When you search for an IT Service provider for your business, it can be tricky to know which one is the best fit for your needs. This blog details some of the common mistakes that business owners make when on the hunt for a Managed IT Service provider.
1. They Don’t Vet the Provider’s Website for Pricing Information
Always visit the website! Learn all you can about a Managed IT Service provider even before you call them. You should be able to find their services listed in some form of packages or block hours, which should always include pricing. Of course, every business's needs for IT are different. You may not see an exact price for your exact requirement, but you should at least be able to get a decent idea of what they cost. Upfront transparency in pricing is extremely important. If an IT service provider does not have clear and easy to understand service packages listed on their website, you may be in store for some big surprises concerning cost and hidden fees.
2. They Don’t Ask About Size of The IT Support Team
IT Support is complicated these days. From managing servers in the cloud to keeping IT environments safe from the continual threat of hackers, malware, and viruses—one person or even two can rarely do it all. No matter the size of your business, your IT requirements demand a vast set of skills across standard operating systems like Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. Also, specific, tedious networking experience is necessary to keep your office productive and operational—and that's only a couple of examples. You should look for a Managed IT Service provider that showcases the certifications and expertise of their team. That experience should be both broad and deeply technical. An excellent place to look for this might be on the team profile pages of their website.
3. They Don’t Require a Detailed Proposal
As a business owner, you probably do not know everything about IT—and you shouldn't have to! Your job is to run your business and keep your customers happy. When you search for a Managed IT Service provider, ask questions. Question them about the various aspects of what they include in your chosen IT package. Getting these answers are vital to ensure you hire an experienced and knowledgeable provider. If a Managed IT Service company pressures you for a decision, glosses over what they include in your package, or does not provide a full report of your IT environment, including a proposal—run!
4. They Focus Solely on Price
A low price might be a solid reason to buy a cheaper pack of pens, but it is not the mindset that you want to use to approach hiring a Managed IT Service provider. You know the adage, "You get what you pay for." There is a reason that phrase has been around for so long—it’s the truth!
What could happen if you hire a low-cost Managed IT Service Provider?
- Their Help desk support may be slow or inefficient.
- Their on-site support techs may not be friendly or thoughtful in their communications.
- Their contract may include hidden costs or fees.
- You may continue to have the same recurring IT issues over and over.
Price is always part of the decision-making equation. When you hire a reputable Managed IT Service company, you will find they have packages that can fit your needs with your budget in mind. Those are important questions to ask when you start contacting potential providers.
5. They Focus on the Short-Term Fix
You need your business' IT to be safe, scalable, and on all the time! Simply hiring a "quick-fix" IT person related to your next-door neighbor, who may have a different day job, is not going to work for your business for the long-term. You need a company that can be there no matter what when you need them.
When looking for an IT Service provider, it is essential to look at the length of time they have been in business and the following:
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They should have a proven track record of happy customers.
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They should have a strong local base.
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They should retain awesome employees.
When you review their website, you should see case studies and customer testimonials that showcase successful projects. When you browse their company page, you should see their owners and employees displayed with care and consideration. You already know the owners if they have a strong local presence!
How to Avoid These Common Mistakes
Follow our insights listed above. Also, you will know you have found the right company when you see that they invest in their community and their employees. Happy employees = happy customers! Good luck in your hunt!