July 07, 2025
You've heard it before: You get what you pay for. And when it comes to IT services, that couldn't be more true—especially for small businesses in Orange County.
At first glance, low-cost managed IT providers may seem appealing. Lower monthly fees. Basic support. Maybe even a few cybersecurity tools tossed in.
But what's really included?
We've reviewed dozens of IT contracts for businesses in Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach. And time after time, we've uncovered the same dangerous gaps in service—gaps that could cost you far more than what you're saving.
Here are 5 common ways "budget" MSPs cut corners—and how those shortcuts put your business at risk.
1. Minimal or Outdated Cybersecurity Protection
Basic antivirus software isn't enough anymore. Yet that's all many cheap MSPs provide.
These providers often skip essential protections like:
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Multifactor authentication (2FA)
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Advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR)
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Regular security training for employees
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Immutable backups and ransomware response planning
Cyber insurance providers now require many of these tools. If you suffer a cyberattack and lack them, your insurance claim could be denied. We've seen it happen.
Don't let a lack of cybersecurity strategy expose your business to unnecessary risk.
2. Backups That Don't Cover All Your Data
Think your data in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace is automatically backed up?
Think again.
Those platforms offer only basic recovery, and many budget MSPs don't go beyond that. They often neglect to back up CRMs, third-party platforms, or even critical shared folders. Worse, they may not test backups regularly—or use solutions that meet compliance standards.
A single data loss event could set your business back months. Know what's being backed up—and demand full coverage.
3. Hidden Fees for On-Site or After-Hours Support
That "low" monthly fee might not be the full story.
Many budget IT providers charge extra for:
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After-hours support
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On-site visits
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Emergency response
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Working with third-party tools or vendors
This creates hesitation and delays when problems arise—and that delay often leads to downtime, lost productivity, and unexpected costs.
OCMSP offers flat-rate support, so you never have to think twice about picking up the phone.
4. No Support for Your Vendors or Network Devices
Printer issues? Internet outage? Phone system glitch?
Many IT providers say, "That's not our problem." They'll charge you extra to call your other vendors—or ignore the issue entirely if it's not on their "approved list."
At OCMSP, we provide full vendor coordination. If it touches your network, we're on it. That's real support.
5. Junior Techs and Zero Strategy
Another red flag: No dedicated IT strategist or account manager.
Cheap MSPs often rely on entry-level contractors or part-time freelancers. You might get help—but you won't get guidance.
What you should be getting:
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A strategic account manager
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Regular IT reviews and reporting
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Forecasting for hardware and software upgrades
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Help meeting compliance and cybersecurity standards
Without that, you're just reacting to problems—not preventing them.
Bottom Line: Don't Let a Low Price Leave You Unprotected
The appeal of cheap IT fades quickly when:
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Your data is lost
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Your systems crash
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You're hit with a ransomware attack
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Or you fail a compliance audit
Most businesses don't know what their IT provider is not doing—until it's too late.
We can help. At OCMSP, we offer a FREE Network & IT Contract Assessment for small businesses in Orange County. We'll review your current setup, flag any weak spots, and help you build a stronger, more secure IT strategy—without the tech jargon.
Click here to book your FREE assessment or call us at {{ primary-phone }} to schedule your appointment.
