For small businesses, adopting Google Workspace can be a quick and easy transition. In a single day, your company and its employees can become familiar with the various applications offered by Google Workspace.
When considering Google Workspace as your new collaboration and communication platform, or even if you're switching from another one, it's essential to evaluate your options. You can choose between purchasing directly from Google or working with a partner reseller. To make an informed decision, carefully consider the factors outlined below.
Direct Purchase from Google
You can begin a 14-day free trial using your credit card to assess Google Workspace. However, before entering your information and starting the trial, it's crucial to carefully consider the significant consequences involved.
After registering your company details and domain name on the Google Workspace website, your information becomes permanently linked to Google's system. This means you'll be unable to benefit from certain promotions that may be available through reseller partners.
Recent Changes in Google's Policy
Google has recently adjusted its margin structure for reseller partners. The new policy substantially decreases the margins for resellers when they acquire so-called 'transfer' customers from Google or another reseller. In essence, the margins are nearly non-existent after credit card fees. Consequently, resellers have little incentive to acquire existing Google Workspace customers due to minimal profit margins.
If you've decided to purchase your Google Apps for Work subscription through a reseller, here's what you should also be aware of:
Google Services Partners
Resellers participating in Google's Services Track 'offer services to customers, including sales, consulting, training, implementation, and technical support for Google for Work products.'
Google Technology Partners
Resellers that are part of Google's Technology Track 'develop products that complement, enhance, or expand the reach or functionality of Google for Work products.' In essence, if you're seeking a reseller to assist you not only with setting up basic Google services but also with app integration and custom development, you'll need a Google Technology Partner.
Benefits of Using a Google Partner
When you buy or start a free trial through a Google Workspace partner, several benefits become available:
Promotional Offers and Payment Flexibility: Resellers often provide promotional deals and more adaptable payment options compared to purchasing directly from Google.
Enhanced Support: While Google offers round-the-clock support, resellers generally provide better-managed support tailored to your specific requirements.
Additional Support Channel: If you're a direct customer and dissatisfied with Google Workspace support, your only option is to deal directly with Google. However, working with a reseller provides an additional support channel. This extra layer of support can be instrumental in resolving issues more effectively.
Flexible Options and Added Value: Resellers can offer flexible options and added value, such as negotiation opportunities, data migration, backup solutions, and supplementary features to enhance your Google Workspace experience.
Strategic Flexibility: Beginning with a reseller offers long-term strategic advantages. If your business needs to switch platforms in the future, a reseller can facilitate a smoother transition. If you transition directly to Google, resellers may have less interest in acquiring you again, limiting your future flexibility.
Long-Term Strategy
It's often more advantageous to begin with a reseller and transition to Google if you're dissatisfied. This approach enables you to experience the full range of benefits that resellers offer without committing to a direct relationship with Google initially.
Partnering with a reseller offers a strategic advantage as your business expands. If you need to transition from Google Workspace to a different platform, resellers ensure a smoother transition.
Since 2009, we've successfully migrated hundreds of organizations and thousands of users to Google Workspace. As Canada's pioneering Google Partner, we're your trusted experts in agile, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes.
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