As the holiday season approaches, ecommerce businesses are gearing up for what is the most hectic time of the year. For many, that entails weeks or even months of preparation to ensure that your systems are in order and that you have a clear understanding with your Managed Services Provider regarding responsibilities. But before you dive headfirst into this chaotic season of sales, let’s take a moment to ask a cheeky question: Do you feel like your Managed Services Provider is truly delivering value tailored to your unique needs? Are you getting your money’s worth? 

Here are few questions to ponder:

1. Resource Allocation 

Is your Managed Service Provider dedicating  enough resources to your business during the holiday season? Are they scaling their efforts to handle the increased demands, or do you find yourself swamped by the surge in customer traffic and support tickets? Where do you rank among their clients?  

2. Quality of Work 

Is the quality of work provided by your partner meeting your standards? Are they consistently hitting deadlines, maintaining your website’s integrity, and ensuring a smooth customer experience? Or are you grappling with frequent bugs and frustrated customers?

3. Pricing vs. Performance 

Are you paying a fair price for the services you receive, or do you feel like you’re shelling out for lackluster performance and services you never use? If you’re on a fixed or “blended” rate, consider whether the return on investment justifies the cost, especially during the high-stakes holiday season.

4. Transparency 

Does your partner keep you in the loop about their work? Do they admit and analyze their mistakes (because they do happen)? Are they open about their strategies, progress, and results? Or do you feel like you’re stumbling around in the dark, uncertain about the impact of their efforts on your business?

5. Proactive vs. Reactive 

Is your partner proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues, or do they only spring into action when problems spiral out of control? Do you even know who to call when there is a problem? A valuable partner should help you foresee and tackle challenges before they become major headaches.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial to evaluate whether your ecommerce Managed Service Provider is truly delivering the value your business needs. Don’t settle for mediocrity or let doubts linger; take action to ensure you’re well-prepared for the busiest time of the year.

Remember, your choice of Managed Service Provider can significantly impact your holiday sales and your overall business success. Don’t hesitate to have an open conversation with your provider about your expectations, concerns, and whether they’re fully committed to helping you achieve your holiday goals. Define what “value” means to you, and make sure to revisit this “value” after the holiday rush subsides. Because getting the right value from your partner can make all the difference in ensuring a profitable and stress-free holiday season for your ecommerce business.

Ready to ensure you’re getting the right value from your Managed Service Provider? Contact us today to learn more about how ITG Commerce can elevate your ecommerce success.