Do you really save with cheap IT maintenance contracts?
It's 11pm on a Friday. Your ERP isn't starting and the IT maintenance provider you hired for its low cost isn't responding. This scenario, though it might seem extreme, is more common than you might think. Cheap IT maintenance contracts may seem like a cost-saving opportunity, but they often hide hidden costs that can result in greater expenses in the long run. Evaluating service quality and the relationship with the provider is crucial.
of Spanish SMEs have experienced issues with cheap IT providers according to a Eurostat study
Cheap IT maintenance contracts are often attractive to SMEs looking to cut expenses. However, these offers often do not include essential services such as full technical support, software updates, or fast response times. In Spain, the average cost of unplanned downtime is approximately 5,000 euros per hour, an expense that is often not considered when choosing a cheaper contract.
Examples of hidden costs
- Limited support outside business hours
- Additional charges for on-site visits
- Lack of guarantees on updates
- Unexpected costs for complex problem resolution
of cheap contracts include exclusion clauses that limit support according to INCIBE