Linda posted on February 24, 2010 10:25
We regularly talk to prospects who have been doing business with a 'one-man-band' and the relationship just isn't working out so well. Usually, it started out fine, but as time goes on, the 'one man' is harder and harder to get ahold of, until finally he's not returning any of your phone calls.
Sometimes, the computer guy has a regular job and just does this on the side. Other times, he has lost his job, likes computers and thinks he can fix your problems. Or maybe he used to work for another computer support company and left because he thought he could make more money working for himself than he was getting paid before.
Typically, these guys charge a lot less than an established computer support company. I've even seen ads that say things like "I'll fix your computer for $40 labor no matter how long it takes." That seems like a deal, but I'm guessing you would rather have someone who knows about how long it is going to take to fix your problem and quotes your job accordingly.
And when they stop taking your calls and don't call you back, they've either moved on to another job or state, or they don't have any idea how to solve your problems. Ignoring you seems like the best solution to their problem.
Even if you find a 'one-man-band' that is competent and hasn't disappeared, what are you going to do when you have a problem and the one man is on vacation or tied up with another client who has a more serious problem?
Basically, as with all things in life, you get what you pay for. If you have mission critical applications and data that must be protected and working 24/7, then it makes sense to hire a well established firm with a good track record and enough tecnicians on staff to quickly respond to any technical emergencies that arise.