Linux PC Refresh
Keep computers that can't run Windows 11 in service with a secure, supported Linux desktop. $249 per computer.
Explore Linux PC Refresh →
Independent IT Purchasing
Buy the right computers and software,
once.
Independent IT purchasing for small businesses in Sackville, Bedford, Halifax and Dartmouth. We compare the quotes, check what you already own, and set it up. Every fee is on the quote, in CAD.
Is It Right for You?
Who it's for
- ✓Offices of 5 to 50 people with no IT department, and no one who owns buying decisions.
- ✓Teams whose Windows 10 computers can't run Windows 11 and who need to decide: replace, refit with Linux, or run extended updates.
- ✓A new office, a new hire, or a few overdue laptops.
- ✓Owners who are tired of paying for software seats nobody uses.
- ✓Teams that already have a quote from a reseller and want someone neutral to read it.
How We Bill
Procurement Project
List price (MSRP), margin disclosed
Assessment, 3 quotes, order guidance and tracking. You see the price and our fees before anything is ordered.
- Hardware and software at the vendor's published list price (MSRP)
- We earn a margin from the distributor's discount
- No published list price? We quote in writing before you order
- Price, term and cancellation window shown before you approve
- Licences and warranties registered in your name
- Our service fees quoted after your free checkup
- You can always buy direct instead
All amounts CAD, plus HST. Quote reviews and the refresh calendar are included with IT Complete and IT Secure.
Scope Honesty & Transparency
What's included
Here is what a procurement project covers, and what it does not.
Full Delivery Scope
What Is Included
- Needs check: what each person actually needs (browser and email versus heavy apps), and what you already own that still works.
- Inventory: every computer, licence and subscription, with age, warranty and renewal dates.
- Three-way comparison: like-for-like quotes with spec, warranty and total cost, not just sticker price.
- Business-grade hardware advice: warranty length and service terms in plain language, and a short list of standard configurations.
- Software and licence review: duplicate or unused seats, auto-renewal dates, open-source or Canadian-hosted alternatives where they save money.
- Ordering and tracking: we order for you through our supplier accounts at the vendor's published list price (MSRP), earning a disclosed margin from the distributor's discount, or you buy in your own name.
- Setup: imaging, encryption, accounts, data move, and a handover.
- Asset record: a simple register and a 3 to 4 year refresh calendar you can plan around.
- Safe disposal: secure wipe of old drives before recycling or resale.
Clear Boundaries
What Is NOT Included
- Hardware repairs outside warranty
- Ongoing support (that is in an IT plan)
- Tax or accounting advice. Check with your accountant on HST and depreciation.
Step by Step
How it works
You see our fees before anything is ordered. The licences and the warranty are in your name.
1
Free IT and Security Checkup (30 minutes)
We look at what you have and what's coming up for replacement.
2
Written plan
Needs, shortlist, and fixed prices for our part. You see our fees before anything is ordered.
3
Quotes compared
Three like-for-like options, with a clear recommendation and the reasons.
4
You choose
We order for you, or you order in your own name. Either way the licences and warranty are in your name.
5
Set up and handed over
On-site in the Halifax area or remote. 30-day fix-it period.
6
Recorded and scheduled
Asset list and refresh dates so the next purchase is planned, not a scramble.
Straight Pricing
How we bill
Margins disclosed up front. See all our published prices on the Pricing page.
- ✓Licences and hardware: we charge the vendor's or manufacturer's published list price (MSRP) in Canadian dollars at the time of the order, and we earn a margin from the distributor's discount.
- ✓No published list price: we quote a price in writing before you order.
- ✓Before you approve: you see the price, the term and (for licences) the cancellation window. Licences and warranties are registered in your name.
- ✓Buy direct: you can always buy from the vendor or anyone else instead.
- ✓Our own service fees for the work (quote review, setup, planning) are quoted after your free checkup.
Quote reviews and the refresh calendar are included with IT Complete and IT Secure, within the quarterly technology review. All amounts CAD, plus HST.
Related Services
After the purchase
Keep new and existing computers set up, supported and up to date.
Computers, Microsoft 365 & Google
Device management, accounts and onboarding for the rest of your fleet.
Explore Device Management →Managed IT Plans
Monitoring, updates and help desk for every computer. Quote reviews and the refresh calendar are included with IT Complete and IT Secure.
Explore IT Plans →Straight Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about buying computers and software for a small office.
Why not just order from Amazon, Staples or the manufacturer?
You can, and for one laptop it may be fine. The costs usually come later: a 1-year consumer warranty, a Home edition of Windows that can't be centrally managed, a different model every time, and no record of what's under warranty. We check those before you buy, then set it up and write it down.
Do you sell computers?
We order for you through our supplier accounts at the manufacturer's published list price (MSRP), and we earn a margin from the distributor's discount. Where there's no published list price, we quote a price in writing before you order. You can always buy direct in your own name instead.
Do you earn a margin on what you buy for us?
Yes, and we disclose it. We charge the vendor's published list price (MSRP) and earn a margin from the distributor's discount. You see the price, the term and (for licences) the cancellation window before you approve, and you can always buy direct in your own name.
Is this only for businesses on an IT plan?
No. Quote reviews and projects work as one-offs. Clients on IT Complete or IT Secure get the quote review and refresh calendar included.
Our computers can't run Windows 11. What are our options?
Replace them, refit them with a supported Linux desktop ($249 per computer, if your software suits it), or pay Microsoft for extended security updates. We check each computer before recommending anything.
Should we lease or buy?
For most small offices under about 25 people, buying outright is the simpler, usually cheaper choice. Leasing helps when cash flow or fast growth is the issue. Financing programs often have minimum order sizes that smaller purchases fall below. We'll tell you which fits your numbers, and your accountant should confirm the tax side.
What about HST?
Nova Scotia HST is 14%. Our prices are in CAD plus HST. If you're HST-registered you can generally claim input tax credits on business purchases. Ask your accountant.
What happens to our old computers?
We securely wipe the drives and give you a note confirming it, then you can recycle, resell, donate or redeploy them. We'll say honestly when a computer still has a few good years left.
What if we use Windows-only software?
We check first. A computer that needs Windows-only software stays on Windows or is replaced.