Engineering Services Providers: What Clients Love & What They Complain About Most

Bringing in outside engineering support can feel like a gamble. Will they mesh with your team? Will they really understand your goals?  

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about which provider to trust, you’re not alone in that hesitation. How do you know who’s actually good versus who just looks good on paper?  

In this article, we’ll give you an honest, experience-backed look into what real clients love about working with engineering firms, and what they complain about the most. 

What Do Clients Really Think About Engineering Services Providers?

It depends on who you ask. Some clients rave about seamless integration, speed, and smarts their providers bring. Others not so much. Complaints range from unclear communication to a sense that the provider “just didn’t get it.” 

Most clients today aren’t just looking for technical horsepower but rather someone who fits their team culture, communicates clearly, and takes real ownership. 

Top Reasons Clients Choose to Work with Engineering Services Firms

We hear similar themes across industries. Companies often turn to external engineering partners because they need to get things done faster or access skills they don’t have in-house. Flexibility is another key reason, as it’s easier to scale engineering capacity up or down without long-term overhead. 

But what really drives the decision is trust. Can this team deliver? Will they truly understand what we’re trying to do? And will they make our lives easier or harder? 

Because the best firms don’t just complete the work; they elevate it. Clients tell us they value our engineers who show initiative, communicate clearly, and integrate seamlessly with their internal teams. One of our favorite compliments is when a customer team member doesn’t even realize our engineer isn’t one of their own full-time employees. 

Consultant vs. Contractor: What You Need to Know

A quick note on terminology. Some firms call themselves consultants; others say they offer contract engineering. The difference is subtle but meaningful.  

Consultants typically provide strategic advice and systems thinking. Contractors lean more toward tactical execution. At DISHER, we offer both. Some clients need big-picture insight, while others need hands-on help. Many need a mix. We flex to fit. 

Red Flags to Watch for When Evaluating Engineering Firms

If you’ve been burned by a provider before, you already know the early signs of trouble. But for those still navigating their first partnership, here are some red flags worth watching.  

1. Vague Proposals and Promises

If a provider can’t clearly articulate what they’ll deliver, how long it will take, or how much it will cost, that’s a problem. Transparency on scope, roles, and process should be table stakes. 

2. Surface-level Questions in Discovery

Early conversations should feel like a deep dive, not a shallow survey. If they’re not asking thoughtful questions about your goals, constraints, and internal team dynamics, they may miss the mark later. 

3. No Clear Ownership or Point of Contact

When “who’s doing what” becomes fuzzy, so does accountability. You should know who owns each deliverable and how decisions are made. 

How to Vet a Firm Before You Commit

Don’t wait until a contract is signed to uncover deal-breakers. Here are a few smart ways to assess fit upfront:  

• Interview the actual team/person you’ll be working with 
• Ask for a small pilot project or audit (you may choose a phased approach to the project) 
• Dig into how they’ve handled tough situations 
• Look for curiosity and clarity, not just confidence 

Here’s a more helpful guide on how to vet engineering services providers if you’re interested >> 

Is DISHER Engineering a Good Fit for You?

We work best with teams that trust us to deliver great outcomes. Our clients often say we’re the most invested external partner they’ve worked with. That’s because we’re not just in this to get the job done, but to help your team win and make things better than we found them.  

Best Fit For	Not a Fit For
Teams who value high-quality engineering, proactive communication, and project ownership	Anyone looking for the lowest hourly rate
Projects where quality and strategic thinking matter	Quick one-off projects with no long-term implications
Clients who want a partner, not just a task-doer or vendor	Companies who treat engineering like a line item rather than an investment
Mid-large-sized companies or startups with sufficient funding	Startups or inventors without sufficient funding

We’re not for everyone, but if you value trust, flexibility, and strong working relationships, we should talk. Reach out to us online for more information.