When considering a new audiovisual (AV) system for your business, it’s common to prioritize the cheapest option or the fastest installation. However, this approach often leads to costly mistakes down the road. Are you aware of the three biggest pitfalls most business managers and owners encounter?
1. Not Asking Enough Questions
When an existing AV system fails, the natural instinct is often to get it “just running” again, as quickly as possible. But with hundreds of systems and countless installation methods available, you need to ensure your AV installer’s proposed solution is compatible with both your current system and your future needs.
We frequently hear clients say, “Just get it running.” However, we’ve found that simply patching an old system can often cost significantly more than a proper cleanup and upgrade. Why spend $1,000 to fix an old amplifier when you could get a brand new one for $1,200 with a five-year warranty?
Here are three essential questions to ask your AV provider:
- Is this a “Band-Aid” fix or a long-term solution?
- How does this solution fit into our long-term plans for [specific business function, e.g., enhanced collaboration, customer engagement]?
- Why are you recommending this specific gear over other options?
2. Overlooking Equipment Grade
You might have heard a friend rave about a great new Sonos speaker or been impressed by the latest LG 8K TV at a big-box store. While these consumer-grade products are excellent for residential use, they are not designed for the rigorous demands of a commercial environment.
This common mistake can cost your business thousands after installation. Many consumer brands have warranties that are voided if the product is used in a commercial setting. Even commercial-grade displays have varying durability standards; some are built for 8 hours a day, others for 16, and some are engineered for continuous 24/7 operation.
This distinction matters for two critical reasons:
- Warranty & Support: If something goes wrong, manufacturers will likely void your warranty if they discover you’ve used a residential product in a commercial space.
- Downtime & Business Impact: If a screen goes out in your storefront, you need a rapid repair to avoid a poor image for your business. Commercial-grade equipment typically comes with much faster turnaround times on warranties, as manufacturers understand the direct impact on your bottom line.
Always ensure your AV integrator’s quote specifies commercial-grade equipment that can truly handle your business’s operational demands.
3. Failing to Connect All Stakeholders
For a truly effective business AV system, everyone involved must be on the same page. If you’re building a new facility, it’s crucial that:
- Your staff can easily understand and use the system.
- The architect and general contractor design the structure to support the system’s physical weight and connectivity needs.
- Your audiovisual consultant can design a system that meets all functional requirements while being aesthetically pleasing.
Often, AV consultants are brought in only after the building is constructed, leading to costly and disruptive retrofits for new conferencing equipment, even in brand new spaces.
To avoid this, provide your audiovisual designer/installer with a clear, identified use case for each room. This ensures they can specify the most appropriate equipment and place it where it will be most efficient for your business operations.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Here.
Enhance AV employs a team of certified experts who will truly listen to your needs and provide quality recommendations for commercial-grade audiovisual equipment. We’ll clearly explain how our solutions will help your business operate more efficiently.
Have further questions about audiovisual systems, or need help reviewing a proposal? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.