When the time comes for choosing a new reserve power provider, it's obviously an important decision. If you're looking to make a change, more than likely you've been dissatisfied, and you've possibly had to wait out a contract. To avoid ever having that "waiting it out" feeling again, the onus is on operations to make the right decision this time out. By making an informed decision, you'll find the right reserve power partner, and your partnership should flourish from the first day of your business relationship.
Experience Always Leads the Way
The trait at the top of your list is probably experience, as it should be. However, it's also important to look at industry leaders who have experience that will benefit your specific business, be it for telecommunications or mission critical facilities. Once you’ve whittled down your options based on industry experience, what else should you be looking for? Here are just a few things you should be considering:
Financial Stability: While this may seem obvious, you'll want to ensure that your new provider is on firm financial footing. If they're not, you could be in the market for a new provider much sooner than you'd like.
Accessible Service People: Reserve power rapid response times are crucial, so service standards certainly matter. When a provider has people in your area it often leads to longer lasting relationships, especially once trust is established.
Reliable Equipment Brands: Anyone who knows anything about reserve power knows which brands are topnotch. If a provider starts throwing around lesser names, you know to walk. Immediately.
Customer Service Track Record: In the Information Age, typically it's easy to uncover a company's record of customer service performance. But if you can't, don't be afraid to reach out to their current customers.
Philosophy and Core Values: This dovetails with customer service, but it's separate in the sense that it should reveal a lot about their approach. Are they your partner? Or are they just a billing vendor?
The Numbers: Price matters. Of course, it's also important to remember that you get what you pay for. But a good reserve power provider will also illustrate how they can improve your bottom line—so the cost to retain them might be worth it.
The More Customized, the Better
These are only a few ideas to consider when the time comes to look for a reserve power provider. At the end of the day, the best provider will be able to cater to your specific needs to ensure that your entire system is functioning at a peak level. By considering some of the items above, you'll be well on your way to vetting your options—and starting a relationship that should only get stronger over time.
Want to learn more about what your reserve power provider should be offering you? Download our complete Reserve Power Buying Guide so that you'll have every base completely covered.
