“You get what you pay for.”
We’ve all heard it but when you’re running a business and watching the pennies, the idea of unlimited HR support at half the price can be very tempting.
A potential client recently told me they loved what we are able to offer but they were currently paying half of what we charge and getting unlimited HR advice. But when I asked them how that support had actually worked in practice, the cracks started to show.
Let’s explore what’s really behind these “cheap and unlimited” HR offers, and why they can end up costing far more than they save.
What “Unlimited” and budget HR Support Looks Like
Lots of companies offer “unlimited” HR support for a small monthly fee. That sounds fantastic, no surprises, no extra bills. But here’s the catch:
You’re speaking to a call centre, not a real HR partner. Most budget providers run large call centre helplines, and the person giving advice might not even have HR qualifications or more importantly experience.
You get generic script based not tailored answers. For example, one of our clients who recently moved to us from one of these providers said “we asked if we could dismiss someone still on probation. They just sent us a generic checklist with no explanation of how to actually manage the conversation. We really want someone who knows how to tell us to do this in a way that fits ‘our’ business”.
Support is disjointed when it matters most. When something serious happens like a grievance, an accusation, or a sudden resignation, you want a quick initial response which of course is what you can get with these unlimited services. But usually, you will have follow up questions and this where the problem starts.
With large ‘helpline’ type services, you are not guaranteed to get the same person and so every time you call, you have to explain the whole situation all over again wasting you time and energy!
You pay extra for the things you actually need. Need a contract written or a letter drafted? Often, “unlimited” doesn’t include documents tailored to your business, onsite meetings, or strategic guidance. You find out too late that if you want something bespoke, it is all at extra cost!.
You get reactive advice, not forward-thinking guidance. Low-cost support often means ‘reactive’ and waiting until something goes wrong. It doesn’t help you prevent issues like poor performance, absence problems, or team tensions as they do not become part of your business to be able to see the issues arising.
What You’re Really Paying For (Or Missing Out On)
Choosing low-cost unlimited HR might save you money now, but it can cost you a lot more later. Here’s why:
Imagine you handle a tricky employee dismissal with advice from a low-cost unlimited HR service. If it’s wrong, you might end up in an employment tribunal, which costs time, money, and stress.
2. Missing Out on Growth
Good HR isn’t just about rules. It’s about making your team happier, improving how you work, and keeping your best people. Reactive unlimited services don’t offer this kind of support.
3. Wasting Time
If the advice you get is reactive and generic, you’ll spend hours trying to figure things out yourself, time you could spend growing your business.
4. Hidden Costs
Real-Life Example: The Unlimited Contract Trap
A fast-growing retail business signed up for a so-called “unlimited HR support” plan attracted by promises of custom-made documents and an all-hours advice service. But issues quickly emerged:
- Template-only documents: The provider delivered generic templates branded with wrong company names and industry, nothing tailored. When the client pressed them, the supplier pulled the documents altogether leaving them with zero usable resources
- Locked into a long-term contract: The client was blindsided by a clause requiring six months’ written notice or face automatic renewal even after months of non-use. When they tried to cancel, they were pressed to pay the remainder of the full five-year term.
- Aggressive follow-up tactics: Despite explaining their financial hardship and changes in business direction, they were hounded by persistent calls from staff and threatened with legal action if they did not renew.
So instead of genuine HR relief, the client ended up paying thousands for services they didn’t need or value. They received no real support, just templated forms, binding terms and pressure. The result? More time, money, legal risk and stress than they'd anticipated.
What to Look for Instead
If you want transparent HR support that’s worth your money, choose a provider with real HR experience and qualifications. Think about the value, not just the price. What’s the cost of a big HR mistake for your business? Look for a provider that values building a relationship with you as the customer, who helps you plan ahead and not just react to problems.
Ask what “unlimited” really means, what is not included? And remember, getting good quality value driven HR support should not be just about protecting your business when problems arise, it should be seen as an investment in you and your people that will save you money in the long run.
Support You Can Trust
Cheap HR might seem like a good deal at first, but it can come with hidden costs that hurt your business later.
At Dakota Blue Consulting, we don’t promise “unlimited” support for a low price because good HR takes time, knowledge, and personalised advice. Our clients choose us because they want a personalised service, real support they can trust from highly experienced professionals who have the experience to give you tailored support when you need it.
Want to know how smart HR can protect your business and help it grow? Book a discovery call with us.
Sometimes paying a bit more now saves you a lot later!