5 Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Their AV Technician Before Installation

Most business owners aren’t AV experts. If that’s you and you’re thinking about upgrading your business’s existing AV systems or installing new tech altogether, but are unsure how to move forward, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through five essential questions that every business owner should ask their AV technician before any work begins.

Whether you’re upgrading your conference rooms, adding digital signage, or refining your background music setup, you’ll want to make sure you’re not wasting money or (worse) getting scammed.

That’s why asking the right questions before installation is just as necessary as the equipment you choose. A smart conversation with your AV installer can reveal potential problems, clarify your goals, and save you from costly surprises down the line.

1. “What Exactly Will This System Do for My Business?”

Before ordering or mounting any equipment, define the purpose of your AV setup. Too often, businesses invest in high-end systems without a clear understanding of how they support their day-to-day operations or long-term goals.

Your AV technician should help you connect the dots between features and outcomes:

• • Will this improve communication during meetings?
  • Will it enhance customer experience through digital signage or ambient audio?
  • Will it help reduce operational bottlenecks or manual work?

A good AV partner will translate your business needs into a solution that effectively addresses them. This conversation also helps weed out unnecessary upsells and ensures you’re not underbuilding a system you’ll outgrow in six months.

CGS Tip: Share how your team currently communicates, collaborates, or uses space. It helps your integrator design with your real-world workflow in mind, rather than just a technical wishlist.

2. “What Will This Setup Look Like in Our Actual Space?”

It’s one thing to see a product brochure. It’s another to visualize how those components will function and fit in your real-world environment.

Ask your AV technician to walk you through:

• • Display placement: Will screens be viewable from all seating positions?
  • Speaker locations: Will the audio be clear and evenly distributed?
  • Cabling routes: Will wiring be hidden, protected, and compliant with building codes?
  • Equipment footprint: Where will the rack, media players, or servers be housed?

Understanding the physical impact of the system ensures it won’t disrupt your aesthetics, daily flow, or future plans for the space.

CGS Tip: Ask for diagrams or a site visit. A visual preview often reveals oversights before they become costly change orders.

3. “How Will This System Be Controlled and Maintained?”

Even the most advanced AV system won’t help your business if it’s difficult to operate or a nightmare to troubleshoot.

Before installation, ask your technician to clarify:

• • User interface: Will it be touchscreen, app-based, remote-controlled, or automated?
  • User levels: Can different staff access different features (e.g., admin vs. front desk)?
  • Maintenance plan: Who’s responsible for updates, patches, or troubleshooting?
  • Training and support: Will your team get hands-on training? Is there post-install support?

These questions separate the pros from the part-timers. A good AV integrator ensures your system is intuitive, future-ready, and backed by responsive support.

CGS Tip: Look for systems with centralized control platforms, especially if you manage multiple spaces or plan to scale.

4. “What Happens If Something Breaks or Needs Updating?”

Technology isn’t static, and your business won’t be either. Equipment fails, systems age, and software evolves. That’s why it’s essential to know ahead of time:

• • What kind of warranty coverage do you get?
  • Are parts and labor included? For how long?
  • What’s the response time if something goes down?
  • Will you have to wait days for a fix, or do they offer same-day support?
  • Is remote troubleshooting available?

Many AV issues today can be resolved without an on-site visit if your system is properly set up.

How are updates handled?

Some AV systems need regular firmware or software updates. Ask if these are automatic, manual, or require a service call.

Unexpected downtime can disrupt business operations, frustrate staff, and leave customers dissatisfied. Asking this question helps you avoid long gaps in functionality and ensures your investment continues to work as intended.

CGS Tip: Choose an AV partner who offers service contracts, not just installation. Peace of mind is worth it.

5. “Will This System Grow With My Business?”

Your AV system shouldn’t limit you. Instead, your tech should be able to scale with you.

Ask your AV technician the following questions before signing the dotted line:

Is the system modular or scalable?
Can you easily add more screens, speakers, or cameras down the road?

Will it integrate with future technologies?
Does it support open standards or APIs that allow for future upgrades?

What’s the long-term plan?
Some integrators only think about today. Great partners help you future-proof your investment.

Are there recurring costs to consider?
Subscription-based software, cloud services, or licensing fees might scale up with you, so it’s best to know now. A good audio visual technician won’t just solve your current problems. They’ll help you plan for what’s next.

CGS Tip: Share your 2-5 year plans upfront so your integrator can design a system that doesn’t need to be ripped out and replaced when you grow.

Ask the Right Questions, Get the Right System

Your AV setup is a business asset that can impact productivity, customer experience, security, and even revenue.

Asking these five questions upfront ensures you’re not left with a system that doesn’t meet your goals, tech that’s outdated in a year, and surprise costs during or after the install.

The more you understand your options (and the better your AV integrator listens), the smoother your project will go, and the more value you’ll get from your investment.

Work With an AV Technician Who Thinks Ahead

At Carolina Georgia Sound, we design AV solutions that support your business in the long term.

Since 1988, we’ve helped companies of all sizes maximize the value of their audio, video, and security technology. We’ll walk you through every option, answer every question, and make sure your system is right for today and tomorrow.

Have questions of your own?

Let’s talk. Contact CGS today to schedule a consultation and get the answers you need before your next AV installation.