Every business knows the sinking feeling that comes with an unexpected IT issue. When systems go down or software glitches occur, the whole workflow grinds to a halt. The disruption wastes time and frustrates employees. Fixing these problems requires technical support that only a certified professional IT company can provide. 

However, many businesses are hesitant to invest in IT support due to concerns about cost. In this article, we will break down the true cost of IT support services and explain why it is a valuable investment for any business and can be the key to building a competitive advantage.

The consequences of ignoring IT support

Neglecting IT support can lead to frequent and costly downtime. When critical systems fail, employees can’t work properly, resulting in missed deadlines and lost revenue. Plus, when systems go down, customers will be unable to access accounts or receive assistance, leading them to lose trust in your services. This is how you lose customers.

Security risks also increase significantly without proper IT oversight. You may be completely unaware of outdated software or suspicious network activity that could open your business up to cyberattacks. The potential fallout if a security breach were to occur could be catastrophic for your bottom line and reputation. 

Finally, skipping consistent IT support can lead to data loss and increased emergency repair costs. Without reliable backups or timely fixes, you risk losing important files and facing expensive last-minute repairs. Recovery and troubleshooting can cost upwards of $9,000 per minute of downtime, far exceeding the cost of regular IT support. 

How much do IT support services cost?

IT support pricing can vary significantly based on your business size, technology needs, and the support model you choose. Here are the different support options available for businesses and a general services pricing guide.

One-time or break/fix IT support

Break/fix IT support refers to paying for IT services only when issues arise, rather than on an ongoing contract. The support contract pricing varies based on multiple factors:

  • Hourly rates: Break/fix IT service providers generally charge between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on complexity and location.
  • Scope of work: Simple fixes, such as reinstalling software or troubleshooting printers, cost less than complex support tasks or cybersecurity recovery.
  • Response time: Emergency or after-hours support may carry premium fees.
  • Minimum charges: Some providers have minimum billable hours, meaning a quick fix might still cost as much as a full hour.
  • Additional hardware or software: Repairs often require purchasing replacement parts or software licenses, which adds to the total expense.

Out of all the support options, break/fix support may seem like the most cost-effective since you only pay when something breaks, but it can quickly get expensive if you experience frequent issues. What’s more, subpar IT support providers’ business model may only fix surface-level issues, leading to recurring problems that cost you more money.

Building an in-house IT department

Hiring an internal IT team has a much different cost structure:

  • Salaries and benefits: The average IT technician salary in the US hovers around $45,000–$120,000 annually. For a well-rounded team, you might need an IT director, an infrastructure specialist, and a support technician, which can quickly push labor costs well beyond your budget.
  • Training and development: Ongoing learning is essential to keep IT staff current with technology changes. Online courses and certifications can be expensive, and attending conferences or workshops is an additional cost.
  • Tools and software: Managing networks requires software for monitoring, ticketing, antivirus, and security, which can add $15–$35 per user per month.

While an in-house team brings a strong understanding of your business, the cost and challenge of hiring specialized, skilled professionals can be substantial. Enterprises with bigger budgets may be able to afford an IT department, but hiring in-house IT staff may be unfeasible for small businesses.

Recurring managed IT support costs

Managed IT services providers offer recurring monthly IT support contracts. This is the most common choice for businesses wanting consistent and proactive IT maintenance. Service providers usually charge a fixed monthly fee depending on:

  • Number of users: Many service packages charge, often ranging from $100 to $250 per user per month.
  • Number of servers or devices: For businesses with a more complex infrastructure, fees may include charges per server or network device.
  • Service level agreement: Support services vary based on the managed services provider, but basic plans cover help desk support and remote monitoring. Additional services include cybersecurity and data backups.
  • Contract length: Longer commitments sometimes yield discounts, while month-to-month plans may cost more for flexibility.

For instance, a company with 40 employees could anticipate spending approximately $5,000 per month on comprehensive managed IT support. This investment typically covers a wide range of services, including remote and on-site support, network management, and data security. The key advantage of this is the predictability it offers in budgeting, as well as the peace of mind that comes with having access to a full-scale IT support team around the clock.

How to budget for IT support 

When selecting an IT support provider, it’s important to consider how much you’re willing and able to budget for these services. Keep the following factors in mind when budgeting for IT support: 

  • Your current IT setup: More devices and complex networks increase support costs.
  • Business criticality: If your operations depend heavily on IT systems, investing in managed support can reduce costly downtime.
  • Internal resources: Determine whether you have the staff or skills to handle issues or if outsourcing makes more sense.
  • Security and compliance requirements: Industry regulations may require specific support levels, affecting costs.
  • Growth plans: Support costs will change if you have plans to scale your business up or down. Evaluate your growth projections when budgeting for support and make sure your provider has the flexibility to adapt.

While some providers may offer flat rates or package deals, many will customize their pricing based on unique business needs. 

Should I get managed IT support?

Managed IT support is the most popular choice for various businesses, and it may well be the right option for you. If your business relies heavily on technology but lacks the time or expertise to handle IT issues in house, managed IT support is the best choice for small and medium-sized businesses. For a predictable monthly fee, it provides continuous monitoring, remote support, maintenance, and problem resolution. Plus, it helps catch issues early and reduces emergency situations, which helps you increase efficiency and save money in the long run. 

If you’re looking for a managed IT support solution that alleviates tech-related headaches and enables you to focus on your core business, contact Dynamic Solutions Group today. We provide custom IT support services that troubleshoot issues quickly, maintain your technical infrastructure, and fit your company’s budget.