If you have ever been through the process of buying telecom services, you know the carrier and telecom installation industry can be tough to navigate. If you do not have experience with telecom and do not know the industry terminology or have an idea of what benchmark prices should be, it can be hard to know what you need and if you are getting the best for your money.
That’s where a telecom agent can come in handy. What does a telecom agent do, and should you consider hiring one? Read on to find out.
What Do Telecom Agents Do?
A telecom agent is like any other type of agent. They represent clients and try to match their clients’ skills and services with potential customers. In this case, the telecom agent represents you and tries to match your needs with the right telecom carrier.
Telecom agents typically work for themselves and are 100% commission-based. They make money based on a percentage of the final value of the sale. Most agents are paid by the carrier, not by you. Often, a telecom agent’s services are free for you.
Why Hire a Telecom Agent?
Agents bring a lot to the table. Primarily, they have years of experience. They understand industry trends, benchmark rates, and the capabilities of the various carriers. Their networks provide them access to players within the telecom provider companies.
An agent can negotiate for you and offer unbiased opinions about the capabilities of a potential carrier and how those abilities suit your requirements. They will also act as a single point of contact between you and the many various carrier companies you are considering.
However, an agent may not always be necessary. If you or your enterprise already does business with a selection of carriers, you may not need an agent. Likewise, if you have the time and ability to meet with multiple vendors to read and thoroughly understand their proposals, you may not need an agent.
How To Choose a Telecom Agent?
The agent you choose will depend on your needs and the type of relationship you are hoping to build. Some agents are only interested in handling the sale and do not provide ongoing communication support with the carrier.
Other agents are invested in the long-term health of your partnership with the carrier, offering ongoing tech or communication support. Other agents may offer consultation services to assist with long-term strategy and other aspects of your business.
Who you choose will largely depend on how many of these services you require. Agents who offer consultation services are especially valuable as they have years of experience and can offer insight. However, if you already have a team who can provide these services, you may only need someone to handle the sale.
Verdict
A good telecom agent is worth it if you can find the right match. Telecom sales is a tricky industry and requires deep experience to navigate successfully. While you may be tempted to think that you can learn enough to handle a telecom deal, the expertise that an agent brings to the table is invaluable.
Agents are especially valuable when they are paid by the carrier, making their services free to you. In this case, it is always worth it to hire an agent.
Ensure that you evaluate your goals and needs before entering into any discussions with agents. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best match, and make sure you understand who will pay the agent before entering into negotiations with carriers. Ensure you enter into any formal contract with a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve and what you will be responsible for.
