent pricing, self-service control

Experience Modern Security with Calvis

Stop dealing with lengthy RFP processes, opaque pricing, and inflexible contracts. Join thousands of businesses using Calvis for instant, transparent security guard booking.

What You Get with Calvis:

• •60-Second Booking: Book verified guards online instantly
• •Transparent Pricing: See all costs upfront, no surprises
• •Multi-Agency Choice: Compare providers in one platform
• •Real-Time GPS Tracking: Monitor guards during shifts
• •Complete Flexibility: No contracts, edit shifts anytime
• •Modern Technology: AI-powered features and mobile apps
• •Pay-As-You-Go: No minimums or commitments
• •Cost Savings: 15-25% lower than traditional agencies

Book guards now → Get Started