The First 3 Red Flags of a Bad IT Provider
Choosing the right IT partner isn’t just about keeping your computers running. It’s about protecting your business from downtime, data loss, and cybersecurity threats. Unfortunately, many small businesses only realize they’ve chosen the wrong provider after they’ve already experienced a major problem.
Here are the first three red flags that your IT provider may do you more harm than good.
1. They Only Show Up When Something Breaks
If your IT provider’s main job seems to be reacting to problems instead of preventing them, you’re at risk. This is the “break-fix” model, and it leaves your business vulnerable.
A good IT partner is proactive. They’re monitoring your systems 24/7, patching vulnerabilities before hackers find them, and catching issues before they cause downtime. At Solve IT, we believe your provider should be the one calling you about a problem before you even know it exists.
What to look for instead:
- Regular system health reports
- Documented maintenance schedules
- Evidence of preventative measures like patching, backups, and vulnerability scans
2. They Can’t Show You What They’ve Done for You Lately
If you don’t have a clear picture of what your IT provider is doing each month, that’s a problem. Many bad providers hide behind vague updates like, “Everything looks good.” Without real reporting, you have no proof they’re actually protecting your business.
A trusted IT partner delivers transparency. You should see reports that show ticket resolution times, patch compliance, backup verification, and security alerts addressed. This isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential for compliance, cyber insurance, and peace of mind.
What to look for instead:
- Monthly or quarterly IT health reports
- Backup and disaster recovery test results
- Measurable data showing improvement over time
3. They Nickel-and-Dime You for Every Little Thing
IT shouldn’t feel like you’re buying airline tickets, where every feature costs extra. Some providers hook you with a low base price, then charge for every support call, security feature, or after-hours request. That approach leaves your budget unpredictable and your protection incomplete.
A better model is flat-rate, all-inclusive pricing that covers the tools and support you actually need. At Solve IT, we price our agreements to include the essentials: cybersecurity, backups, patching, 24/7 monitoring, and unlimited remote support during business hours. No surprise bills. No cutting corners on security.
What to look for instead:
- Clear, all-inclusive pricing agreements
- No hidden fees for basic support
- Security and backups are built into your contract
The Bottom Line
If your IT provider is reactive, secretive, or unpredictable in cost, it’s time to reassess. The wrong partner will cost you more than you think in downtime, security risks, and lost productivity.
At Solve IT, we believe your technology should work quietly in the background so you can focus on running your business. That means proactive monitoring, transparent reporting, and predictable pricing.
If you’re unsure about your current provider, I invite you to book a free threat assessment. We’ll show you exactly where you stand and what risks you may be facing, before they turn into costly problems.