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The 7 Most Common Complaints About IT Support Companies (And How to Avoid Them)

November 18th, 2025 | 5 min. read

By Marissa Olson

Most companies rely on IT support to keep employees productive, systems running, and data secure. When support is strong, work feels easier and issues stay small. When support is weak, every problem grows and slows down the entire team.

Many small and mid-sized businesses share the same frustrations with their IT provider and often feel stuck with poor service because they do not know how to compare alternatives.

These common complaints exist for a reason. They come from gaps in communication, staffing, tools, strategy, or accountability. Once you understand the root causes, it becomes much easier to avoid these problems and choose a partner who delivers dependable service.

Complaint 1: Slow IT Response Times

A slow response is the most common reason companies lose trust in their IT provider. Employees send a ticket or make a call, then wait far too long for help. Work stops. Customers wait. Stress increases.

The problem is simple: many low-cost providers accept more clients than they can support. Technicians become overwhelmed, and tickets pile up. Some providers also limit support hours or restrict which issues qualify for fast responses.

The solution is to choose an IT partner that documents response times clearly and follows them. Ask how long it takes to answer a normal request, how quickly emergencies are handled, and whether support is truly unlimited. A reliable partner will be transparent about staffing levels, ticket volume, and actual response performance.

Complaint 2: Recurring Problems That Never Get Solved

Many IT companies operate in a reactive model. They fix issues temporarily but never address the underlying cause. The same problems keep returning. Devices run slowly. Wi-Fi drops often. Software freezes without warning. Printers fail at the worst possible moment.

When these issues repeat, it means your provider is putting out fires instead of preventing them.

A dependable IT partner includes proactive maintenance as part of the service. This means consistent patching, continuous monitoring, routine device checks, and regular system tuning.

These actions reduce recurring problems and keep your environment stable. If your provider only reacts, you will never see long-term improvement.

Complaint 3: Weak Cybersecurity and Outdated Tools

Many companies do not realize their IT provider is offering minimal security until something goes wrong. Some providers rely on basic antivirus tools and call it cybersecurity.

Others skip modern protections entirely because they cost more or require more management. This leaves your business exposed to phishing attacks, ransomware, and unauthorized access.

Modern protection requires several layers. Strong authentication for users, intelligent endpoint protection, advanced email filtering, monitoring for suspicious activity, and routine training for employees. Without these layers, the chances of a breach grow every year.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, most small businesses underestimate cyber threats and rely on incomplete security that cannot keep up with current risks.

A dependable provider explains each security layer, why it matters, and how it protects your business. You should never have to guess whether your systems are secure.

Complaint 4: Surprise Fees and Unpredictable Invoices

Many businesses choose an inexpensive IT provider and later discover that the low price covers only a fraction of what they need. Everything else becomes an extra charge.

Basic support might be included, but on-site visits, after-hours help, device setup, security upgrades, or backup improvements all cost more. Over time, surprise invoices make the plan far more expensive than expected.

A reliable IT provider should be open about pricing. You should understand exactly what is included and what is not. Predictable monthly fees protect your budget and prevent arguments over unexpected charges. 

Clear communication about cost is a sign of professionalism and trustworthiness.

Complaint 5: Poor Communication and No Accountability

Many companies stay frustrated with their IT provider because communication breaks down. Tickets go unanswered. Updates are unclear. Projects stall.

Explanations feel vague or overly technical. When communication fails, trust disappears quickly.

A reliable IT partner communicates clearly during support requests and long-term planning. You should receive regular updates, direct answers, and explanations in plain language.

Scheduled meetings, written reports, and a single point of contact help maintain accountability. Even complex issues become easier to manage when communication is consistent.

Complaint 6: Weak IT Backup and Recovery Planning

IT Backup is often treated as a checkbox rather than a critical part of business continuity. Many IT providers configure backups once and never revisit them.

When a server fails or ransomware strikes, companies discover that their backups were incomplete, outdated, or never tested. Recovery becomes slow, difficult, or impossible.

A complete backup strategy includes multiple copies of data, both local and cloud-based storage, encryption, automation, and regular testing.

Your provider should verify that backups run every day and confirm that files can be restored quickly. A strong backup plan protects your business during disasters and reduces downtime.

Complaint 7: No Strategic IT Planning or Guidance

Some IT providers focus only on daily support. They help when something breaks, but never plan. Without strategic planning, your business risks outdated equipment, surprise replacements, compliance gaps, and poor network design.

Technology becomes a source of stress instead of a tool for growth.

A reliable IT partner should offer scheduled planning sessions, long-term roadmaps, hardware replacement timelines, and budget guidance.

This gives your business direction and helps you prepare for the future. A proactive approach reduces emergencies and supports steady growth.

Why Many Companies Experience These IT Problems

These complaints are common because many providers intentionally limit their services to offer a lower price. They reduce staffing, skip essential security tools, ignore maintenance, or cut backup processes.

This keeps their costs low but creates risk and frustration for their clients. Cheap support almost always leads to more downtime, reduced productivity, and unexpected emergencies.

Reliable IT support requires time, experience, strong processes, and complete security tools. These elements cost more upfront but protect your business in the long run.

What a Reliable IT Support Company Should Deliver

A dependable IT support partner offers complete coverage without hidden gaps. You should expect fast support, modern security, stable systems, strong backups, and clear communication.

Your provider should understand your business, anticipate future needs, and take responsibility for keeping your environment healthy.

When these elements are missing, complaints grow. When these elements are present, your business benefits from fewer disruptions, better productivity, and consistent protection.

Why Many Las Vegas and Southern California Businesses Choose AIS

AIS delivers managed IT services that solve the problems listed above. Our team focuses on fast, friendly support, strong cybersecurity, proactive maintenance, and open communication.

We design plans that improve reliability and reduce risk so your technology supports your business instead of slowing it down.

Next Steps: Request an IT Support Performance Review

If your current provider creates more frustration than value, it may be time to evaluate your environment. AIS offers an IT Support Performance Review that identifies gaps, measures risk, and helps you understand how to improve reliability and security.

Marissa Olson

A true southerner from Atlanta, Georgia, Marissa has always had a strong passion for writing and storytelling. She moved out west in 2018 where she became an expert on all things business technology-related as the Content Producer at AIS. Coupled with her knowledge of SEO best practices, she's been integral in catapulting AIS to the digital forefront of the industry. In her free time, she enjoys sipping wine and hanging out with her rescue-dog, WIllow. Basically, she loves wine and dogs, but not whiny dogs.