Most businesses realize the importance of having a good IT infrastructure, but might not know how to get there. The first place to start is budget. In this post, we’re understanding the average cost of IT support for small businesses.
As a small business, it’s important to know what to expect when starting to pay for IT. We’ll break down the average IT budget, where your budget should be allocated, and why investing in IT support cannot be understated for long-term success.
Average Cost of IT Support for Small Business
The cost of IT support services is not the same for everyone and can vary depending on many factors. One of the biggest determinants being business size and its specific IT needs.
On average, businesses small and large typically allocate 2-7% of their annual revenue to IT-related expenses.
Think about it this way, if a small business generated $600,000 annually, they can estimate a monthly spend ranging from $1000-$3500 on IT support services.
Remember, these figures are averages, and actual costs will vary based on individual requirements.
Understanding IT Support Costs
Small businesses require a range of IT services that aid specifically to the different aspects of their internal operations.
These services include onsite or remote tech support, software development and updates, cybersecurity, data protection, monitoring and maintenance, and cloud services, among others.
Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) gives your business access to the expertise and support without worrying about the overhead.
Exploring Different Payment Plans
If your business chooses an IT company, they typically offer various payment plans to accommodate different business needs.
Hourly rates are common for businesses that require flexibility or specific project needs. However, retainer-based agreements can be very limiting and risky in emergencies when allocated hours are exhausted.
Alternatively, fixed-monthly support contracts provide businesses with predictable and comprehensive coverage – making it easier to budget effectively for IT needs.
Comparing Self-Managed and Outsourced IT Support
Small businesses are often faced with the choice between self-managed IT support and outsourcing their IT to a provider.
While self-management may seem cost-effective initially, hiring dedicated IT staff can incur significant expenses and recruitment challenges.
Alternatively, outsourcing IT support gives businesses access to a large team of professionals with an entire range of expertise without all the overhead.
How Much Should a Small Business Spend on IT?
Ultimately, the cost of IT support for small businesses depends on factors like company size, IT infrastructure complexity, and preferred support model.
Does your business need 24/7 support? Does it need to be HIPAA compliant? Are you dealing with confidential documentation and require strict cybersecurity systems? All these factors will impact your monthly cost.
While self-managed solutions offer immediacy but higher costs, outsourcing presents a cost-effective reliable alternative with access to specialized expertise.
On average, small businesses should allocate $1000-$3500 per month for comprehensive IT support services. This is about $150-350 per user and device per month.
Investing in IT support should not just be a dreaded expense but a strategic safeguard for small businesses looking to thrive in a competitive digital market.
We hope by understanding the average cost and available support options, business owners can make informed decisions when budgeting for IT.
Check out our last video! ➡️ Signs You Need a New PC
Don’t let technology hold your business back. If you have a Los Angeles business, reach out to us at stginfotech.com or schedule a call via the calendar link below to learn more about how we can help you budget your IT infrastructure.
STG Infotech proudly provides IT Services for Small to Medium Businesses in Greater Los Angeles. We’d love to see if we can help you too!
Let’s dive into your IT!
Schedule a free 15-minute Virtual Meeting with a Business Technology Specialist of STG Infotech and get a closer look into your IT challenges.
We will assess your current IT infrastructure and answer any questions you may have about IT Services or partnering with STG IT.
