IT problems can severely hamper productivity for small businesses with limited IT resources. This is why high-quality IT support has become a major priority for over 92% of businesses that outsource today.
“In a world where business is inseparable from technology, IT support is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” says Kevin Deranard, CEO of KDiT.
Yet, this pivotal piece of the puzzle often carries a hefty price tag, causing budget-conscious small businesses to pause. This blog post aims to navigate you through the cost terrain of IT support costs for small businesses, helping you understand the value behind every dollar invested.
We’ll discuss:
- Average cost of IT support for small businesses
- IT support pricing structures and pros and cons
- Small business IT support cost savings/budgeting tips
- And more
Why Outsource Your Small Business IT Support? The Benefits
The trend towards outsourced IT services is more than just a passing phase. According to Global Newswire, the worldwide IT outsourcing market was valued at USD 333.7 billion in 2019, and it is expected to reach USD 397.6 billion by 2025 – illustrating the increasing recognition of its value among businesses of all sizes.
Small businesses, with unique challenges and constraints, are driving much of this growth, finding value in the expertise, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability of outsourced IT support.
Investing in outsourced IT support offers a multitude of advantages to small businesses, which include:
- Expertise: Access to seasoned professionals with broad knowledge in various IT fields.
- Cost-effectiveness: Outsourced IT services often come at a fraction of the cost of a full-time, in-house IT team.
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock assistance ensures IT issues can be swiftly resolved, minimizing downtime.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your IT support can scale to match your needs without additional overhead.
In determining the cost of IT support for your small business, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you can expect to pay in order to see the highest return on investment (ROI). Let’s take a look at some common IT support services pricing models and monthly rates.
Common IT Support Services Pricing Structures
The average cost of your IT support services will have a lot to do with the type of pricing agreement you choose. Depending on whether the provider offers multi-tiered IT support, this can also impact your IT support pricing structure.
Image Credit: Capacity
Here are some of the most common small business IT support pricing options:
Break-Fix: The break-fix model, reminiscent of the ‘pay as you go’ approach, charges based on time and resources used to fix a particular issue.
- Pros: This IT support services pricing model is ideal for businesses with less frequent IT needs, making it a cost-effective choice in the short term. There’s no ongoing commitment, so you pay only for the service you need.
- Cons: However, costs can mount quickly with complicated issues. Also, as the model lacks preventative maintenance, you might face more disruptions due to unexpected issues. Check out these additional resources to learn more!
Check out these additional resources:
Fixed Monthly (Managed Services): With a fixed monthly fee, you receive comprehensive IT support, including preventative measures to stop issues before they occur.
- Pros: This IT managed support pricing model provides cost predictability, making budgeting easier. It also encourages your IT support to maintain system health proactively, reducing the chances of IT emergencies.
- Cons: While it offers extensive support, smaller businesses may not require the breadth of services included, making the fixed fee seem relatively high.
Per User/Device: This IT managed support pricing model charges a flat fee per user or device supported, providing a clear and straightforward pricing structure.
- Pros: It’s easily scalable, so as your business grows, you add more users or devices as needed. It’s also straightforward to budget for, as you pay a fixed price per user or device.
- Cons: However, if your IT needs are complex, requiring many hours of support per user or device, this model can become expensive. It might not also account for different users’ or devices’ varying IT needs.
In selecting an IT support services pricing model, it’s crucial to consider your budget and your IT needs’ complexity and frequency. The best choice will depend on your unique business circumstances and your customizability needs.
Stop Wasting Money on Needless IT Services & Scale Up On The Ones You Do!
What Can I Expect to Pay? The Average Cost of IT Support
On average, IT support services typically cost between $90 and $500 per hour, a range that largely depends on the level of support and the expertise needed to address your specific issues. At first glance, these figures may seem steep for a small business budget.
However, when looking at monthly IT support contract pricing, it’s essential to weigh this against the average hourly cost of downtime, which exceeds $500,000.
In this context, the cost of IT support becomes a worthwhile investment, significantly less than the potential loss from operational downtime.
Competitive Small Business IT Support Pricing Options Near You:
Look to KDiT for Comprehensive, Reliable, Cost-Efficient IT Support
With a keen understanding of small businesses’ unique needs and constraints, KDiT offers a range of flexible pricing models that are 100% customizable and can be easily tailored to fit your budget and IT requirements.
Beyond just providing a service, we believe in forging a partnership that empowers your business to thrive in the face of technological challenges.
By choosing KDiT, you’re not just choosing an IT support provider but a technology ally committed to your business’s growth and success. Don’t let tech troubles hold you back. Partner with KDI, where your IT needs are our priority – contact us now!