Hiring an AV company might seem straightforward—until you’re mid-meeting in a boardroom with glitchy sound or a blank projector screen. Whether you’re outfitting a conference room, upgrading your church’s tech setup, or planning a major event, the success of your project hinges on the expertise of the team you hire.
The right audio visual partner can elevate your space, streamline your tech use, and prevent those all-too-common “Can anyone hear me?” moments. On the flip side, poor planning and subpar execution can lead to wasted time, budget overruns, and frustrated teams. That’s why it pays to know what separates an okay AV company from a truly excellent one.
Here’s what you should know before choosing an AV company for your commercial space.
1. Experience Matters More Than You Think
Not all AV companies are created equal. Some focus primarily on temporary event setups, while others specialize in permanent commercial installations.
If you’re looking for long-term reliability, make sure the team you hire has experience with built-in systems—especially in environments like offices, schools, hotels, or places of worship.
Look for a portfolio of past work and ask detailed questions. Have they installed boardroom microphones that seamlessly integrate with Zoom? Mounted video walls in retail settings? Rewired church sanctuaries without interrupting Sunday service? These details matter.
2. Pay Attention to Planning and Site Evaluation
A good AV company doesn’t walk in and start drilling holes. They begin with a thorough assessment of the space—its acoustics, lighting, wiring, and use cases. This allows them to recommend the right components (and avoid overkill).
For example, an open office might require different sound solutions than a high-ceilinged auditorium. Planning also accounts for future expansion—like whether today’s conference room might need to double as a hybrid training hub later.
If your AV team skips the planning stage or offers a generic setup, that’s a red flag.
3. Communication Is Just as Important as Equipment
Clear, proactive communication sets great AV companies apart. You want a partner who doesn’t just install and disappear—they walk you through your options, break down tradeoffs (like budget vs. longevity or quality vs. speed), and provide realistic timelines every step of the way.
They should also speak your language. That means translating tech-speak into plain English and helping you feel confident about each decision, not overwhelmed. Bonus points if they offer training after installation—helping your team learn how to use everything efficiently, without fumbling through PDFs or calling IT every time you need to share your screen.
Good AV firms don’t just solve problems; they help prevent them. They empower your team instead of making you reliant on a technician every time something hiccups.
4. Compatibility with Your Existing Tech
One of the biggest pitfalls in commercial AV installation is incompatibility. Maybe your office runs on Microsoft Teams, but your new video system is optimized for Zoom. Or maybe the screens look great—until your creative team tries to push 4K graphics and realizes the resolution just doesn’t cut it.
A reliable AV company doesn’t recommend equipment in a vacuum. They’ll ask thoughtful questions about your existing tools, workflows, and day-to-day challenges. They’ll evaluate your network infrastructure, current hardware, and how your teams use technology across departments.
Then—and only then—they’ll suggest gear that truly fits your ecosystem. The goal isn’t to patch things together. It’s to create a system that feels seamless, not slapped together with adapters and workarounds.
5. Post-Installation Support Isn’t Optional
This is where a lot of clients get burned. A company installs a sleek, high-functioning system, everything works great for the first week—and then something breaks. Suddenly, your screens are blank during a presentation, no one picks up the support line, and you’re scrambling.
Make sure your AV partner includes post-installation support in their scope of work or offers a clear service agreement. Ask what happens if a projector fails, a mic drops out, or your network can’t handle the load. What’s the turnaround time for repairs? Do they offer remote diagnostics or on-site support?
Fast, responsive help is crucial—especially for businesses where tech hiccups can throw off a meeting, an event, or an entire workday. Downtime costs money. A good AV partner knows that and plans for it.
Final Thoughts
The best AV companies blend technical know-how with strategic thinking. They don’t just install hardware; they craft smart, scalable systems tailored to your needs. And they don’t vanish once the equipment’s in place—they stick around to ensure everything continues running smoothly.
As technology evolves and hybrid work becomes the norm, your AV system shouldn’t just keep up—it should lead the way. Whether it’s crystal-clear audio in a sermon or seamless screen sharing in a conference call, small upgrades can make a big impact.
If you’re investing in audio visual tech for your space, choose a team that listens carefully, plans thoroughly, and stays engaged long after the last wire is tucked away. Because when your message needs to be heard—literally—the right AV setup makes all the difference.
About the Author
