What to ask an IT company before you hire
- Ask what is covered, how fast they answer, who owns your passwords, how backups are tested and how you can leave.
- A good company answers in plain words and puts it in writing.
Ten questions
- What is included, and what is not? Ask for it in writing.
- How fast do you answer? Ask for the real average from last quarter, not just the promise.
- Who will I talk to? A named engineer is better than a ticket line.
- Who owns our passwords and admin accounts? The answer must be you.
- How do you test backups? You want to hear that they restore a file on a schedule.
- What happens if you are sick or away? There should be a second person.
- How do you handle security? Look for MFA, updates, and staff training.
- How do you charge? Look for a flat price per person and no surprises.
- How long is the contract and how do I leave? Look for a way out if service is poor, and ask for a copy of your documentation.
- Can I see a sample report? It should be readable, not full of jargon.
For a longer version, read our post, questions to ask a New Jersey IT provider.
Red flags
- No written list of what is included.
- They keep the admin passwords and will not share them.
- They cannot tell you who will answer the phone.
- Pressure to sign today.
When to call a pro
- You want us to look at a quote or contract you already have.
- You are switching providers and want a safe hand over. See switching IT provider.
Need IT support for your business?
Call Ava, or book a free check. We look at your setup and tell you what we would fix first, in plain words, whether or not you hire us.
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Common questions
Should I get more than one quote?
Yes, two or three. Compare them per user per month and by what is included.
Should I ask for references?
Yes. Ask for a customer you can speak to about response times and how problems were handled.
Is a free review a trick?
It should not be. A free first look should tell you what they would fix, whether or not you hire them.
Keep reading
- How much does IT support cost per user in New Jersey?
- Managed IT or break-fix: which is right for your office?
- Seven signs you have outgrown your IT support
Where we help
Minority- and Black-owned businesses are welcome here, and so is every other small business.
Book a free 30-minute review
Tell us what is not working. We will look at your setup and tell you what we would change, whether or not you hire us.
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