We live in an expensive world.
It seems that every minute of every day someone somewhere is trying to get money out of us for something. Especially when you’re running a business. From the increasing costs of insurance to general day to day maintenance, it’s getting harder to stay ahead of the game. In this highly competitive world, business owners have to keep costs down in order to turn a profit. And it’s tempting to cut corners and go for the cheapest option.
Particularly when it comes to services like marketing, web design or even fixing your computer.
Asking your neighbor, a car mechanic with an interest in computers, to fix your PC on the side, may save you money in the short-term. But going for the cheapest option isn’t always the best solution.
It could end up costing you more in the long run.
The cheaper options might be a sideline provider. A sideline provider is offering a service or product at times or on days that work around their day job. They set up a sideline to bring in extra cash. They can afford to offer cheap rates as their overheads tend to be lower and it’s not their main source of income. It’s more of a paying hobby. The thing is, that hobby has the potential of undermining the professional image of your business. Here’s why:
- They are doing it as a sideline – That’s what your business will be to them. Just something on the side competing for time with the big game on TV.
- If your car mechanic friend is too busy fixing cars, he won’t have time to dedicate to your PC. You will be left missing your deadlines. This could have a disastrous effect on you and the reputation of your business. It may also damage your friendship.
- They’re offering a paid-for service yet only use their personal Facebook page as a means of contact. There is only one reason for doing this. Tax avoidance. A Facebook business page has contact details, is normally open to all and it’s easy to track. By keeping to a personal page, they are trying to hide the fact that they are earning income on the side.
- They can’t be reached during normal working hours and their phone goes to voice mail out of hours. If they are difficult to contact, it will be difficult to monitor their progress.
- If your friend can’t fix your PC, chances are they’ll just hand it back. Usually, not always, but usually, in a worse state than before they had it. This could cost you the price of a new computer and will definitely break the friendship.
So how do you avoid the financial and emotional cost of a sideline and ensure that the business you employ is professional and able to complete your work?
- Check out their website. Does it have a physical address in the real world rather than just an online presence? All professional websites should have a land based address. This shows that they’re a real entity.
- Does it look professional? Are the images business related or do they look like someone’s holiday snaps?
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- If you are in need of equipment repair, then make sure that you can take it to a registered business address. Or find out if the business can come to your location and fix on-site. If you’re asked to meet up at a local café – walk away.
- Do they have a Facebook Business Page showing contact details and opening hours? What have they posted about? Do they have a blog?
- Call them. Are they available during normal working hours? Do they sound knowledgeable? Are they able to meet your timescale or are they asking you to fit in with theirs?
One thing that has stayed constant throughout the ages is you only get what you pay for. So make sure, whatever the price, the service or product gives you value for your money.
To be competitive and cost-effective your purchases have to support your business and professional image. Not undermine it.
Compumin.com is your one-stop shop for computer repair, web design, social media marketing & office support. We provide comprehensive support packages for all your business needs.
For details on our services visit www.compumin.com
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