How to Get References from Potential IT Service Providers

managed service new york

How to Get References from Potential IT Service Providers

Okay, so youre thinking about hiring an IT service provider (and lets be honest, who isnt these days with tech being so vital to everything?). Thats smart. check But before you jump in, you absolutely need to get references. Its like dating – you wouldnt commit without knowing a little bit about their past, would you?

How to Get References from Potential IT Service Providers - managed services new york city

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(Okay, maybe some people do, but it rarely ends well!).


Getting references from potential IT service providers isnt just a formality; its a crucial step in protecting your business. Think of it as due diligence. Youre essentially asking, "Hey, have these guys been good partners to others? Have they delivered on their promises? Are they going to cause me headaches, or actually solve them?"


So, how do you actually get these references? Its simpler than you might think. managed service new york First, explicitly ask the IT provider for them.

How to Get References from Potential IT Service Providers - managed service new york

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This seems obvious, but dont assume theyll just offer them up. (Some might hesitate if theyve had a particularly bad experience with a client, so be prepared to probe a little). Tell them you need to speak to a few of their current, or ideally past, clients to get an understanding of their service quality.


Next, be specific about what you want to know. Dont just ask, "Were they good?" Thats too vague. Instead, try to tailor your questions to your specific needs. For example: "Did they meet deadlines consistently?" managed it security services provider "How responsive were they to urgent issues?" "How well did they communicate technical information to non-technical staff?" (This is huge if youre not an IT whiz yourself!). "Did they stay within budget?" Asking targeted questions will give you much more useful insights.


When you get the references, actually call them! Dont just rely on email. managed services new york city A phone conversation allows you to ask follow-up questions and gauge their tone of voice, which can tell you a lot. Listen carefully to what they say, and also to what they dont say. If they seem hesitant or evasive, thats a red flag.


Finally, dont just take their word for it. managed services new york city Do a little independent research. Look for online reviews (but take them with a grain of salt – some are fake). See if they have any publicly available case studies or testimonials. A little extra digging can confirm (or contradict) what youve heard from the references they provided.


Getting references might seem like a bit of extra work, but its well worth the effort. Its a small investment that can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration down the road. (Trust me, Ive seen the alternative, and its not pretty!). By taking the time to check their background, you can make a more informed decision and choose an IT service provider that will actually help your business thrive.

How to Identify Red Flags When Choosing an IT Provider