Managed IT vs. Break-Fix: The Real Cost Comparison

Many businesses still wait until something breaks before calling IT support. This "break-fix" approach seems cheaper — but it usually isn't. Let's break down the real costs.

The Hidden Costs of Break-Fix

Downtime

When systems fail, your team can't work. If 10 employees at $25/hour can't work for 4 hours, that's $1,000 in lost productivity — every single incident.

Emergency Rates

Break-fix providers charge premium rates for urgent calls. You're paying more for worse service at the worst possible time.

Data Loss

Without proactive backups and monitoring, failures often mean data loss. Recovery is expensive and sometimes impossible.

Security Vulnerabilities

Unmonitored systems are vulnerable systems. A single breach can cost tens of thousands — or your business entirely.

The Managed IT Advantage

Predictable Costs

Fixed monthly fees make budgeting straightforward. No surprise invoices after a crisis.

Proactive Monitoring

We catch issues before they become outages. Most problems are resolved before you even notice.

Faster Response

Managed clients get priority. When you need help, you get it fast.

Strategic Planning

We help you plan for growth, not just react to problems.

The Math

Break-fix might cost $5,000/year in emergency calls plus $10,000/year in downtime — that's $15,000, and that's conservative. Managed IT might cost $8,000–$12,000/year but includes monitoring, maintenance, support, and strategic guidance.

Ready to Switch?

C-tech Solutions offers managed IT plans tailored to small and medium businesses. Let's talk about what proactive support could do for you.