The answer to the question, “Why hire a DSP?” is simple. When a consumer or business has an important technology-based need, it has an equally important reason to hire a DSP. Everyone understands that time and money are precious commodities in today’s business climate. Rarely can a consumer or business afford to waste either. That is why doing business with a DSP simply makes sense.

Accurate, available information

To quench the consumers’ thirst for accurate and available information, the profile of each DSP Member must meet certain exacting standards. It also must address the most common questions that consumers typically ask about providers of technology products and services. Here is a sample of some key information areas covered on DSP profiles:

> Detailed description of the Member’s products and services.
> Whether the Member’s business is licensed, bonded, and insured.
> Geographic areas the Member serves.
> The Member’s specific areas of technology expertise.
> Specific industry certifications the Member has earned.
> Operating systems the Member supports.
> Is the Member available after hours, weekends, and on holidays.
> Does the Member assess trip charges and how are they applied.
> Does the Member stock parts and supplies.
> Does the Member provide both on-site and remote support options.
> Warranties and other assurances the Member provides.
> Does the Member make detailed references available for review.

A feedback-driven system

In addition to making extensive profiles available, the NASC provides a two-way feedback system. Any consumer who utilizes a DSP for his or her technology needs can leave comments about the experience on the NASC website. There is key difference with the NASC feedback system, however. All comments must accurately reflect the consumer’s experience in an objective and unbiased manner. To insure this, the consumer must include a factual basis in the comment regardless of whether it pertains to a complaint or a well-deserved compliment.

If, for example, consumer Smith liked what DSP Member–Company A did for her, the comment must state exactly why. Smith might state, “I appreciated the fact that Company A gave me an accurate quote, started on time, and finished the job to my complete satisfaction.” By providing a complete summary of her experience, Smith gives other consumers a reason to believe that hiring Company A might produce a similar result. In the event a problem arises between a consumer and a DSP Member, the consumer must first address the concern directly with the DSP Member before posting any potentially negative comments on the website.

To keep the feedback system balanced, DSP Members also have the ability to express themselves by leaving their own comments. Sometimes, the best measure of a professional is not whether he or she had a problem, but rather, how the professional resolved the problem in a mutually beneficial way. To further bolster the professional validity of the feedback system, the NASC reserves the right to remove any comments that do not adhere to its posting guidelines.

Hiring a DSP. It simply makes sense.

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