You know the saying: You get what you pay for. And nowhere is that more obvious than in IT.
On the surface, a cheaper managed IT services agreement might seem like a win: lower monthly costs, basic support, maybe even some cybersecurity tools thrown in. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll often find hidden costs, sneaky exclusions and weak coverage that end up costing you far more in the long run. These are just a few examples of cheap IT support risks that can undermine your business.
In fact, after years of reviewing IT contracts for small businesses, we’ve seen the same problems crop up again and again. Below are five of the most common ways “budget” MSPs cut corners—and how those corners turn into costly headaches for business owners.
Cheap IT Support Risks to Watch Out For
Weak (Or Nonexistent) Cybersecurity Protections
Basic antivirus is NOT cybersecurity.
Yet that’s what most low-cost IT providers install—and then call it a day. No 2FA, no advanced endpoint detection, no employee training and no backup defense if something slips through.
Why does that matter? Now, cyber insurance carriers require advanced cybersecurity measures before offering a policy; otherwise, they may deny your claim after an attack.
We’ve seen businesses suffer tens of thousands in damages because their MSP never set up the protections their insurance required. That’s not IT support. That’s IT negligence.
Backups That Leave Out Half Your Business
Most business owners assume tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace are backing up their data.
They’re not. These tools have a BASIC-level backup system but are not comprehensive solutions for disaster recovery or long-term data retention.
Cheaper or inexperienced IT providers often skip backups for cloud apps, CRMs and third-party platforms, which can leave critical data unprotected. Worse, many don’t offer immutable backups, which are now a requirement for many cyber insurance policies.
Do you think your backups are covered? Ask your current provider what they’re backing up—and what they’re not.
“Surprise!” Fees For On-Site or After-Hours Support
Here’s a common trick: quote a low monthly rate, then charge extra every time you need support outside of normal business hours…or when someone needs to show up in person.
We believe in flat, predictable pricing. But many providers carve out on-site visits, after-hours help and even emergencies so they can tack on fees later.
The result? You’re constantly second-guessing whether you should pick up the phone, and your team delays calling support, which costs even more in downtime.
No Help with Vendors or Third-Party Devices
Got an issue with your phones, Internet or security cameras? Some IT companies will happily say, “That’s not our problem.”
They’ll even charge hourly just to talk to your other vendors. If your network-connected printer isn’t on their approved hardware list, they may completely refuse to help.
We include full vendor liaison and network support for everything that touches your business technology, because problems don’t always come from one place.
Inexperienced Techs And No One Managing Your Account
One of the biggest red flags? A “one-man show” or a company that hires entry-level techs on 1099s, with no proper strategy behind the support.
With budget MSPs, you might get help, but you don’t get guidance.
What you should get is:
- A dedicated account manager who helps you build a technology road map
- Proactive reviews of your cybersecurity, compliance and backup health
- Budget forecasting and upgrade planning
- A trusted advisor, not a tech support ticket system
Side By Side Comparison: Cheap MSP vs. Strategic MSP
Bottom Line: If It Looks Too Good to Be True…It Is.
Most small businesses don’t realize the cheap IT support risks they’re exposed to until something breaks—a ransomware attack, a server crash, a massive compliance fine.
By then, it’s too late.
If you want IT that actually protects your business, you need to look beyond the monthly price tag. Ask the hard questions. Get genuine answers. And don’t let yourself get stuck in a contract that leaves you exposed.
Ready to uncover the gaps in your IT strategy?
Book your FREE IT Risk Assessment today and get a comprehensive review of your current setup—no jargon, no pressure, just clear insights.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I look for in a managed IT services contract?
Look for simple terms on cybersecurity, backup protocols, support hours, and vendor management. Avoid vague language and ensure all services are explicitly listed.
Is basic antivirus enough for small businesses?
No. Basic antivirus lacks the advanced threat detection and response capabilities needed to protect against modern cyber threats.
What are immutable backups and why do they matter?
Immutable backups cannot be altered or deleted, making them essential for recovery after ransomware attacks or data corruption.
How can I tell if my IT provider is cutting corners?
Watch for signs like limited support hours, lack of documentation, no proactive reviews, and minimal cybersecurity measures.
What’s the difference between IT support and IT strategy?
IT support fixes issues as they arise. IT strategy involves planning, forecasting, and aligning technology with business goals.
