Resources · Northwest Washington
What is a technology advisor, and how are they paid?
Short answer: A technology advisor (also called a telecom broker or technology consultant) is an independent expert who helps a business compare and buy internet, phone, cloud, and security services from many providers. Most commission-based advisors are paid by the provider you choose, not by you, so their help is usually free to the business. Telpeak works this way: Telpeak is paid by the providers you choose, never by you.
What does a technology advisor actually do?
A good advisor works like a buyer's agent for your technology. Typical work includes: - Taking inventory: listing every internet, phone, mobile, cloud, and security contract you have, with costs and renewal dates. - Defining needs: speed, uptime, number of users, locations, and growth plans. - Comparing providers: getting quotes from several carriers and vendors so you can see them side by side. - Negotiating and ordering: handling the paperwork, install dates, and number porting. - Staying with you after the sale: escalating outages, billing errors, and renewals.
How are technology advisors paid?
Most advisors are paid by the providers, in one of two ways: 1. Residual commission: the provider pays the advisor a small percentage of your monthly bill for as long as you stay a customer. 2. Upfront or spiff payments: a one-time payment from the provider when a new service is installed.
Many advisors reach providers through a technology services distributor (TSD), a master agency that holds the provider contracts.
Some consultants instead charge the business a flat or hourly fee. Ask any advisor which model they use.
Will I pay more by using an advisor instead of going direct?
You pay nothing for Telpeak's help, because providers pay Telpeak. Telpeak is paid by the providers you choose, never by you. We compare options for you so you can see real quotes, pricing, and terms side by side before you choose.
How is a technology advisor different from an MSP or a provider's sales rep?
| Technology advisor | Provider sales rep | Managed service provider (MSP) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Represents | Many providers; works for you | One provider | Its own services |
| Main job | Compare, source, negotiate | Sell its company's products | Run and support your IT day to day |
| Typical cost to you | Free (provider-paid) or a fee | Free | Monthly service fee |
Many businesses use both an advisor and an MSP: the MSP runs the network, and the advisor sources the circuits, phones, and cloud contracts.
How do I know if an advisor is truly vendor-neutral?
Ask these questions: - How are you paid, and by whom? Will you tell me in writing? - How many providers can you quote for my address? - Do you earn more from some providers than others? How do you handle that? - Who do I call after installation when something breaks? - Can you show me the quotes you didn't recommend?
A neutral advisor answers plainly. At Telpeak, we explain our model on our How we work page.
When is an advisor most useful?
- Opening, moving, or expanding an office (see our office move checklist)
- Contracts coming up for renewal
- Replacing copper phone lines or an old phone system (see our phone systems guide)
- Finding internet at a hard-to-serve address (see our business internet guide)
- Too many vendors and bills to keep track of
Frequently asked questions
Is a technology advisor free? Commission-based advisors are usually free to the business because the provider pays them. Telpeak is paid by the providers you choose, never by you.
What's the difference between a telecom broker and a technology advisor? They're mostly the same role. "Telecom broker" is the older term; "technology advisor" reflects that advisors now also cover cloud, security, and IT services.
Do I have to sign anything with the advisor? Some advisors ask for a letter of authorization (LOA) so they can request your account details and quotes from providers. Your service contract is still with the provider.
Can a technology advisor help a business outside Bellingham? Yes. Advisors can source services anywhere their providers operate. Telpeak is based in Bellingham, Washington, and serves clients across Northwest Washington and nationwide.
Will an advisor lock me into a provider? No. You choose the provider and sign directly with them. A good advisor helps you compare again at every renewal.
Talk to a Bellingham-based advisor
Want a second opinion on your internet, phones, or IT contracts? Book a free audit or call (360) 483-1315.
Telpeak is paid by the providers you choose, never by you. Telpeak is vendor-neutral. We work for you, not for the providers we compare.
Telpeak is paid by the providers you choose, never by you. Telpeak is vendor-neutral. We work for you, not for the providers we compare.