What to Look for When Choosing an IT Provider

1. What's Actually Included?

Ever signed up for something thinking it’s all-inclusive, only to be hit with sneaky add-ons? (Some IT providers work the same way – they offer a low monthly price, but then charge extra for essential services. Before signing on the dotted line, ask:

• Is everything I need covered, or will I have extra costs on top?
• Are updates, backups, and security patches included?
• Do they provide hardware support, or is that extra?

via GIPHY

2. What Do Their Customers Say?

Reputation matters. Just like you wouldn’t book a hotel without checking the reviews, you shouldn’t choose an IT provider without seeing what others have to say. A great place to start is to check out their Google reviews and testimonials on their website.

Happy customers = a provider who delivers on their promises.

3. Are They Really Local?

A lot of IT providers claim to be “local”, but when you need urgent support, you realise they’re actually outsourcing from who-knows-where. If being able to call (or see!) your IT team matters to you, ask:

• Where is your support team based?
• Do you have an office I can visit?
• Do you provide onsite support when needed?

4. How Fast Do They Respond?

Tech issues wait for no one. If your IT provider takes days to respond, it could mean lost revenue and frustrated staff. Look for providers that offer:

• Same-day response times
• Clear service level agreements (SLAs)
• A structured process for prioritising urgent issues
• A 24/7 live customer portal

NQIT has a multi-level triage system in place to ensure your issue is handled promptly – no waiting around while your business grinds to a halt. In addition, the dedicated customer portal lets you check the progress on support tickets and projects, access your billing, re-set passwords (and multi-factor authentication), and check on security reporting.

via GIPHY

5. What's Their Team Like?

Would you rather work with a team of IT rockstars or someone who Googles the answer every time you call? (No judgement, but you need pros!) A strong IT provider should have:

• Highly skilled technicians with up-to-date certifications
• A dedicated account manager who understands your business
• Experts who can handle everything from cybersecurity to cloud solutions

At NQIT, our team is made up of experienced specialists who know their stuff – and are always happy to explain things in plain English.

6. Do They Offer Consulting Services?

Your IT provider shouldn’t just fix things when they break – they should also help you plan for the future. Look for a provider who offers:

• Strategic IT consulting
• Guidance on improving efficiency and security
• Support with cloud migrations and system upgrades

We don’t just solve problems at NQIT – we help you avoid them in the first place.

7. Are They Proactive or Just Putting Out Fires?

Some IT providers only react when something goes wrong. A great IT provider, on the other hand, helps you stay ahead of the curve. Ask:

• Do they keep you informed about new technology?
• Will they suggest improvements before issues arise?
• Do they offer security audits and system reviews?

At NQIT, we’re always looking ahead – making sure your business stays secure, efficient, and ready for whatever’s next.

via GIPHY