Many small businesses choose their IT provider based on price. It makes sense—why wouldn’t you want to get the best deal possible? But what seems like an affordable monthly rate often turns into an unexpected financial burden, thanks to hidden fees, surprise charges, and long-term contracts that lock you in.
That “budget-friendly” IT provider? It might be costing you far more than you ever expected.
The “Too-Good-To-Be-True” IT Pricing Trap
Some IT providers advertise rock-bottom pricing to grab your attention. But once you sign the contract, you quickly realize the base package doesn’t actually cover everything your business needs.
Suddenly, you’re hit with additional fees for things you assumed were included:
- Adding or removing a user – That’s an extra charge.
- Moving a workstation – Not covered under your plan.
- Security updates – A separate package you’ll need to purchase.
- On-site support – Only available for an additional fee.
- Help desk calls – Some providers charge for every interaction, unless they find the issue first.
The Hidden Danger of Long-Term Contracts
Many businesses sign multi-year IT contracts thinking they’re locking in predictable costs. But the truth is, these contracts benefit the IT provider, not you.
Here’s what most business owners don’t realize until it’s too late:
- No Exit Strategy: If the provider’s service declines, you’re stuck—or you’ll have to pay massive fees to leave.
- Hidden Price Increases: Some contracts allow the provider to raise rates mid-contract—but you can’t leave without penalty.
- Service Doesn’t Improve: Some IT providers get complacent once you’re locked in. They don’t have to earn your business every month, so they don’t try.
- Changing Needs Aren’t Accounted For: If your business grows, scales, or shifts, your contract might not allow changes without signing a new multi-year agreement.
If your IT provider isn’t delivering the service you expected, you shouldn’t be forced to stick around just because of a contract loophole.
How to Protect Your Business from Hidden IT Costs
Before signing an IT contract, make sure you’re asking the right questions.
Contract Terms & Flexibility
- Do you offer month-to-month options, or am I required to sign a long-term contract?
- Can I review the contract before receiving a quote?
- If you don’t meet service commitments, what’s the exit clause?
- If your rates increase, can I exit the contract penalty-free?
Hidden Costs
- What is included in your base price? Are there additional fees for support, maintenance, or security?
- Are there extra charges for adds, changes, or moves (adding/removing users, devices, or services)?
- On average, how much do your clients spend beyond the base price each month?
- If I need something not included in the plan, who decides what gets done and how it’s billed?
Service Level & Support
- What are your guaranteed response times for different types of IT issues?
- If you fail to meet service guarantees, what recourse do I have?
- Do you truly offer unlimited help desk support, or are there usage caps?
Transparency & Security
- How do you protect my business from internal security risks (breaches within your MSP)?
- How do you handle escalations if my issue isn’t resolved at the first level of support?
- How often do you assess and test your own security protocols?
Flexibility in Service Adjustments
- If I need additional services later, will I have to sign a new long-term contract?
- How do you handle situations where our IT needs change—will you work with us, or will you force us into a new agreement?
These questions will help you compare MSPs based on value—not just cost—and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.
Why Sawyer Solutions Does IT Differently
At Sawyer Solutions, we’ve seen too many businesses fall into the low-cost IT trap. That’s why we do things differently.
- No Long-Term Contracts – We earn your business every month. If you’re not happy, you can leave.
- No Surprise Billing – If something isn’t covered, you’ll know before we do it.
- Fast, Reliable Support – Fast response times so you’re never left waiting.
- Transparent Pricing – We include as much as possible in our contracts to give you real value.
- A People-First Approach – You’ll never be talked down to. We believe IT support should be helpful and supportive, not frustrating and belittling.
We don’t rely on traps, hidden fees, or long-term contracts to keep our clients. Instead, we focus on providing the kind of IT support that businesses actually want to stay with.
Get a Free, No-Obligation IT Contract Review
If you’re worried your IT contract might be costing you more than you thought, we can help.
Send us your IT contract, and we’ll:
- Break it down for you in plain English
- Show you any hidden fees or risky clauses
- Give you clear advice on how to protect your business
No strings, no sales pitch—just clarity and peace of mind.
Call us at 844-448-7767 or email ContactUs@SawyerSolutionsLLC.com to schedule your review.
Don’t let hidden IT costs drain your business. Get IT support that actually supports you.