If you own a business, one of the biggest concerns you may have is the cost of IT support. If you research IT support pricing options online, you may find numbers all over the board.
Unfortunately, there’s not a single, generalized, accepted price or IT support pricing method used by IT companies.
While this is true, getting to know some of the most common pricing methods used can help you understand what option is right for your business and your budget.
Considering Your Business’s Budget and IT Spend for Previous Years
Before diving into pricing specifics for IT support services, it’s important to consider what you have spent in the past on IT services. If you don’t know, now is the time to figure it out. By having a budget in mind, you can find a service provider that aligns with your business needs and your budget.
For example, while hiring a company that offers all-inclusive pricing for a flat fee may be your desired method of protection, if you only have money to pay by the hour or for specific blocks of time, you need to know this. With this information in hand, you can make adjustments to other business expenses to accommodate the IT support needs you have.
Finding Balance: Cost vs. Business Goals
When thinking about IT support, you need to find a plan that aligns with your business goals. For most companies, an all-inclusive plan that charges a flat fee per month, year, etc. is the best solution. This eliminates per hour and surprise charges that may pop up for new projects, “firefighting,” and other unexpected needs.
By hiring an all-inclusive IT service provider, you have access to a company that makes money when your business runs smoothly. You also have peace of mind that there will be no additional charges for these services.
Additional Charges to Consider
When selecting an IT support company, the way you pay for services will determine if there are “add-on” fees. While this varies from one provider to another, there are some generally accepted practices.
For example, if you are paying a company a flat fee for protection, ongoing maintenance, etc. the likelihood of additional fees will be minimal. It’s an “all-inclusive” plan for a reason. Also, with these services, when an emergency occurs, you don’t have to scramble to try and find someone to put out this fire. You have a professional service provider available and ready to help at a moment’s notice.
However, if you choose to hire a company that offers services by the hour, or that only provides emergency help, the cost of services is going to skyrocket – significantly. Not only can the right service provider be hard to find in some situations, but you will have to pay more for the urgency of your situation.
When an all-inclusive plan, there are systems in place to ensure these situations don’t occur, to begin with. This peace of mind isn’t something that’s provided by an hourly or break-fix IT, support provider.
Find Out What is Included from the IT Support Provider You Hire
Before hiring an IT service provider, you must find out what services they offer in their flat fee. If it is all-inclusive, there should not be many additional fees – if any.
It’s also important to note, hiring an IT service provider that offers services remotely is a smart move. By hiring this company, you can keep costs down while still receiving the help and services needed. The only time you may need IT personnel on-site is for an equipment malfunction. However, if you have an all-inclusive company, they are going to provide upgrades and maintenance to minimize the likelihood of this happening.
Not only is remote service easier, but it’s also faster and more affordable. This makes it a smart option for businesses of all sizes and in all industries.
Finding a Provider for Your Business
For any business, the cost of the IT services they receive is a crucial factor to consider. Understanding how IT support services are charged can help you figure out what pricing model works best for you and your business budget.
If you are ready to seek IT services for your business, The Purple Guys can help! Call and set up an appointment for us to come in. Together, we can access your situation and talk about your needs.