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Isn't the smaller,
independent payroll company like dealing with a "mom & pop" business?
We hesitate to use
the phrase "mom" and "pop" only because some might think it means they are
not keeping up to date and are becoming extinct. We do however like the term
if it means a company that takes personal interest in each and every
customer. The fact is, these firms have grown in number and are
finding they fill a need so often not found with the larger national
companies...real, honest to goodness, "mom & pop" personal service.
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My current large national
payroll company representative is always telling me they "can't do it"
when I want something special. Is it any different with an independent
payroll provider?
What they should
really be saying is, "it doesn't fit into our cookie cutter approach to
payroll" and it's easier if they don't provide something outside the normal.
Mass production is fine if you are building cars, but the independent
payroll company understands that one-size does not always fit all and that
"tweaks" may be necessary.
The difference is, the payroll provider who cares about individual customer
service evaluates first if it is possible. If so, they then determine the
most cost effective way to provide what you need. Then it's up to you as to
whether you want to pay for a special feature. At least this way you can
manage your business better, knowing that your payroll company will work
with you to get you what YOU NEED and not just what they want to provide.
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How do
I know a payroll provider will do what they say?
You
should ALWAYS obtain referrals and make sure you talk to them. Be sure to
get four or five that are close to the same size of your company and be sure
to ask how "problems" are handled. Talk to your accountant and be sure to
ask the accountant if they have any connection to the provider. The large
companies sometimes spend quite a few marketing dollars with accountants. |
Tax laws and other payroll
issues change frequently. Do the smaller independents keep current?
Absolutely! In
addition, many use the same "industrial grade" computer software to produce
payrolls. This allows them to belong to professional user groups that
communicate important changes and information among members. Many of the
service centers are owned and operated by people who are or have been
accountants. The fact is, the independents are also putting out their own
payroll and are business owners just like you. The difference is that
payroll is their business, and they want to help you focus on your
business!
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Is it less expensive to
use an independent payroll provider then one of the large national firms?
Sometimes it is not...typically however, there are some lower costs
associated with the independent. When comparing, be sure to look for "total
annual costs" and be sure everything is included that may have a charge
during the year.
For the sake of comparison, let's say they are both the same price for the
services. If the independent has the kind of personal service that you would
like to have and was highly responsive to your needs and the big company was
bureaucratic and often slow to solve any problems, which one would you
prefer?
If the cost is less for the independent, the choice would be easy. If it's a
bit higher, which would you still prefer? So the real question is, how much
is outstanding customer service worth? Most independents are not necessarily
successful because they are the lower price, but because they have high
quality customer service! Being less money is a bonus.
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