...

Choosing the right support model for your business – A guide for local service providers

Written by
Author Melanie

Melanie Hoffman, IT and customer support expert, is a leading voice in offshore IT solutions. With years of experience in managed IT services and help desk outsourcing, Melanie brings a deep understanding of how businesses can leverage offshore support to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide seamless 24/7 customer service. Passionate about connecting businesses with scalable IT solutions, she shares practical insights and industry trends through a variety of blogs. Follow Melanie for expert advice on optimizing IT support strategies and staying ahead in the evolving world of offshore help desks.

Introduction

Ever found yourself in a tech crisis at the worst possible time? Maybe your online booking system crashed right before the weekend rush. Or a client’s payment didn’t go through, and now you’re scrambling. As a local service provider, your business depends on reliable, efficient support to keep things running smoothly. But with so many support models out there, how do you choose the right one?

Let’s break it down and help you find the best-fit support model for your business.

1. Shared support model: Budget-friendly & flexible

Imagine having a team on standby, but you’re sharing them with other businesses. This model is great for cost savings because you’re only paying for a portion of the support team’s time.

  • Best for: Small businesses with occasional support needs.
  • Pros: Affordable, flexible, and access to experienced support professionals.
  • Cons: Response times can vary, and you might not get immediate attention.

2. Per user model: Pay for what you use

If your business has a team that regularly needs support, this might be the best option. Instead of paying a flat fee, you pay based on the number of users needing assistance.

  • Best for: Growing businesses with multiple staff needing support.
  • Pros:Scalable pricing, predictable costs.
  • Cons: Can get expensive as your team expands.

3. Incident-hour model: Pay-As-You-Go for emergencies

Ever had one of those “everything is on fire” moments? This model is perfect for businesses that don’t need ongoing support but want the safety net of expert help when things go wrong.

  • Best for: Businesses with minimal tech issues but want backup when needed.  
  • Pros: No ongoing costs, only pay for the support you use.  
  • Cons: Costs can add up if incidents become frequent. 

4. Out-of-Hours model: For night owls & weekend warriors

Some businesses never sleep. If your services run late at night or over the weekend, you’ll need support beyond regular business hours.

  • Best for: Businesses operating outside of the usual 9-to-5.
  • Pros: Dedicated help when you need it most.
  • Cons: Typically more expensive due to off-hours availability.

5. 24x7x365 Support: Always on, Always available

If your business can’t afford any downtime, this is the ultimate support model. Round-the-clock assistance ensures you’re covered no matter the time zone, holiday, or emergency.

  • Best for: Businesses that need non-stop support (e.g., essential home services, emergency repair companies).
  • Pros: Peace of mind, always available support.
  • Cons: Premium pricing.

Which model is right for you?

Your choice depends on your budget, the complexity of your operations, and the level of support your business truly needs. If you only need occasional help, a shared or incident-hour model might work. But if downtime means lost revenue, consider 24x7x365 support.

Get the right support with ServiceJi

No matter your support needs, ServiceJi offers tailored support solutions for local service providers. Whether you need on-demand help or full-scale 24/7 coverage, we’ve got your back.

Ready to find the perfect support model for your business? Contact us today!

FAQs

Q: What if my support needs change over time?
A: Most support models are scalable, so you can upgrade or downgrade based on your business needs.

Q: Is 24/7 support worth the cost?
A: If downtime directly impacts your revenue, investing in 24/7 support can prevent bigger financial losses.

Q: How do I know which model is best for me?
A: Consider your budget, business hours, and support frequency. If you’re unsure, ServiceJi can help you assess your needs and recommend the best option.

Don’t wait until a tech crisis disrupts your business! Get the right support today with ServiceJi.

    Let’s get some pricing to you

    By completing and submitting this form, I agree to receive marketing emails from ServiceJi and its affiliates.
    You can unsubscribe or update your preferences at any time. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the ServiceJi privacy notice.

    Written by
    Author Melanie

    Melanie Hoffman, IT and customer support expert, is a leading voice in offshore IT solutions. With years of experience in managed IT services and help desk outsourcing, Melanie brings a deep understanding of how businesses can leverage offshore support to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide seamless 24/7 customer service. Passionate about connecting businesses with scalable IT solutions, she shares practical insights and industry trends through a variety of blogs. Follow Melanie for expert advice on optimizing IT support strategies and staying ahead in the evolving world of offshore help desks.

    Author: Melanie Hofmann
    Melanie Hoffman, IT and customer support expert, is a leading voice in offshore IT solutions. With years of experience in managed IT services and help desk outsourcing, Melanie brings a deep understanding of how businesses can leverage offshore support to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide seamless 24/7 customer service. Passionate about connecting businesses with scalable IT solutions, she shares practical insights and industry trends through a variety of blogs. Follow Melanie for expert advice on optimizing IT support strategies and staying ahead in the evolving world of offshore help desks.