Businesses looking to find cheap IT support have a few options. Go with the cheapest IT company you can find with a google search, try to maintain an in-house IT support team, or hire a family member or friend “who’s good with computers.”
But finding someone to manage your technology is not the same as testing your luck with a piece of furniture on Temu. As a bargain hunter you probably are already familiar with the term “you get what you pay for.”
While we understand you have a specific budget to work with, in this blog we’ll explore some of the drawbacks of price being your only consideration.
What Is the Cost of IT Support
First, let’s break down the industry average costs for IT support. Keep in mind, pricing depends on factors like the number of users and the type of support your business needs.
- Percentage of Revenue: Businesses typically spend 4–6% of their revenue on technology. For smaller businesses, this figure is often closer to the higher end.
- Cost Per Workstation/User: Managed IT services average around $120 per workstation.
- Hourly/Block Rates: Some businesses opt for hourly support or block hours, with rates ranging from $100 to $300 per hour on a “best-effort” response basis.
These averages give a baseline for what IT services should cost. Now, let’s explore what you might encounter when you settle for the lowest price.
Related Content: IT Support Costs Too Much
1. Only Getting Reactive Service
Let’s say you don’t have a managed services contract and instead pay an IT company by the hour. This means you call them only when something isn’t working—what’s known as break-fix support.
Call when something breaks, pay to get it fixed.
For businesses with minimal technology needs, this might seem sufficient. But if your company relies heavily on technology, break-fix is not a sustainable strategy.
While the occasional quick fix might seem like enough, it does nothing to prevent recurring issues or address underlying problems.
2. Frequent Downtime
If you’re constantly putting out fires and feeling frustrated with “fixes” that never seem to hold, you’re dealing with the costly reality of downtime.
Every minute you wait for your IT person to resolve an issue is costing your business. On average, downtime is calculated at $5,600 per minute, which can add up to $145,000 to $450,000 per hour.
While you’re waiting for systems to come back online, it’s easy to see the financial impact by doing some quick mental math:
Your Downtime Cost = Minutes of Downtime × Cost Per Minute
Budgeting for downtime should be the expectation when you’re just getting basic computer or system repairs.
3. Incomplete Security Measures
Cybersecurity isn’t a “set it and forget it” process—it’s a 24/7 responsibility. Cheap IT providers often lack the tools or expertise to monitor your systems continuously. They might not review your network for vulnerabilities or ensure compliance with industry standards.
If your IT support isn’t proactively securing your systems, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches, compliance failures, and reputational damage.
Can your business afford to take that risk?
4. Misaligned Strategy and Missed Opportunities
If you want your business to do more than just tread water, investing in your IT department is essential. Without the right tools and applications to work efficiently, you’re limiting your ability to grow. Strong technology support can give you the competitive edge needed to stay ahead.
Take a look at these findings from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- 84% of small businesses using six or more technology platforms reported increased profits (vs. 65% for low adopters).
- 82% experienced sales growth (vs. 59%).
- 74% saw employment growth (vs. 54%).
The same study also found that nearly nine in ten small business owners (88%) say adopting technology platforms has made running their business more enjoyable, and 80% agree it allows them to spend more time away from work and with their families.
Chances are, your competitors already have their IT strategy in place. If your technology isn’t aligned with your business goals, how can you expect to move forward?
5. Low Prioritization
Sure, you might technically have an IT person, but how often do they actually show up when you need them?
When something breaks, waiting around for maintenance isn’t just frustrating—it’s a productivity killer. And let’s be honest: how confident are you that your business is receiving the same level of attention as a larger client?
IT providers typically prioritize companies with signed contracts, so if you’re hoping to call in an urgent issue, it might not be as urgent to them as it is to you.
6. Limited Expertise
Another major downside of cheap IT support is the potential lack of expertise. They might not have experience in your specific industry, leaving them to learn on your time. Worse, they may lack the resources to handle more complex issues effectively.
If you were hoping for a hands-off approach to IT, you could be in for a rude awakening. Instead of your IT provider solving problems independently, you might find yourself more involved in managing your technology than you ever wanted to be.
7. Hidden Fees
Hidden fees can take many forms. You might face unexpected project rates for tasks that fall outside the scope of the contract. Pricing can be inconsistent, with additional charges sneaking up for services you assumed were included.
On-site support might not be covered, leaving you to pay extra when hands-on assistance is needed. Worse, key services—like proactive monitoring or advanced troubleshooting—may be completely excluded.
Over time, these hidden fees can quickly erode any initial savings and leave you spending far more than you anticipated. Cheap IT support may seem like a good deal upfront, but the true cost often comes to light when you need support the most.
The Value of Working with A Reliable IT Company
While cheap IT support might work for a small operation with minimal technology needs, it’s rarely the right choice for growing businesses with complex systems or sensitive data. Here’s why investing in reliable IT support pays off:
- Proactive Service: Prevent problems before they happen, reducing downtime and disruptions.
- Better Security: Protect your business with 24/7 monitoring and advanced security measures.
- Strategic Growth: Use IT to align with your goals and gain a competitive edge.
- Long-Term Savings: Managed IT services can reduce IT costs by 25–45% while boosting efficiency by 45–65%.
Related Reading: 7 Signs Managed IT Services Aren’t for You
Affordable IT Support in Rochester NY
There’s a big difference between cheap and affordable. Affordable IT support means you get what you need without paying for what you don’t. It’s about value—finding solutions that work for your business and your budget.
At Just Solutions, we’ve been helping businesses in Rochester and Western New York for over 27 years. We’ve worked with all kinds of industries, so we know how to handle your unique challenges. Whether you need remote help or on-site support, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t settle for IT support that doesn’t meet your needs. If you’re curious about our pricing structure and services available, don’t hesitate to reach out!