Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Technical Support & Help Desk Services
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
Smarter cost management starts with comprehensive market intelligence
Quick Navigation
Technical Support & Help Desk Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Technical support and help desk service providers field questions and incoming calls from customers in need of assistance with product or service features. All types of businesses can outsource technical support and help desk services to companies that specialize in handling inquiries. Suppliers undergo training on buyers' products and services to accurately assist customers in any industry.
This Report Includes:
- Answering Customer Queries
- Technical Support Assistance
Not in this Report:
- Telemarketing Services
- Technical Consulting Services
Global Technical Support & Help Desk Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Technical Support & Help Desk Services market.
Warning Trends
United States announces additional tariffs on China
- In February 2025, the United States announced 10.0% tariffs on imports from China. The tariffs took effect on February 4, 2025.
- The tariff plan applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties and fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- In response, China announced a 15.0% tariff on products such as coal and natural gas, as well as a 10.0% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large cars. The tariff executive orders indicate retaliatory tariffs could lead to further escalation in rates.
- Providers in this market rely on inputs often sourced from China. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
United States postpones plans for sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
- Though initially set to take effect on February 4, 2025, the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico has been postponed 30 days to allow for further negotiation.
- The tariff plan initially proposed by the US applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- Providers in this market rely on input costs often sourced from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
Neutral
Labor markets tighten slightly following interest rate cuts
- In recent months, the unemployment rate has remained stable at 4.1%, a still relatively low mark, though higher than it was in prior years. This trend indicates sustained competitiveness in the overall labor market, though certain industries have experienced waning labor demand.
- The latest jobs report indicates that major industries, such as construction, retail, leisure & hospitality, and transportation & warehousing, no longer face hiring shortfalls.
- However, worker shortages persist in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, as 29.9% and 50.0% of job openings in each sector remained unfilled in August, respectively.
- In blue-collar fields, 33.9%, 70.1%, and 49.9% of job openings for information, finance, and professional service roles remained unfilled in September, though unfilled positions in these occupations can also be partially attributed to the longer average hiring times in these industries.
Global Technical Support & Help Desk Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1Africa & Middle East | 19,030 |
| #2South America | 17,045 |
| #3Europe | 6,080 |
Explore supplier concentration across the globe
We've uncovered the 11 top regions for global procurement, based on feedback from our most strategic clients. Access vendor counts for each unique region when you subscribe.
Geography Drilldown - US, Canada & Europe
Average Cost of Technical Support & Help Desk Services
United States
2025 Market Pricing$0.20 to $X.XX
per minuteCanada
Europe
Average Price
Prices in the Technical Support & Help Desk Services market range from $0.20 to $X.XX, depending on Level of Support, Call Volume & Availability and Location. For example, lower prices are associated with Simple products ($0.20 to $1.40 per minute), whereas higher prices are associated with Complex problems requiring extensive investigation and repair-time ($1.50 to $2.50 per minute).
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Technical Support & Help Desk Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Technical Support & Help Desk Services market, prices in the US have grown 2.8% from 2022 to 2025. and +1.3% in Europe.
United States (2022-2025)
2.8%
Compound Annual Growth RateCanada (2016-2019)
1.0%
Compound Annual Growth RateEurope (2022-2025)
1.3%
Compound Annual Growth RateWondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Technical Support & Help Desk Services
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Technical Support & Help Desk Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Delays may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Implementation
Billed During
Support
Annual Fees
Unforeseen
Delays
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2025, buyer power amounts to -1.6 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Switching Costs. It is most negatively impacted by Average Vendor Risk. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Canada
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Low, which has a positive impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Computer Stores
- Copier & Office Equipment Wholesalers
- Internet Service Providers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Computer Manufacturers
- Communication Equipment Manufacturers
- Telecommunication Networking Equipment Manufacturers
Biggest Technical Support & Help Desk Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Technical Support & Help Desk Services vendors by revenue in the US are Afni Inc., Data Listing Services, LLC and HCL Technologies Limited. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCL Technologies Limited | Global | Noida, IN | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Td Synnex Corporation | Global | FREMONT, CA | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Teleperformance S.A. | Global | Paris, FR | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Genpact Ltd. | International | HAMILTON | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| TTEC Holdings Inc. | Global | GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Sykes Enterprises Inc. | Global | TAMPA, FL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Data Listing Services, LLC | Regional | Middletown, CT | 501-1,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Sutherland Global Services Inc. | Global | Pittsford, NY | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Sitel Worldwide Corporation | Global | Miami, FL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Technical Support & Help Desk Services market is 5.8% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2024 and 2025. To understand cost forecasts for 2026 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Due to low barriers to entry and global competition, the market for technical support and help desk services is highly fragmented. This benefits buyer power by increasing competition between suppliers.
