What a Good MSP Partnership Looks Like—and How to Spot a Bad One
By Todd Wentz, CEO, Wentz IT Consulting
Not all MSPs are created equal. Some just react when something breaks. Others act like true partners—proactively improving your business, guiding decisions, and owning results.
So how do you tell the difference? Here’s what to look for—and what to run from.
What a Good MSP Brings to the Table
- Proactive support, not just ticket responses
- Clear documentation and visibility into your environment
- Regular meetings or check-ins—not just when things break
- Consistent communication, including non-technical updates you can understand
- A roadmap to help you grow, not just a repair bill
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Vague pricing or unclear contracts
- No visibility into what’s being monitored or backed up
- Reactive-only service with no planning or reporting
- Long response times—or worse, no response
- Always upselling without explaining value
How to Vet an MSP Before You Sign
- Ask for their standard onboarding and documentation process
- Review their SLA (Service Level Agreement)—does it actually match what you need?
- Ask for reporting examples
- Talk to a current client (a good MSP will offer this upfront)
- Download our MSP Partner Evaluation Checklist and use it in your vendor interviews
Final Thoughts
Choosing an MSP is like choosing a business partner—you’re trusting them with access to your most critical operations. If your current provider isn’t helping you plan, protect, and grow, it may be time to upgrade.
Use our free checklist to evaluate your options and make a smarter choice.