It’s easy to assume working directly with the carrier is best when your business starts to expand or requires a new telecommunications strategy. After all, this cuts out the middleman and prioritizes a direct connection between companies and a direct carrier representative.
Unfortunately, carrier reps are incentivized to sell packages and services that benefit the carrier – not customers – so they often take advantage of unsuspecting businesses. That’s why many business leaders turn to telecom agents when they need new communications solutions. This process creates a trusting relationship between IT professionals and telecom agents, who work closely to determine the best services for the business.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at the arguments for telecom agents vs. direct carrier representatives so you can make an informed decision about which process is right for your company.
What is a Telecom Agent?
While direct carrier representatives are self-explanatory, understanding telecom agents takes a little bit more work.
Telecom agents are independent sales professionals who work – at no cost to their customers – directly with businesses to find the best telecom solution for their needs. They aren’t working for the carriers – they work for you. This means they’re more incentivized to provide information that benefits your company. Plus, they can help you negotiate the best rates and manage implementation once you’ve chosen a solution.
What Are the Differences Between Telecom Agents and Direct Carrier Reps?
Telecom agents and direct carrier representatives are all closely involved in telecom sales, but that’s where their similarities end.
Sales Process
When you work with a carrier directly, you may communicate with one of their sales representatives who can help guide you through the process. However, ensuring you get the best deal is not their job. Their responsibility is to their boss, the carrier company.
Working with a telecom agent gives you an advocate who can help you navigate the often-confusing sales process. They can help negotiate the best terms and pricing, ensuring that the deal benefits your business.
Values
When it comes to values, the differences between telecom agents and direct carrier reps couldn’t be more clear.
Direct carrier representatives are accountable to their company’s bottom line. If they are instructed to push certain products and services, that’s what you’ll hear about first.
In contrast, telecom agents operate in a competitive environment. If they don’t get you a good deal, your business has no incentive to continue working with them. Their impartiality and experience in this industry allow them to analyze the pros and cons of different carriers’ offers and make recommendations based on value rather than brand loyalty.
Service
Carrier companies often reward direct carrier representatives when they make a sale. Then, the rep moves on to the next one. The average carrier rep is only in title for about 12 months, so you’re often pushed off to other company staff to deal with setup or maintenance issues. This inconsistent representation can be hard for customers since figuring out who to contact when there’s an issue with the service can be tricky.
Telecom agents are typically compensated via a monthly commission from the carrier while their clients are on contract. Because of this, they’re motivated to stay by your side throughout the length of your contract with the carrier and ensure you remain satisfied with the service. They’re available on an ongoing basis to negotiate and advocate on your behalf if something goes wrong.
Pricing
While direct carrier reps may try and get the best pricing for your business, they’re less likely to make demands and work hard to get you a more favorable rate. The carrier pays them, so making more money for the company is the ultimate goal.
Telecom agents have experience working with many different carriers and are adept at negotiating to secure the best rate. Since they review multiple offers, you can rest easy knowing you’re genuinely getting the best deal.
Why Work with a Telecom Agent or Direct Carrier Representative?
Wondering whether your company could benefit more from working with a telecom agent or a direct carrier representative? Read on to learn more about the best time to hire these telecom professionals.
Direct Carrier Representative
If you already have a contract with a carrier you absolutely do not want to change, working with a direct carrier rep might be the easiest path for your business. It’s also a more straightforward path if you are ordering something basic, like new business phone lines or a DSL.
Telecom Agent
Due to their ability to negotiate rates between different carriers and their experience setting up various telecom solutions, working with a telecom agent is often the best choice for businesses. Their ability to work hand-in-hand with your IT team to find the ideal solution helps ensure you’re getting the right package at the right price.
Trust Firefly to Support Your Business Telecom Needs
Firefly is a trusted telecom consulting agency with extensive experience in helping businesses find the right technology solutions. We’ve helped countless other customers grow their businesses through customized telecom solutions, and we would love to help you do the same. Check out this flyer to learn more about our consulting services, or connect with our experts today to get started.