Improved labor productivity, which bolsters profit, has largely counteracted the downward pressure on prices caused by the low market share concentration and competition from low-cost foreign suppliers, thus allowing vendors to generate moderate profit margins. As a result, suppliers have more room to negotiate prices.
The risk of input price shocks or discontinuity of services due to supply chain problems is low. Vendors require few inputs (e.g., computers, telephones, etc.) to provide support services.
The United States is a net importer of computers, meaning it imports more computers than it exports. While lower manufacturing costs abroad drive down prices for imported computers, relying on imports can lead to potential shortages or price increases if there are supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or global crises.
Supplier Information
Afni Inc.
Afni Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include call center services, telemarketing services, technical support & help desk services and telephone support services. Founded in 1936, the company... Subscribe to learn more
Sitel Worldwide Corporation
Sitel Worldwide Corporation is a private company operating globally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include call center services, telemarketing services, technical support & help desk services and telephone support services. Founded in Subscribe to learn more
Sutherland Global Services Inc.
Sutherland Global Services Inc. is a private company operating globally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include call center services, technical support & help desk services and telephone support services. Founded in 1986, the company is... Subscribe to learn more
Data Listing Services, LLC
Data Listing Services, LLC is a private company operating regionally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include telemarketing services, technical support & help desk services and telephone support services. Founded in 1972, the company is Subscribe to learn more
Sykes Enterprises Inc.
Sykes Enterprises Inc. is a public company operating globally in the administration, business support and waste management services sector. The company's offerings include telemarketing services, technical support & help desk services and telephone support services. Founded in 1977, the company is currently... Subscribe to learn more
TTEC Holdings Inc.
TTEC Holdings Inc. is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include call center services, outsourced sales services, telemarketing services and technical... Subscribe to learn more
Genpact Ltd.
Genpact Limited is a global professional IT services firm. It leverages digital technologies and specialized analytics, including its Digital Smart Enterprise ProcessesSM (Digital SEPs), a patented and highly granular approach that tests the effectiveness of client processes, and the Genpact Cora, an AI-based... Subscribe to learn more
Teleperformance S.A.
Teleperformance S.A. is a public company operating in the professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include technical support & help desk services, telephone support services and translation & interpretation... Subscribe to learn more
Td Synnex Corporation
Td Synnex Corporation is a public company operating globally in the information, professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include graphics & video accelerator cards, optical character recognition systems,... Subscribe to learn more
Accelerate the vendor selection process
Get a clear picture of the competition in a market and discover which vendors are best-suited for your sourcing needs. Our supplier profiles include hard-to-find financial ranges for private companies, cover public company data and feature an interactive competitor matrix.
Procurement Management KPIs for the Technical Support & Help Desk Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Resolution Time and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT). Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Response Time and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Resolution Time | Total resolution time Number of resolved tickets | The average resolution time represents the average amount of time it takes to resolve a support ticket. This metric is important for vendors in this market that use chat bots and other automated messaging systems, as any errors or malfunctions in these systems reflect poorly on the buyer's business. | |
| Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) | Number of positive customer responses Number of customer responses Customer feedback surveys | Customer satisfaction represents customers' overall satisfaction with a company. Vendors should consider obtaining feedback on customer service through surveys in order to understand whether satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the company is primarily driven by the product or the help desk and customer service team. | |
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Business Continuity
What is the maximum call volume you can process each day?
At what capacity are you currently operating? What happens when call volumes exceed that capacity?
Supply Chain Risk
Do you source materials with high exposure to market disruptions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic? How are you coping with these disruptions?
How diversified is your supplier base for inputs? Do you source from multiple suppliers in different global regions?
Quality Control
Is there a guarantee that my callers will speak with a technician within a certain amount of time?
If wait time or instances of call abandonment increase due to your inability to manage predetermined call volumes, what restitution do you offer for the negative impact on customer satisfaction?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
View all 28 negotiation questions for this category when you subscribe.
Technical Support & Help Desk Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe their organization, including their line of work, number of employees, locations and organizational structure.
Buyers should provide details on the technical support and help desk services they are currently using.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should detail the scope of services that they require (e.g., phone support, chat and e-mail support).
Buyers should include the expected monthly call volume.
Project Budget
Buyers should specify their budget for technical support and help desk services, if possible.
Buyers should define payment schedules and methods.
The RFP process made easy
Find out how you can access RFP templates for 800+ procurement categories to start writing better, more consistent RFPs.
We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
Copyright © 2025 ProcurementIQ.
All Rights Reserved.