What if business owners got it wrong?
What if they chose a Broadcast Equipment partner that didn’t have their best interests at heart. What would happen to their business?
It could severely stunt their growth for years to come.
As broadcasting companies are expected to keep up with growing technology trends. Choosing the wrong broadcasting equipment solutions provider can be detrimental to your success.
Here’s the deal…
While there are TONS of broadcast equipment companies out there. Not all of them will work for your specific business. So how do you choose the right partner?
Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through what you need to look for when choosing your next broadcast equipment partner. Let’s get into it!
Why You Need The Right Broadcast Equipment Partner
The market for broadcast equipment is growing.
Recent studies show that the worldwide broadcast equipment market size will reach $9.36 billion by 2033.
Which is crazy!
This means there are so many different companies trying to throw their hats into the ring as your equipment supplier.
With so many options, how do you know who you can trust?
A company like Thor Broadcast is the kind of partner that can fulfill all your broadcast equipment needs. Here’s what makes a good broadcast equipment partner.
The Qualities Of An Amazing Broadcast Equipment Partner
Not all broadcast equipment companies are made equally.
Here’s what you need to look for when deciding on your partner.
1. The Industry is Changing And So Should You
The broadcast industry is shifting.
Technology is moving faster than ever to IP-based systems. Panasonic reports that 65% of organizations have already shifted, or are currently shifting part of their broadcast equipment infrastructure to IP.
With that being said…
You want to make sure your broadcast equipment supplier is going to push you towards the next phase of broadcast technology. Not hold you back with outdated solutions that are sinking.
What to look for in a partner:
A variety of solutions for signal distribution. Whether you need portable products or fully scalable infrastructure, the right partner will have the expertise and knowledge to help your business grow.
2. Deep Technical Expertise
A knowledgeable partner doesn’t just show up to sell you something you don’t need.
They take the time to understand your business.
What you need, and what you don’t.
Look for partners that offer:
- Consultation before the sale to understand your needs
- Knowledgeable tech support when you need it
- Training on products
- Easy-to-understand documentation
The broadcast industry isn’t always the easiest to understand. That’s why you should partner with a company that can simplify it for you.
3. Scalability
This may be something people tend to forget when thinking about scalability.
But your business is going to grow.
And you don’t want to be stuck with limited equipment that’s unable to meet your needs as you expand.
That’s why your broadcast equipment partner should be recommending you scalable products.
Products that:
- Can grow with your business
- Have upgrade options
- Use current technology
- Allow you to pay as you grow
If your partner is trying to sell you the largest and most expensive system right off the bat. RUN.
4. Proven Quality Products
Like they say, you get what you pay for.
Don’t settle for cheap equipment that’s going to fall apart when you need it most.
When broadcasting equipment fails you during a live event. It can cost you more than just the price of that part that broke.
Your broadcast partner should only be providing you with quality products.
Quality partners will:
- Have equipment with warranties
- Offer products from reputable manufacturers
- Provide you with references
- Show you previous case studies
Ask questions! Any reputable partner should be able to provide you with this information.
Questions To Ask Your Broadcast Equipment Partner
When you start working with a potential partner these are the questions you should ask.
They will help you weed out any bad apples.
- What is your average technical support response time?
- Do you provide installation and training on-site?
- Can you provide any references from existing customers that are similar to my business?
- What is your process if equipment fails during the warranty period?
- How do you handle technology upgrades?
If they don’t have the answers to these questions, they’re probably not the right partner for you.
Here’s a tip:
Pay attention to how they handle your questions. Do they avoid your questions? Do they become defensive?
You want a partner that’s just as concerned about your business as you are.
What About Support?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a partner is support.
Let’s say it’s 2 AM your biggest event of the year and you have a broadcast emergency.
You don’t want to be digging through phone directories to find technical support.
A good partner will have 24/7 support and multiple channels of contact for you to reach them.
They should make you feel supported!
Red Flags To Avoid With Broadcast Equipment Partners
Here a few red flags to avoid when starting work with a potential partner.
If they’ve got any of these don’t waste your time!
- High pressure sales. You shouldn’t feel rushed to make a decision on the spot.
- Unclear pricing. You should receive a quote that has clear details of what you are paying for.
- No references. Your potential partner should be able to provide you with references of existing customers.
- Old inventory sold at new prices. Don’t fall for this one. You should be provided with the manufacturing date of any product you’re buying. If they can’t provide that then they could be trying to sell you used equipment.
- Communication. If it takes them days to respond to your emails or phone calls, how long will support take?
Needless to say, if your partner has any of these going on. Take your business elsewhere.
Bad Partnership = Loss of Revenue
Sure, picking the wrong partner can be a pain.
But did you know that it can also cost you money?
When you work with a partner that doesn’t have your best interest in mind.
They could be costing you downtime, lost revenue, and more.
Take your time, do your research.
Don’t let one bad sale cause your business to lose at the revenue game.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re choosing the right broadcast equipment partner.
Your partner will help you grow your business and should have the same goals you do.
Remember:
- Deep technical knowledge and quality products
- Scalability
- Ask questions before making any decisions
- Avoid red flags
- Make sure support is available when you need it
A good partner will become an extension of your business.
They’ll want you to succeed just as much as you do.
So don’t rush. Do your research and find the perfect partner for you!
