You might be hesitating to meet with another managed IT service provider (MSP) when you already have one.
What if your MSP isn't providing the results you need? Are you sure you're getting the best service, security, and strategy for your business?
At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we have years of experience helping businesses maximize their IT investments. We provide managed IT, cybersecurity, and compliance solutions designed to drive business growth.
In this article, we’ll explore why meeting with another MSP is valuable, even if you're under contract with your current provider. Mike Rhea, ITS’ Chief Revenue Officer, will also share his experiences meeting with business owners – even if they’re not looking for a new MSP.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a full list of the advantages of meeting with an MSP despite having a current partner. With this information, you can decide if setting aside time to talk to new MSPs is worth it.
5 Reasons to Meet with a New MSP Even if You Have an Existing Partner
1. You have an easier time evaluating your current MSP.
Meeting with an MSP doesn’t mean you’re ready to switch. It means you're gathering information.
"You don’t have to be in buying mode to have a conversation with us," said Mike Rhea. "When you have a contract, it removes the pressure from feeling like we’re going to try to sell you."
Instead, you get an opportunity to benchmark your current provider against what others offer.
Your current MSP may be doing a decent job, but there is always room for improvement. Are they proactively preventing issues? Are they transparent about their performance?
"Chances are, you’re probably not at a 10 out of 10 with your IT provider," Rhea explained. A conversation with a different MSP helps identify gaps and explore new solutions.
2. You see how other MSPs measure success.
Not all MSPs operate the same way. Some may offer better reporting, better response times, or a more strategic approach to IT management.
"Talking to other MSPs, even while you're in contract, helps you see how they do things differently," says Rhea. "What do they focus on? How do they measure success?"
The right MSP should provide clear ROI. They should have structured reporting that shows you exactly how your IT is performing. If your current provider isn’t offering detailed insights, you may not know what’s working—or what’s broken.
RELATED: Can ITS Provide a Detailed ROI Analysis?
3. You can prepare for future IT challenges.
Even if you're happy with your current provider, IT issues are inevitable. "When something goes wrong, you don’t want to go to Google to find a new MSP," Rhea warned. "You want to have had some vetting already done."
By meeting with other MSPs, you build a shortlist of trusted providers.
This proactive approach gives you an invaluable resource: peace of mind. When a major IT problem arises, you already know who to call. Having that connection in place prevents downtime and speeds up resolution time.
4. You get better consultations instead of sales pitches.
Have you ever heard of the saying, “The best time to look for a job is when you still have one”?
The same principle applies to looking for the best MSP. When you remove the pressure of finding one right now, you can take your time to really understand how a company does business.
Meeting with another MSP also doesn’t mean you’re breaking your contract. "Just like you can get auto insurance quotes even if you have coverage, you can meet with an MSP while in contract," Rhea reassured.
Some MSPs might take this against you; no sale, no real conversation. But great MSPs will still see this as a fantastic opportunity.
The goal transforms from getting a sale to uncovering whether you have an IT issue that needs solving.
"We don’t sell something just to sell it. We sell solutions to problems," Rhea clarified. During the conversation, great MSPs will ask:
- Is your IT setup helping or hurting your business?
- Is your current MSP solving the right problems?
- Are there inefficiencies or vulnerabilities you haven't addressed?
If they find a gap, they’ll help you determine whether it’s worth fixing—and if they’re the right partner to help.
5. You’re having IT problems and want a new MSP.
Sometimes, your current MSP isn’t up to par. That’s OK – finding the right IT partnership takes time and a bit of luck.
It’s so common that Rhea’s had many companies reach out to ITS while already working with an MSP. The three biggest reasons are:
- Slow response times – IT issues linger too long before being resolved.
- Onboarding and offboarding difficulties – Hiring and firing employees becomes an IT nightmare.
- License management inefficiencies – Businesses often overpay for unused licenses because their MSP isn’t tracking them properly.
If these challenges sound familiar, meeting with another MSP could reveal more efficient ways to handle these pain points.
Can You Have More Than One MSP?
Maybe you really like your current partner, but they don’t have 24/7 customer support. Can you get another MSP to fill that need while keeping your MSP?
"Unfortunately, it’s not industry practice to have two MSPs in one company," Rhea explained. Having two MSPs managing the same IT infrastructure creates conflicts and inefficiencies.
Most MSPs like ITS can complement your current IT in other ways. "We can be an extension of an internal IT team, helping with broader IT needs," Rhea said.
What Happens if You Meet with an MSP and Don't Switch?
Even if you don’t switch MSPs, these conversations provide value. "100% of the time, businesses find value in these meetings," Rhea says. “That’s because we don’t just ask about IT. We explore how technology affects your entire business strategy.”
Most MSPs focus on IT problems like uptime and pricing. A good MSP will ask bigger questions such as:
- What business problems are caused by IT issues?
- Are IT inefficiencies slowing your growth?
- Is your current IT provider aligned with your business goals?
These discussions help business leaders define success for their IT infrastructure, whether they decide to switch providers or not.
Ready to Get the Best from Your MSP?
Your IT provider should drive business growth — not just keep the lights on. If you see a lot of areas of improvement for your current MSP, it’s time to look at your options.
A meeting with a new provider will give you:
- A clearer understanding of what great IT service looks like from other companies.
- A benchmark for evaluating your current MSP.
- A backup plan if your MSP partnership ever falters.
- A business-focused IT strategy that aligns with your goals.
"You don’t know what you don’t know," Rhea said. A conversation with an MSP like ITS can open your eyes to risks and opportunities you hadn’t considered.
Ready to explore how ITS can help your business? Let’s have a conversation. You don’t have to be in buying mode — just in discovery mode. Contact ITS today and take the first step toward a stronger IT future.
If you need more information before setting up a meeting, take a look at the following resources:
- 20 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Best Managed IT (MSP)
- 6 Qualities to Look for in a Managed Service Provider
- 6 Signs It’s Time to Switch IT Providers
Topics:
