Is your company in need of a good computer consulting firm?  You may need one, but you may not know how to find one.  This set of questions can help you get in-depth answers from prospective computer consulting firms and find out if they will be a good fit for your business.  

Resellers, Pure Computer Consulting Companies and Hybrid Technology Providers

As computer consulting firms during interviews,

1.     Do you resell tech products such as hardware and software?

2.    Are you a profit center, or can we shop for products elsewhere?

3.    If we shop elsewhere for our products, can we still use your computer consulting services?

4.    Are there any other vendors – ISPs or telephone companies – that you represent?  Do you get commissions or referral fees from specific companies?

Costs, Hidden Charges, Billing Procedures

Ask the following additional questions of your computer consulting company:

1.     What are your payment terms and billing minimums?  What do you consider “billable”?

2.    Are travel time, telephone support, e-mail/online support and remote support included?

3.    Do you have after-hour and emergency service fees?  What defines these terms?

4.    Do you have support contracts?  What are the costs and the benefits?

Client Reference Accounts, Case Studies, Testimonials

Also find out the following information from your prospective computer consulting firm:

1.     Tell me about one of your long-term small business accounts.

2.    Tell me about a recently signed client.

3.    Tell me about a client that just didn’t work out.

4.    Can you give me some references?

Research, Development and the Technology Curve

Also ask these questions about your computer consulting business’ ability to keep abreast of technology:

1.     How do you stay in touch with the latest tech developments?

2.    For what do you bill clients, and are there any gray areas?

Training and Knowledge

You need to also ask additional questions:

1.    Are you willing to provide in-depth training for users within my company?

2.    What kind of training do you provide for users?

3.    Will you train our internal guru to be more self-reliant, even if you miss out on billable hours?

The Main Idea about Computer Consulting Company Hiring

Don’t hire an independent computer consulting firm until you’ve determined the fit is right.  

Added By:  Computer Consulting Kit