Is your organization in the market for an IT service provider? Navigating the selection process can be tricky, especially if you lack a tech background or experience with IT contracts. Opting for the seemingly cheapest provider may appear attractive initially, but it often leads to unforeseen expenses in the long run. This is primarily due to undisclosed carve-outs and hidden fees embedded in the contract. Cheaper IT firms tend to exclude certain services from the original agreement, subsequently charging additional fees to include them or proposing subpar solutions that necessitate costly upgrades later on.
To help you identify companies that don’t live up to their advertised bargains, it’s crucial to consider specific elements when evaluating whether your quote is inadequate, overpriced, or underquoted.
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- Insufficient Compliance and Cybersecurity Protections:
A ransomware attack can be a severe blow to any business. Hence, it’s vital to ensure that the IT company you choose doesn’t merely rely on basic (and cheap) antivirus software. This is a critical area where many “cheaper” Managed Service Providers (MSPs) fall short. While antivirus is a good starting point, it’s insufficient against serious threats. Many insurance companies now mandate advanced cyber protections, including employee cyber awareness training, 2FA (2-factor authentication), and advanced endpoint protection, to provide coverage for cyber liability and crime insurance. Our offerings meet these standards, significantly reducing the risk of a cyber-attack and ensuring you’re not denied an essential insurance claim.
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- Inadequate Recovery Solutions:
Check whether your chosen IT firm performs daily backups of servers, workstations, and any cloud applications your company uses. Online applications do not guarantee data backup, and it’s crucial to have immutable backups that cannot be corrupted by hackers. Many insurance companies now require such backups to insure against ransomware or similar cyber events.
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- Transparency About On-Site and After-Hours Fees:
Unexpectedly, most IT firms charge extra for on-site or after-hours visits. We include all such fees in our agreements, but “cheaper” MSPs may omit them initially to present a lower sticker price. Before signing any service agreement, ensure you have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t included in the service.
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- Nonexistent Vendor Liaison and Support:
Will your IT provider assist with all your tech needs, or only with the components they’ve installed? Some firms charge extra for tech support related to devices they didn’t sell you.
5. Inexperienced Techs:
Some companies compromise on customer support and expertise to cut costs. Skimping on experienced techs can lead to more significant issues and expenses down the line.
Before signing any contract, it’s essential to fully understand what is and isn’t included in the service. While one IT services provider may initially seem more affordable than another, a closer look at the offerings is necessary. If you want to experience dependable, quality IT support, schedule a call with our team for a comprehensive quote that covers all your needs. To schedule your free assessment, click here or call our office at 717-914-0102.
