Whenever I have a contractor do work on my house, the contractor brings the materials they are going to install in my house. They also bring their knowledge, their tools, and their time. I never ask them what they need to do their job and then go buy it somewhere else myself. This is not the case when it come to IT services for small businesses.
Most small business clients prefer there be a separation between the services company and the hardware/software reseller. In other words, the client wants the consultants recommendations on which equipment they should get to be based on their positive long term experiences with the equipment they are recommending rather than whatever kickbacks the consultant is getting from the manufacturer or wholesaler. I totally agree with this and have always thought it sounded like a much more attractive proposition to new clients considering us at their Chicago IT service vendor.
Over time our team at Xerillion has learned which hardware and software works the best. We know when we need more power for a solution and less power. We know when it is smart to save money and smart to spend more. We make our equipment recommendations based on wanting a long term relationship with our clients. In order for his to happen, we must recommend equipment that has a great track record for us in the real word.
We always prefer well known, name brand equipment with great support. There is nothing more frustrating to me to purchase some lesser known hardware or software and find out they only support machanism they have is email support and I can’t reach anyone by phone.
When you are considering an Chicago IT service company, check to see if they will be reselling you the hardware and software, or if they will be purchasing it on your behalf using your credit card and your account number – the preferred method. at Xerillion, whenever we purchase new equipment for clients, we always use a credit card number they approved for us to use, use their account number with a supplier, and all the equipment is shippped directly to their office. When it all arrives, we set it up. The client feels good knowing we recommended this equipment without consideration to how much of a markup we got on the equipment, and we feel good knowing the client feels good!
Overall, there is nothing wrong with a IT company reselling equipment to clients, and tons do just that. I believe though, that an IT service company should really focus on their services, and that is exactly what we do at Xerillion.
-Wayne Chapin
(Wayne Chapin is the founding partner and president of Xerillion, a Chicago IT service company for small businesses)
