Businesses need to rely on technology to help improve efficiency and lower entry-barriers to all sorts of daily tasks. When technology instead makes things more difficult, you’ve got a challenge that needs addressing. Poor IT support is a textbook example of this, where even small mistakes poorly managed can turn into a devastating crisis. From phishing scams to password policies, having an adequate IT support provider by your side can mark the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown security breach.
As a result, a cheaper upfront costs is usually an indicator or risk further down the line, with hidden costs likely to mount up. If you’re looking to avoid these hidden IT support costs that are commonly associated with subpar service providers, here’s everything you need to know about spotting bad IT support.
What Does a Bad IT Support Service Look Like?
The simplest definition of a bad IT service is providing solutions that work against you, not for you. As a business, you may believe that finding a low-cost and fixed-fee IT provider will patch up any potential issues that may arise. However, bad IT support can branch off this and manifest itself in several ways.
Tell-tale signs to look out for include miscommunication, poor decision-making, slow response times, and a lack of round-the-clock assistance. If you find yourself speaking to a chatbot every time you need help with an IT problem or waiting days for a simple fix (only for it to reoccur in a month), this may be a sign to rethink your IT support.
Top 5 Things That Can Go Wrong with a Poor IT Support Service
When you work online, anything can go wrong at any time. In the UK alone, half of all businesses experienced some type of cyber security breach or attack in 2024. Aside from the loss in profits and reputational damage these kinds of incidents incur, there are additional costs of poor IT service that all entrepreneurs should consider.
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1. Higher Risk of Security Breaches
Most importantly, a bad IT support provider will result in a greater risk of security breaches and vulnerabilities. Without a strong security infrastructure and robust policies in place, businesses become an easier target for attackers to infiltrate. If undetected threats and outdated systems are unaddressed by a poor IT support provider, the financial consequences can be severe. This is a consideration of growing importance as we move through 2025 and beyond, where your reliance on professional IT security services are crucial to keep your data protected.
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2. Workplace Inefficiencies
Slow networks, frequent system crashes, and a mediocre user experience are contributing factors that lead to workplace inefficiencies. For any technological business processes to be truly effective, employees must be able to use it with confidence and ease. Repeated IT issues can often lead to disrupted workflows and frustrated employees, which are ultimately detrimental to the financial success of an enterprise. You don’t want to add staff to the list of issues a poor IT infrastructure could create.
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3. Greater Downtime
Another hidden IT support cost associated with below-par providers is the downtime caused by slow response times and unresolved technical issues. When systems go down, every minute counts. Slow response times and miscommunication only add further fuel to the fire. Finding an IT support provider that is both proactive and reactive when recquired can help prevent potential issues from occurring and keep downtime to a minimum. Providers that offer 24/7 support with multiple data centres can help mitigate these issues, ensuring your systems are instantly backed up and recoverable.
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4. Increased Operational Expenses
The UK Gov estimates that the single most disruptive breach from the last 12 months cost each business of any size approximately £1,205. Putting aside the lack of revenue and loss in productivity, security breaches also lead to an increase in operational expenses. Resolving outdated systems, replacing expensive equipment, implementing robust security measures, and paying staff for overtime are just a few of the additional expenses companies must consider.
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5. Hidden IT Support Costs and Add-Ons
Last but not least, choosing an inadequate security provider can also lead to an array of hidden IT support costs that crop up when you least expect it. When dealing with poor IT support providers, it’s crucial to resolve any recurring issues at their source and watch out for hidden costs related to emergency repairs, maintenance routine checks, data storage upgrades, and software licenses.
How to Avoid Choosing Poor IT Services
Adopting a reactive approach will no longer suffice when it comes to building a robust IT infrastructure. Instead, companies must avoid poor IT service providers at all costs, and opt for a provider whose expertise lies in rapid issue resolution, scalable solutions, and proactive security measures.
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews and references before agreeing to work with an IT service provider, as positive feedback is a great indicator of customer satisfaction. Compile a list of hard-hitting questions and make sure to read all the fine print before handing over your security system to a new provider. Trustworthy IT providers will always be transparent about their security protocols and dealing with the details before you get started can save you from costly mistakes down the line.
Venom IT are proud to associate themselves with the very best in both IT Support and managed solutions. If you’re looking to change provider or simply find out more, get in touch with us through our simple enquiry form, or call on 0330 202 0220.
