Too often, when companies approach PEO (Professional Employer Organization) providers, they are offered service packages that seem too good to be true. All too often, thanks to hidden fees, mistakes, or unnecessary charges, they turn out to be just that.
In reality, many of the PEO service providers that have sprung up over the last decade are giving businesses an inflated sense of confidence with quotations that start by offering high-quality solutions at a very low price. However, when they begin working with a PEO company, the client will often find out later that the final contract either overstates costs or doesn’t take into account the specifics of a job because the provider doesn’t have the right skills or knowledge.
Businesses may find themselves tied into contracts that include a range of extra or hidden “fees” bumping up the price for services they either don’t need or don’t want.
Here, we offer examples of such business practices and give you the tools you need to spot a shady provider, as well as show you how INS Global can be your provider of compliant, high-quality PEO services worldwide.
How to Spot Hidden Fees or Unreliable Providers
Check Their References
A reliable PEO provider will be able to supply a range of testimonials or references from satisfied customers. Always be sure to check a provider’s online presence to see how they are perceived, or ask them to supply references directly if you’re in doubt. As these hidden fees aren’t always seen until it’s too late, customer testimonials can be a great way to avoid future problems.
INS Global offers testimonials from many of our previous customers on our website or through a number of third-party review sites.
Know Your Needs
Doing some preliminary investigation into the types and amounts of Human Resources and employer costs you should expect to see in your target market can help you to quickly spot anomalies. If the provider fails to give you an adequate explanation you should be wary of the way they calculate the cost.
We ensure that you are part of the conversation at every step of the way so you know exactly what we are charging and why.
Look Out for Ambiguous or Vague Contract Terms
One common tactic of unreliable PEO providers is including vague language or ambiguous terms in contracts. Required HR functions vary according to the local labor market, and these unclear sections can be exploited later on to justify additional charges, change service agreements, or obscure the true nature of what is being offered.
For example, providers may offer an all-inclusive pricing structure but use terms like “administrative costs” or “service fees” that aren’t clearly defined. These terms can then be inflated post-contract to encompass a wide range of unexpected expenses.
Every INS Global recruitment or HR administration contract clearly outlines what services you’ll receive and at what cost, leaving no room for surprises. We work closely with our clients to ensure they fully understand every aspect of their agreement.
Watch for Unrealistic Pricing Offers
Some PEOs may lure clients with pricing offers that seem far too low compared to industry standards. While competitive pricing can be a great advantage, suspiciously low prices often mean hidden costs down the line, either through unexpected fees or poor service quality due to a lack of expertise.
Unrealistic pricing might also signal that the provider cuts corners in areas like compliance, which can lead to major legal risks and costs for your company in the long run.
At INS Global, we strive to provide pricing that reflects the true value of our services. Our quotes are designed to be realistic, sustainable, and reflective of the full scope of what we deliver. With us, you’ll know exactly where your money is going—no hidden fees or compromises in service quality.
What You Can Do to Avoid Being Overcharged
Remain Involved
While a PEO service can be a quick way to get started in a new market without the same amount of involvement from your own HR team, it doesn’t mean that you should totally step away from the process.
Find a provider that keeps you involved as much as you feel comfortable with or want. Fortunately, INS Global gives you a constant source of communication through a streamlined point of contact. If you ever have questions or concerns, we are here to answer them and provide clarification.
Go to A Third Party for a Consultation
There is nothing to stop you from shopping around the most reliable provider when you are considering PEO services. When you receive a quote that you have reason to doubt, maybe because it is too high, too low, or not properly explained, comparing the cost with those of a competitor can be a good way to highlight inconsistencies.
INS Global is proud of our level of service quality, and we will always defend our prices and practices in comparison to our competitors. That’s why if you receive a quote from one of our competitors we will be happy to check it for you and provide our own cost breakdown free of charge.
Reap the Benefits of a Compliant Services Provider with No PEO Hidden Fees
INS Global is an industry-leading provider of tailored PEO services using a mix of expert knowledge gained through nearly 20 years of experience, and an innovative tech-forward approach to ensure consistent and accurate international expansion solutions.
Thanks to our extended time spent helping companies reach their global expansion potential, we understand the need for every business to grow in a way that makes sense to their situation and without fear of being fooled by dishonest service providers.
That’s why we will always be happy to check and confirm any HR services quotation you receive from another supplier. Our number one goal is to aid you in growing your business abroad, so contact our experts today to learn more and we’ll provide the tools and knowledge you need to do that confidently.
SHARE