Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use your services?

The Tech Ref will make your office responsibilities easier and less stressful. We arrange for quotes from service providers and handle all of the legwork for VoIP phone services, internet bandwidth or any other IT need you may have. We then manage and facilitate the entire ordering process to completed installation. Once the project is installed, The Tech Ref will continue to be your on-going point of contact for the life of your service.

What should I know about your pricing?

The Tech Ref is a 100% free service.

How do I take advantage of your free service? 

It's actually very simple. We're the first and only call you need to make.

In order for us to be able to handle and manage your order, installation and post-installation needs for the life of your service, for free, The Tech Ref needs to be the "partner of record" with all vendors we introduce to you. We will introduce you to a vetted number of trusted leading vendors, also taking your lead with any other specific vendors you desire. All we ask is that we make the introduction. Otherwise, due to rules of engagement, we will not be able to support the project. Please do not do the following, but...if for some reason we are not the "partner of record" (perhaps you requested a quote directly from a service provider online or via phone prior to meeting us), we can always help with your next project! Please remember, we handle everything, there is never any cost or any obligation for our services. 
 

Who do I contract with? 

We arrange for all service agreements for you. You contract directly with the service provider, but we coordinate the process for you every step of the way. 

How do I know I am getting the best pricing possible?

You receive either the same or better pricing than you would receive if you went to the provider directly. There is no markup nor hidden fees of any kind. This is possible because The Tech Ref clients enjoy the benefit of being supported by the “Channel” division of the service provider, not the “Small Business” division. This also provides the benefit of enterprise service and support, versus SMB support.

How does The Tech Ref make money?

We introduce our clients that have upcoming IT projects to the "right-fit" leading service providers & service providers to client organizations in need of IT services. We manage the entire process on your behalf. Service provider "Partner Programs" compensate us for an introduction that results in an order placed with them. We maintain our reputation with clients as a valued vendor-agnostic facilitator by managing the entire order process & our reputation with the service providers as a trusted partner/referral source.

What are the 6 steps in The Tech Ref's playbook?

The Tech Ref:

1. Handles All Project Legwork
2. Gathers Your Price Quotes
3. Negotiates Pricing With Service Providers On Your Behalf
4. Handles the Order Process
5. Manages Your Entire Installation
6. Is Your Point of Contact For The Life of The Service

What is your typical process in working with a new client?

We have a keen understanding and appreciation that every client has their own important particular needs and that no matter how small or large, all client situations are important. We have direct conversations with all clients to understand their needs, challenges and time frames. We save clients time, hassle and money by introducing industry leading service providers and we handle all the legwork in obtaining quotes. If and when a decision is made to move forward with a service, we coordinate the entire effort. 

What questions should I think through before talking to professionals about my needs or project?

What is your current situation? What would you like your future situation to look like? What current agreements and term are in place? Have they been in place longer than a few years? Is the organization planning for growth? Consolidation? Other changes?

What types of clients have you worked with? 

We work with clients of all sizes, located anywhere. Some recent clients include accounting firms, law firms, unions, fitness studios and financial firms. 

How did you get started doing this type of work?

After 25+ years working in corporate America for leading Fortune 500 technology companies such as IBM, AT&T Bell Labs, MCI/Verizon, Windstream and Spectrum, managing Fortune 500 firms such as JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch and WPP Group, as well as many small to medium sized businesses, I always focused on going above and beyond serving my clients with the most cost effective and "right fit" solutions. Now, as an entrepreneur managing my own business, I have the pleasure of delivering flexible customized solutions 24x7 to a select group of clients at a time. 

What is a recent project you worked on and how long did it take?

Recent projects include internet business continuity services for a 1000 person union office, VoIP services for a 60 person CPA accounting firm (with significant monthly savings), internet services for a national brand Pilates studio, and new VoIP services for a billion dollar NYC based global hedge fund. I take great pride in solving client’s specific needs and in many cases have ensured urgent delivery of VoIP services the same day of order placement (initially via mobile phone app and desktop app) and then with phones shipped overnight.

What are the benefits of a VoIP phone service? 

• Dependable: your hosted VoIP system is monitored and maintained 24/7 and securely operates in multi-million dollar cloud based data centers.
  
  
• Productivity: work from home, work from anywhere. Always be connected. 
  
  
• Economical: we will help you reduce your telecommunication costs and avoid unnecessary setup and installation fees. With VoIP, you no longer need to worry about or pay for maintenance, it's all included. 
  
  
• User-Friendly: easy to use intuitive user interface.
  
  
• Convenient: VoIP allows you to answer calls in remote locations via VoIP mobile phone app (which makes a personal cell phone look and act like the office phone but with a lot of functionality), laptop (also looks like the office phone, with chat, video, screen share functionality) and/or VoIP desk phone.   
          
  
• Environmental: Allows you to be more green. Reduce travel costs and paper waste by sharing information online securely using VoIP screen share, chat and video conferencing capabilities. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to hire a provider of similar services?

If you are looking to hire a consultant or service provider, things I would ask are: will they be charging you for the same services The Tech Ref is offering for free and at no obligation? Will they be the "POC" (Point of Contact) on your behalf and handle all circuit/network bandwidth and/or phone service order and installation legwork for you? Will they take all of the hassle out of the process for you, ensuring a smooth installation? Will they make sure they either: configure your VoIP, help you configure your VoIP or arrange for your VoIP provider to do a fully managed installation? Will you be left on your own to configure? Will they be there for you post-installation and remain your point of contact for the life of your service? With VoIP, you must pay attention to even the smallest of details and it will be to your greatest advantage to work with a nimble, effective facilitator.

Please engage us immediately upon the identification of your next IT project. It would be our pleasure to serve you and your organization's IT needs.

 Ready to score your Free IT?

hello@thetechref.com