Unauthorized 3rd Party Maintenance Does Not Mean You Get 3rd Rate Service
January 31st, 2010 |
My last article I spoke about HOW to choose a maintenance plan that best suits your needs, so now this article I will explore the how and why of choosing a 3rd party maintenance provider.
The original equipment manufacturers (OEM) service department would like you to believe otherwise, but using an “Unauthorized 3rd party” (anyone not the OEM) provider for your scanner maintenance does not mean you get 3rd rate service. Unauthorized is a term the OEM’s throw around to limit their competition, as most OEM’s do not authorize anyone to repair their equipment, so how could the competition be authorized? Look for providers who can prove they are certified, as certified means they have received training from the OEM or employ trained former employees of the OEM.
The a few benefits and advantages you will find in good 3rd party providers (this varies so ask the questions when choosing) are as follows…
1)Better pricing- 3rd parties offer better prices not because they offer less service, but because they are usually smaller organizations with lower overhead and more motivation to be competitive.
2)Flexibility- 3rd party companies will normally have more “user friendly” options like monthly payment terms, ala carte contract options so you only pay for what you need and not options you don’t, and they will pro-rate expiration dates so you can have all your equipment on one contract expiration date.
3)Customer service- 3rd party companies are hungry to earn and retain your business so customer service is important to them. If you have special requests they can usually accommodate you and not hide behind corporate policy as an excuse.
4)Policies- Most OEM’s feel they are the only game in town so there policies are usually very strict and slanted to their advantage, where 3rd parties try to be fairer. Check what their cancellation policy is should they not perform up to the agreed upon standards, do they let you out of the contract or do they make you pay them for another 90 days? Do they allow for grace periods or do they penalize you for any type of lapse in payment or expiration?
3rd Party providers have many advantages and can prove to be excellent partners in many regards, so consider them next time a maintenance contract comes due for renewal.
Gary J. Armstrong invites you to go to his companies website at http://www.imaging411.com for more information on ECM solutions. While your there please click on the twitter box to follow them Twitter.
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