The Advantages of Buying Technology from a Local VAR Instead of a Technology Vendor
If you’re like most small business owners ready to buy technology, you’ll start looking for options with a Google search. When you do, you will probably get a long list of popular national or global technology vendors that sell retail and restaurant point of sale (POS) solutions. Those brands show up at the top of search results because they invest a great deal of money into digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure you see their products when you’re looking for new tech. However, those brands may not invest as much time and attention into customer support and personalized service. For those benefits, you need to buy technology from a local value-added reseller (VAR).
So, before you click “request a quote” from a large technology vendor you find online, consider how buying directly from a technology vendor and local VAR differ.
Buying Directly from a Tech Vendor
Generally, large brands tend to bundle POS or retail or restaurant management systems that include hardware, software, and payments that can work for as many businesses as possible. They want to make buying technology easy, but they also follow this plan to maximize their sales and their profits. They’re focused on sales volume, not necessarily customizing a tech solution so it provides the exact features you need to run your business.
When you call one of these companies, you will probably connect with a help desk and sales technicians who have a good understanding of their technology, but probably not much experience with what it’s like to run a restaurant or retail shop in your market. Afterall, it would be a tall order for a company to know what it takes for a business to be successful in New York City as well as in Austin, St. Louis and Portland. Also, they may not be open to customizing their solution for the unique way your business operates, and if customizations are possible, they may come at a high price.
Furthermore, when you call back, you may speak with a different person than you talked to before, so you will have to invest more time and provide information about your business again. And when your call is about an issue, it may take longer than you expect to get the answers you need and troubleshoot your problem.
The Difference Buying Technology from a Local VAR Can Make
Local VARs have a different business model than large technology vendors who sell directly. VARs build systems, often with components from one or more vendor partners, to create the perfect solution for each user, whether a fast casual or fine dining restaurant, specialty retail store, or service provider such as a salon or garden center. However, even more importantly than providing a solution with the specific features you need, VARs make it a priority to ensure your business is successful using it. Their business growth depends on how well the technology they provide works for their customers, so they make sure you’ll get the outcomes and the value you are looking for. With a local VAR, you never have to settle for an off-the-shelf offering that a large technology vendor may offer. You can work with a local VAR, one-on-one, to get the features and the return on investment (ROI) you need.
Also, with a local VAR, you can count on a dedicated point of contact who understands the specific technology you use and how your business operates. You won’t waste time explaining your business again and waiting while a technician tries to understand your system. Local VARs know their clients and are also more accessible than national or global vendors for onsite service when you need it.
Work with a Trusted Advisor, Not Just a Vendor
Buying technology is a significant investment for your business, so it’s smart to get the most value for your money. Working with a local VAR is more like building a relationship with a business partner that helps your business grow rather than just making a purchase from a large tech vendor. VARs build a wealth of experience by working with companies like yours, so they can share their perspective on technology and processes that will work the best for your business – and which won’t. Additionally, a local VAR is someone you can go to for advice on managing IT, planning for updates, and a budget that works for your business. Your VAR partner will also be a valuable part of your network when you need to find new resources.
Make the Most of Your Technology Investment
Buying technology can definitely make you take a step outside of your comfort zone, but purchasing from a local VAR will give you the confidence that the systems you choose will work the way you need them to and you have a partner you can count on when you issues crop up or you need to upgrade technology to adapt to your changing market.
Do more than buy technology – choose a true solution for your business from a knowledgeable local VAR.
For more details on the benefits of working with a local VAR, download our eBook, The Local POS VAR: A Business Partner Worth Having
