“The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Choosing IT Service Providers & How To Avoid Them”

Mistake #1: You pick IT Service Providers based only on price.

The old adage is true. “You get what you pay for.” This is especially true when choosing IT Service Providers. If you want the best service you should decide to deal with an IT Service Provider because of the overall value you receive, NOT because they are the lowest price.

Here’s why

Value = Quality + Service + Price

It is impossible for any business in any industry to offer the cheapest price, have the highest quality, and provide the best service all at the same time.

You can get high quality and super service, but you’ve can’t get both and still get the lowest price.

IT Service Businesses have a lot of overhead, employees, products, leases, continuing education, etc. If their prices are “too good to be true” then they are cutting comers somewhere. Whether it’s in the quality of their services and products, or the customer service they provide, something has to suffer to give you those low, low prices.

Total value is all three: Quality, Service, and Price.

The three most common problems you will have when you pick IT Service Providers based on low prices are:

1. The first problem is that cheap IT Service Businesses don’t usually stand behind their work if there is a mistake. Sure, those IT Service Businesses might charge you less, but how will they treat you when you are not happy? To give the cheapest price they usually have low-wage, inexperienced employees, but little or no real-world skills. They also cut comers by installing inferior components. The end result is “you get half of what you pay for.” And the little bit of money you save ends up costing you more in the long run, especially if you have to miss work, or a big sale because your computer or it's systems are down. There is a saying  “the bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten ..."

2. The second problem with IT Service Providers who offer the lowest prices is that they often have to compensate for being cheap with quantity but not quality. Your IT Service Business experience is anything but relaxing when you are being herded like cattle through a long line waiting for your turn for someone to listen to your concerns, only then to be sent on your way. Many times these IT Service Businesses don’t even clean the interior of your computer. They just work around the dirt, grime and pet hair that collects inside. And when they’re through, they usually send you out with the same problems you came in with, because they didn’t do a thorough analysis and testing of the system after any repairs were made.

 3. And the third reason why picking the cheapest IT Service Business is a problem relates back to the low-wage. inexperienced technicians that are usually employed at these types of IT Service Businesses. Anyone can go through the schooling and learn enough to be "certified", but it’s the real pro’s that take the time to really learn how complex computer systems work, and spend the time and money on further education and developing talent that really makes a master ‘technician’. They understand not just one part of the computer business, but how all aspects work together to provide you years of trouble free operation.

If you really care about keeping your computer systems in optimum health, whether you want to avoid down time, or viruses and spy-ware, or hackers trying to steal your personal data, or whether you are interested in 100% uptime of your systems, or just avoiding identity theft from some hacker.... and.... if you want top notch service, and to be treated with respect and fast service, and learn computer “secrets” from experienced experts, then don’t choose IT Service Providers based on price.

Mistake #2: You Think All IT Service Businesses Are The Same

Every IT Service Business is different. No two IT Service Businesses are really the same. Each IT Service Business has different services and different employees who have unique talents and specialties.

Servicing a computer or it's system is a combination of talent, experience, and skill. Most people don’t realize the time and money the best technicians have spent to hone their skill levels and to expand their knowledge base.

Contrary to what some people think, correctly diagnosing and repairing any IT product, is not just a matter of opening it with a screwdriver. It takes workmanship and talent to create well balanced systems with components that all function well together, and work like a well oiled machine; like they are supposed to.

Communication is the key to picking the best IT Service Business for you:

·          Ask how many years of experience the technicians have.

·          Ask how much time they will spend with you to understand the problem your experiencing.

·          Ask to read testimonials of past clients.

·          Ask any other questions that are unique to your needs.

This will help you to decide if they are the best IT Service Business for you.

After you ask your questions, it will become pretty obvious which IT Service Business you should choose. The IT Service Business that wants your business will prove to you that they are the best IT Service Business for you. Take your time and decide which IT Service Business you would like to use - but when you decide, you must be loyal to them. That brings us to Mistake #3.

Mistake #3: You Frequent Several Different IT Service Businesses

You may think this is good for you because, whoever can get you in soonest wins your business, and it is good to some extent, but here is why it usually isn’t a good way to deal with IT Service Businesses.

A good IT Service Business has enough loyal clients that they don’t have to deal with price shoppers.

Once you find a good IT Service Business, you must be loyal. If you flip-flop from IT Service Business to IT Service Business, a good IT Service Business won’t be too motivated to keep YOU as a client. They will cater to their loyal clients.

Price is important. But price should not be more important than good quality and good service.

When you aren’t loyal to your IT Service Business, and show up every 6 months for them to “fix” your cheap computer, and when you need a favor, who are you going to turn to? When your most important business deal is closing and your computer or printer or whatever goes down, and you need it backed up NOW,  who’s going to bend over backwards to get you up and running before the sale?

Every IT Service Business expects to bend over backwards for their loyal clients now and again; they might even see you after hours, or early in the morning, or pull off a miracle. Provided the client is loyal. The IT Service Business will do all they can to help you when life throws you a curve ball at the worst possible time.

All good IT Service Businesses will be loyal to you if YOU are loyal to them.

Keep loyalty in mind when you choose your IT Service Business.

Mistake #4: You Don’t Allow Enough Time For Your IT Service Business To Service You Properly.

Mistakes happen when you rush!

When you’re in a hurry, you may not get enough time to communicate with the technician to make sure you get exactly what you need, or to help them fully understand the problem. And, sometimes, one late client can push back schedules for the whole day. When you schedule an appointment, don’t short yourself on time. Ask the IT Service Business how much time it might take, and then add a half hour. The computer systems that you depend on for your daily life, need to be serviced correctly - don’t rush it.

Before you get any service at the IT Business, talk with the technician. Make sure he or she understands thoroughly what the problem is. This will save tremendous time and avoid repeat visits for the same problem. 

You can save time, money, and headaches from the very beginning by communication!

Why do most people do the opposite and find themselves at the mercy of their computer systems? Because, everyone takes their computer for granted. Everyone assumes their computer should just keep running day in and day out without any maintenance or repairs. Computers have mechanical parts, like the hard drive and fans, these components wear out and need replacement. People are tough on their computer systems, they drop them, spill drinks on them and abuse them in a dozen other ways. Yet, they rely on their computer more and more for their daily communications, entertainment, banking, shopping and a whole lot more. In many households across the country, the computer is THE most used piece of equipment in the house, yet it gets the least attention. Most everyone thinks the computer should just work, no matter what conditions they’ve exposed it to. This just isn’t the case.

You should think of your IT service provider, as your  car mechanic  and “project partner”. Consult with your technician; let them know in advance what you want, and how you intend to use your computer and it’s associated systems (printers, dvd burners, wireless networks, etc.) Ask them if they can give you any tips and ideas on making sure things stay in good working order for as long as possible with little to no interruptions to your daily life.  A good IT Service Business will take that initiative in communication.

Mistake #5: Picking An IT Service Provider That Doesn’t Guarantee Their Services

All reputable IT Service Businesses guarantee their services automatically. This means if you aren’t happy they will attempt to “fix” whatever is wrong for free, and if you still aren’t happy they will refund your money.

Unfortunately there are unethical IT Service Businesses that won’t do this. Instead they will argue with you for having “unrealistic expectations”, or say that the problem is a ‘new’ one not the same one you came in with. Of course you cannot expect them to freely fix your computer if you have deleted your files or picked up a virus since you received it back. That would be like the car mechanic freely fixing your flat tire because you just had the oil changed and the flat tire should be under warranty. It is all about being honest in todays world.

An unethical IT Service Business may charge you for a re-visit, or refuse to give you your money back.

The best thing you can do is pick IT Service Providers that guarantees their work. This way you know they have to be good and have good communication with you. There is no risk for you.

Mistake #6: You think because they ‘Speak Geek’, that is all it takes to give good advice and be a real "pro", or that the ‘Geek Kid’ next door can do just as good of a job.

There are hundreds of thousands of "computer geeks". Some have gone to school, or been apprenticed and passed some rudimentary knowledge test. That doesn’t mean they are all good, or even know what they’re talking about.

Building lasting computer systems that do exactly what the customer wants, is an art. Having a degree of talent is important, although the skills can be mastered with time and practice, it’s equally important for the technician to continue expanding their knowledge, and continue attending the Intel, Microsoft, AMD, etc. seminars to keep up with the changes in operating systems and hardware.  Technology is changing on a daily basis, and what worked well yesterday, is old news today.

Don’t be shy. Ask the technician how they keep up with the changes. What books and magazines do they subscribe to, or what training classes do they attend? After all you are putting your personal computer with all it’s sensitive data on it in their hands.

While we’re speaking of your sensitive data, think about this. More and more people use their computer for on-line banking, stock trading, credit card payments, and dozens of other sensitive things. Would you leave your wallet and all your personal information open for the taking for the "geek kid" next door? So why would you allow them to service your computer? When a technician services your computer systems, they have access to almost every thing you’ve used your computer for, and that includes any sensitive data. Ever hear of identity theft? Make sure whoever you trust to service your computer systems is ethical and has a great reputation with the local Better Business Bureau. and will take every precaution to protect your data in a professional manner.

Mistake #7: Not Asking To See Examples Of The IT Businesses Workmanship

This is probably your best bet at finding a fantastic IT Service Business. Ask to see examples of their work. If they don’t have a book· for you to look through ask for references. A good IT Service Business will happily give you references.

Ask for the names of at least three people who have used their service before, and take the time to call these people and ask them if they were happy with the IT Service Business your considering.

Also, ask to read through any testimonials the IT Service Business has from clients. This is the easiest way you can find an IT Service Provider for you!