If your company needs the support of a computer consulting firm, chances are you have no idea how to determine what you are looking for when it comes to competent computer consultants.  

A previous article laid out an initial set of questions you can ask computer consulting firms when looking for one to provide you with technology solutions.  The following questions can help you delve even deeper into the prospective firm’s qualifications and find the computer consulting business for your company.

Questions for Prospective Computer Consulting Companies

1.    Is your computer consulting company a “pure” company or hybrid tech provider?

2.    Does your company resell hardware and software and other products, and can we shop for products in other places but still purchase your needs analysis and procurement services?

3.    Do you work with any ISPs or phone companies and accept commissions or referral fees for giving vendors business?

4.    What are your computer consulting firm’s payment terms, rates and billing procedures?

5.    Do you charge for travel time, telephone support, e-mail/online support of any other remote support?

6.    Do you have hourly rate billing premiums for emergency service and after hours?  What are your definitions of these types of services?

7.    Tell me about the costs and benefits of your support contracts, if you offer them.

8.    Tell me about a long-term small business client account you currently have.

9.    Discuss a recently signed-on client, and also a small business client that didn’t work out well.

10.    Do you have references?

11.    How do you keep abreast of tech advancements?

12.    What do you bill clients for, and what do you absorb internally?

13.    What’s your stance on in-depth user training, and what kind of training do you provide?

14.    Are you willing to train an internal computer guru to be more independent even if it takes away from more billable hours?

Make sure you get as in-depth as possible when interviewing computer consulting firms so you can get the best fit for your company.

Blogged By:  Computer Consulting 101