The new year is the perfect time to reconsider your current providers. Not only does it give you an opportunity to reflect on the previous year, but it also provides a chance to assess whether your managed IT services provider (MSP) is meeting all of your needs.
If you see these five red flags, it may be best to start vetting new partners.
1. Recurring IT concerns
When the same tech issues keep cropping up, it may be a sign that your current MSP is not providing optimal service or they may no longer be meeting your business needs. A good MSP should be able to address the root of your IT concerns so that old issues don’t recur. They should also be proactive in their approach, staying ahead of potential IT issues before these become major problems.
If your current provider can’t tackle existing problems quickly or anticipate upcoming challenges such as those related to cybersecurity, then you deserve a better IT partner. Look for one that can offer reliable troubleshooting, support, and advice tailored toward meeting your organizational needs now and in the future.
2. Decrease in reliability
A decrease in reliability can manifest in a variety of ways, such as slow response times for customer service inquiries, inability to solve technical issues efficiently, or lack of proactive measures.
It can also mean poor customer service, which can be damaging to both employee morale and customer retention. In addition, if your MSP’s quality of service is no longer up to par with industry standards, it could hamper your organization's growth and prevent you from taking advantage of new opportunities. It’s better to switch to a seasoned provider that’s trusted in their field and with a long list of satisfied customers.
Related reading: Switching to a new MSP in 2023? Look for these 7 traits
3. Consistent upselling
Having an MSP that upsells you on products and services that are unnecessary for your business can cause needless costs and potentially put a strain on your budget. Constant upselling may also mean that your MSP is unwilling or unable to address any issues that arise with their existing services. If the only solution offered seems to be upgrading or adding more features, then it may be time to look at other options that provide better customer service and greater value for money.
What’s more, if your current IT provider is consistently pushing you to commit to more expensive packages or add-ons that you don't really need, they may be taking advantage of your lack of technical knowledge. It’s better to find an IT provider that takes the time to understand your organization's specific needs and provides services tailored to those needs.
4. No growth
Without sufficient technology growth, you may miss out on potential opportunities for expansion. Other businesses in your industry may become more competitive by investing in better and newer technologies while you lag behind. This could lead to lost customers, decreased profits, and even long-term damage to your reputation as a business leader. This is why you should look for a provider that is always on top of the latest IT trends, and not one that relies on outdated technology or solutions.
5. Lack of transparency
When providers do not keep customers adequately informed about their service or the changes they are making, it can lead to confusion and mistrust between the two parties. And when there is a lack of transparency in price, contracts, or services offered, you may feel as though you are being taken advantage of.
If your MSP is also not upfront regarding service outages, maintenance schedules, or system upgrades, your business could be unprepared for disruptions. This does not only inconvenience your customers, but it could also adversely affect your reputation with stakeholders such as clients and investors.
It’s essential that you have an IT provider you can trust and rely on. If your current provider shows any of the aforementioned signs, then it’s time to look into other options that ensure better value, greater support, and improved efficiency, among other benefits.
If you’re a Toronto-based business looking to switch MSPs, then XBASE Technologies could be the right choice for you. We’re one of the most reliable IT providers in the city, with decades of experience servicing companies in various industries. Contact us today and experience EXponentially Better™ services.