Avoid IT Gimmicks: Protect Your Business from Empty Promises
Is your IT provider trying to lock you into a three-year contract? Do they charge extra just so you can talk to the company owner?
These are red flags that signal it may be time to avoid IT gimmicks and rethink who you trust with your company’s technology.
Mike Heil, Partner at ThrottleNet, appeared on TNtv to discuss how business owners can spot common IT gimmicks before signing the wrong contract. He shared practical tips to help companies identify misleading offers, avoid lock-in agreements, and choose a provider that values service over sales tricks.
At ThrottleNet, the philosophy is simple: great service shouldn’t require gimmicks, contracts, or fine print.
What Are IT Gimmicks?
IT gimmicks are marketing tactics or service models designed to trap businesses into long-term agreements or upcharge for basic support. These often sound attractive on the surface—“bonus bucks,” “priority access,” or “exclusive discounts”—but in reality, they benefit the provider far more than the customer.
Knowing how to avoid IT gimmicks helps you make smarter, more transparent decisions about your company’s technology partnerships.
Below are four key tips from Mike Heil on how to steer clear of misleading IT offers and choose a provider that truly puts your business first.
1. Avoid “Bonus Bucks” and Understand Long-Term Contracts
One of the most common IT gimmicks involves reward points or “bonus bucks”—programs that promise free hardware or labor if you sign a multi-year contract.
Heil warns that these programs aren’t actually bonuses—they’re bait to lock you in. Once you’re under contract, service quality may decline, but you’re stuck paying the monthly fee regardless.
“No amount of free hardware or points is worth losing your flexibility,” Heil explained. “If an IT company needs to trap you in a three-year deal, that’s a red flag.”
ThrottleNet takes a different approach. The company offers no gimmicks, putting their reputation on the line every month. Clients stay because of the service, not because of legal fine print.
When you avoid IT gimmicks like, you gain control. You can leave anytime service quality dips—ensuring your IT provider earns your trust continuously.
2. Don’t Pay a Premium Just to Talk to the Owner
Another gimmick Heil highlighted is the “Emergency Access Fee”—a surcharge some firms impose if you want to speak directly to the owner or top engineer. They label it “Priority Access” or “Executive Support.”
That’s a problem. Any reputable IT company should provide responsive support and leadership access as part of normal service—not as an upsell.
Heil says, “If you need to pay extra just to talk to the owner, you’re paying for poor customer service that should’ve been standard in the first place.”
ThrottleNet’s model eliminates these unnecessary fees. Every client has direct access to leadership and senior technicians whenever needed. That’s part of what makes their award-winning IT support stand out—transparency, accountability, and partnership without gimmicks.
When you avoid IT gimmicks like “super priority lines,” you ensure you’re paying for genuine expertise, not inflated labels.
3. Avoid IT Providers That Don’t Protect Your Data Professionally
Perhaps the most alarming example Heil shared involves an IT company owner who stored sensitive client data on thumb drives attached to his belt—“secured” with a handgun in his pocket.
While that sounds absurd, it underscores how some IT providers lack professional data management practices.
Your company’s data is your most valuable asset. It should never be stored on portable devices, local drives, or personal equipment. Instead, it should be housed in secure, encrypted cloud environments managed through professional backup and disaster recovery systems.
Heil advises business owners to ask direct questions about where their data lives, how it’s encrypted, and what recovery measures exist. If an IT firm can’t clearly explain their process—or relies on untested methods—it’s time to move on.
In short, one of the biggest ways to avoid IT gimmicks is to ensure your provider uses proven, enterprise-grade data security practices.
4. Steer Clear of “White Box” or “Black Box” Hardware
Some IT vendors promise to build and install custom “homegrown” servers or PCs to cut costs. Heil warns that these so-called white box or black box solutions are another dangerous gimmick.
Unlike brand-name systems, these custom-built machines:
- Lack standardized components and warranties
- Aren’t tested for performance or security compliance
- Leave you stranded if the builder leaves the company
If your IT partner disappears or moves on, your business could be left with unsupported, unserviceable hardware—putting your entire network at risk.
Heil recommends only investing in brand-name, warrantied hardware that ensures consistent performance and long-term support. Reputable IT firms use standardized equipment for reliability and scalability.
When you avoid IT gimmicks like untested home-built systems, you protect your network stability and future-proof your investment.
Why Businesses Fall for IT Gimmicks
It’s easy to see why some business owners fall for these traps. Many IT gimmicks are wrapped in clever marketing language—“exclusive offer,” “free upgrade,” or “VIP treatment.” They appeal to budget-conscious leaders who want better service but don’t realize the hidden costs behind the promise.
The truth is, reliable IT support doesn’t need gimmicks.
It needs trust, transparency, and proven performance.
ThrottleNet has built its business around that philosophy:
- No contracts. Clients stay because they’re satisfied, not locked in.
- No premium access fees. Every customer receives top-level support.
- No shortcuts. Data is protected using enterprise-level tools.
- No untested equipment. Only brand-name, warrantied hardware.
That’s how you build long-term partnerships—and why more companies are choosing to avoid IT gimmicks entirely.
How to Choose an Honest, Reliable IT Partner
Heil recommends asking these questions before signing with any IT firm:
- Do they require long-term contracts or offer month-to-month flexibility?
- Are their pricing and escalation processes transparent?
- How do they secure, back up, and manage your data?
- What certifications or vendor partnerships do they hold?
- Will you have access to senior engineers or leadership when needed?
If the answers feel vague or overly sales-driven, take that as a warning sign. A trustworthy provider welcomes these questions because they have nothing to hide.
Choose an IT Partner That Earns Your Trust—Not Demands It
The next time a provider offers rewards points, discounted labor, or “exclusive access,” remember: the best IT firms don’t need gimmicks to win business—they rely on quality service and proven results.
ThrottleNet’s Mike Heil encourages business owners to avoid IT gimmicks and partner with providers who prioritize transparency, security, and long-term value.
For more information or to discuss how ThrottleNet can simplify your IT support without gimmicks, contact ThrottleNet at 866-730-3136 or visit www.throttlenet.com.
When it comes to your technology, you don’t need tricks—you need trust.
