You know the saying: You get what you pay for. And nowhere is that more true than in business IT support—especially here in the Carmel and Indianapolis area, where small businesses and healthcare practices depend on fast, secure, and compliant tech to function daily.
At first glance, a cheaper managed IT services agreement might seem like a win. Lower monthly costs, basic support, maybe even some cybersecurity tools tossed in. But dig deeper and you’ll often uncover hidden costs, limited protections, and weak support that can leave your business dangerously exposed.
Here are five red flags we see often when reviewing low-cost IT contracts for businesses in Central Indiana:
1. Weak (or Nonexistent) Cybersecurity Protections
Basic antivirus is not enough. Yet many budget IT providers in the Indianapolis area install it and call it cybersecurity.
No multi-factor authentication (MFA), no advanced endpoint detection, no employee training, and no disaster recovery plan. And when ransomware strikes, these gaps can cost tens of thousands in damages—and denied cyber insurance claims.
✅ Local tip: Carmel healthcare practices are particularly vulnerable to HIPAA violations without proper cybersecurity layers.
2. Backups That Leave Out Half Your Business
Think Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace are backing up your data? They’re not—not in the way you need.
Budget MSPs often skip backing up cloud apps, CRMs, and third-party platforms. Worse, many don’t use immutable backups, now required by many cyber insurance carriers.
✅ Fix: Ask your provider what’s actually backed up and what isn’t. In the greater Indianapolis region, we’ve seen mission-critical data lost simply because “someone assumed.”
3. Surprise Fees for On-Site or After-Hours Support
Many IT providers quote low rates, then tack on charges for in-person visits, emergency calls, or after-hours help.
This discourages your team from seeking support—leading to longer downtimes and more costly problems.
✅ PropellerHeads’ approach: Flat-rate, predictable pricing that covers what matters—no nickel-and-diming.
4. No Support for Vendors or Third-Party Devices
“We don’t support that.” Sound familiar?
Some MSPs won’t help with your phone system, Internet, or even your printer unless it’s on their “approved” list. Worse, they might charge just to talk to your other vendors.
✅ Smart support: You need someone who supports your entire IT ecosystem—especially in multi-vendor environments like Carmel medical offices.
5. Inexperienced Techs, No Strategy
Many discount providers are “one-man shows” or rely on undertrained contractors with no strategic oversight.
What’s missing?
- A dedicated account manager
- Cybersecurity reviews
- Compliance guidance
- Technology planning
- Real business strategy—not just ticket resolution
✅ What you deserve: A trusted IT advisor who knows the unique needs of small businesses and healthcare practices in Central Indiana.
Bottom Line: Cheap IT Isn’t Just Risky—It’s Expensive
Most small businesses in Carmel and Indianapolis don’t realize they’re underprotected until disaster strikes—a ransomware attack, compliance fine, or major outage. By then, the real cost of cheap IT becomes painfully clear.
Want to know what your current IT contract is missing? Let us take a look.
💬 We offer a free IT risk assessment that includes a cybersecurity check, backup review, and a plain-English walkthrough of what’s really going on with your IT.
👉 Book Your Free Assessment Here
Don’t wait until the cost of cheap IT hits your bottom line.
