When it comes to IT support, cheap almost always comes at a price—and for small businesses in New Jersey, that price can be steep.
At first glance, a low-cost managed services provider (MSP) might seem like a smart business move. You get basic IT support, maybe some antivirus software, and a low monthly bill. But what many business owners don’t realize is that these bargain-basement IT contracts often come with hidden costs, weak security, and poor long-term protection.
Over the years, we’ve reviewed dozens of IT agreements across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties. Here are five of the most common red flags we see in low-cost IT plans—and how they end up costing business owners more in the long run.
1. Weak (Or Missing) Cybersecurity Protections
Basic antivirus is not cybersecurity.
Yet that’s all many budget IT companies offer. No multi-factor authentication (MFA), no advanced threat detection, no employee training, no backup plan. Worse? If your cyber insurance policy requires these protections and they’re not in place, your claim could be denied after an attack.
We’ve seen small businesses lose tens of thousands of dollars simply because their provider skipped the fundamentals. That’s not just bad support—it’s IT negligence.
2. Incomplete or Nonexistent Backups
Think your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace accounts are backed up automatically?
Think again.
Most cloud platforms don’t offer true disaster recovery or long-term backup solutions. And many budget MSPs don’t back up third-party apps, CRMs, or critical business data. They also skip immutable backups, which are now required by most cyber insurance carriers.
If your current provider can’t clearly explain what’s backed up—and what’s not—you may already be at risk.
3. Extra Fees for On-Site or After-Hours Support
One of the most common tricks? Advertise a low monthly rate, then nickel-and-dime you anytime you need urgent help or an in-person visit.
At Titan Technologies, we believe in flat, predictable pricing. You should never have to hesitate to call for support. But with discount providers, your staff might delay calling for help—leading to longer downtime and more lost productivity.
4. No Support for Third-Party Vendors or Devices
If you’ve ever been told “that’s not our problem” by your IT company, you know how frustrating it is.
Low-end MSPs often refuse to help with your phones, internet, security cameras, or even your printers unless they supplied the hardware. Some even charge extra just to talk to your other vendors.
Our approach? If it touches your network, it’s our responsibility. We coordinate with your vendors so you don’t waste time being the middleman.
5. No Strategy. No Planning. No Guidance.
A “cheap” IT company might respond to tickets—but that’s where the help ends.
You deserve more than a help desk. You need:
- A dedicated account manager who understands your goals
- Regular cybersecurity and compliance checkups
- Proactive upgrade planning and IT budgeting
- A trusted advisor who helps you plan for growth—not just fix what’s broken
Without that, your technology becomes reactive, not strategic. And that holds your entire business back.
Don’t Gamble With Your Business IT
Most small businesses don’t realize they’re underprotected until it’s too late—a ransomware attack, a hardware failure, a failed audit.
By then, the damage is already done.
Before you renew your IT contract (or sign with a new provider), take a step back and ask:
- Are we truly protected against cyber threats?
- Are we compliant with HIPAA, FTC Safeguards, or PCI-DSS?
- Are our backups complete and immutable?
- Do we get proactive guidance, or just reactive support?
If you’re not sure about the answers, it’s time for a second opinion.
Get a Free IT Risk Assessment Today
At Titan Technologies, we specialize in managed IT services and cybersecurity for small businesses across Central New Jersey. We’ll review your current setup, identify any gaps in protection or compliance, and provide you with clear, honest feedback—no jargon, no sales pressure.
🔍 Book your FREE IT Risk Assessment here:
👉 www.TimeForTitan.com or call 732-972-6665.