Your NetSuite system was supposed to make everything easier. But here you are… staring at customization errors, struggling with reporting limitations, or watching your team battle with workarounds that waste hours every week.

Sound familiar?

Every business implementing NetSuite hits this moment. The platform promises to streamline operations, but without the right expertise, it can become another source of frustration. This is exactly where a NetSuite contractor steps in.

NetSuite contractors aren't just extra hands. They're specialists who solve specific problems your team can't. Whether you're stuck mid-implementation, need custom workflows built, or can't get your financials to reconcile properly, these experts bring focused experience to fix what's broken.

In this article, we'll break down exactly what a NetSuite contractor does, what they cost, when you need one (and when you don't), and how to find someone who won't waste your time or money. 

If you're considering bringing in outside help for your NetSuite system, you'll find everything you need to make a smart decision right here.
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What Does a NetSuite Contractor Actually Do For You?
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A NetSuite contractor isn't just a generic consultant - they're hands-on problem solvers who fix specific issues in your system. Here's what they actually do day-to-day:
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1. They build custom solutions 

When standard features don't work for your business, contractors create tailored workflows, custom fields, and specialized reports that match how you actually operate.
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2. They handle implementation

Having done dozens of NetSuite setups, contractors navigate the setup process efficiently—mapping your processes, configuring the system, and migrating your data correctly the first time.
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3. They connect your systems

Need NetSuite talking to your CRM, e-commerce platform, or shipping system? Contractors build these integrations so data flows automatically between systems, eliminating double entry.
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4. They train your team 

Good contractors don't just set up and leave. They show your staff how to use the system and often create custom guides specific to your setup.
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5. They fix what's broken 

When something doesn't work, contractors provide fast solutions. They've seen most issues before and can fix problems in hours instead of the days your team might spend troubleshooting.
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When You Need a NetSuite Contractor (And When You Don't)

Not every NetSuite project requires outside help, but knowing when to bring in a contractor can save you thousands in avoided mistakes. Here's when it makes sense to hire a specialist and when you might handle things in-house:
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You need a contractor when:

• You're implementing NetSuite for the first time (this isn't a DIY project).
• Your business processes don't fit standard NetSuite workflows.
• You're connecting NetSuite with other business systems.
• Your team is stuck on technical issues no one can solve.
• Your reports aren't showing the data you actually need.
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You might not need a contractor if:

• You only need basic user training.
• Your NetSuite is running smoothly with minor adjustments.
• You have an experienced NetSuite admin on staff.
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The reality? Most businesses benefit from some contractor support. NetSuite is powerful but complex, and expert guidance prevents expensive mistakes while maximizing your investment.
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NetSuite Contractor Costs & What You're Really Paying For

NetSuite contractors typically charge $100-175 per hour, with rates varying based on experience and specialization. A complex implementation might cost $50,000+, while smaller customization projects could run $5,000-15,000.

What drives these rates?

• Specialized expertise: You're paying for someone who's solved your exact problem before
• Faster results: They'll complete in weeks what might take your team months.
• Fewer expensive mistakes: Every error in NetSuite costs time and money to fix.
• Direct business impact: Proper setup immediately improves operations.
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Cost Comparison

A full-time NetSuite admin costs $85,000-120,000 annually plus benefits. A failed implementation can cost hundreds of thousands in lost productivity and redone work.

A contractor might seem expensive at first glance, but they're often the most cost-effective option when you consider the alternatives. The real question isn't "How much does a contractor cost?" but "What will it cost if we don't get this right?"
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How to Identify a Great NetSuite Contractor

Not all NetSuite contractors deliver equal value. Here's how to spot the ones worth hiring:
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Look for these qualifications:

• Current NetSuite certifications (Administrator, SuiteFoundation, ERP Consultant)
• At least 5+ implementations in your industry
• Experience with your specific needs (e-commerce, manufacturing, etc.)
• References from companies similar to yours
• A portfolio of successful projects they've completed
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Ask these revealing questions:

• "What was the most challenging NetSuite project you've worked on and how did you solve it?"
• "How would you approach our specific challenge of [your issue]?"
• "What's your knowledge transfer process to ensure our team can maintain the system?"
• "What potential problems do you see in our current setup or plan?"
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Watch for these red flags:

• Vague answers about past projects
• Reluctance to provide references
• Promising unrealistic timelines or results
• Poor communication during the interview process
• Inability to explain technical concepts in clear terms
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The best contractors don't just have technical skills—they understand business processes and can translate your needs into NetSuite functionality. They ask thoughtful questions about your operations and explain their solutions in terms that make sense to non-technical stakeholders.
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Working With Your NetSuite Contractor: 6 Secrets to a Successful Partnership

Once you've found your contractor, setting the right foundation for the relationship directly impacts your results. Here's how to make it work:
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Get everything in writing 

Document scope, timeline, deliverables, and costs before work begins. Clear expectations prevent the "I thought you meant..." conversations that derail projects.
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Create a single point of contact 

Assign one decision-maker from your team to work with the contractor. Too many voices lead to confusion and scope creep.
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Schedule regular check-ins 

Weekly meetings keep everyone aligned and address issues before they become problems. These don't need to be long—15-30 minutes is often enough.
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Prepare your team 

Let everyone know why the contractor is there and what authority they have. Internal resistance kills NetSuite projects faster than technical issues.
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Prioritize knowledge transfer 

Don't just approve work—understand it. Request documentation, training sessions, and shadowing opportunities so your team can maintain what the contractor builds.
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Be honest about challenges 

If your business processes are messy or your data needs cleaning, admit it. Contractors can't solve problems you hide from them.

The most successful contractor relationships aren't vendor-client transactions—they're partnerships where both sides commit to making the project succeed.
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Make or Break: The Contractor Decision

A good NetSuite contractor isn't just a technical expert—they're a business partner who translates your needs into solutions that work for your specific situation.

The right contractor can make the difference between a NetSuite system that transforms your business and one that becomes an expensive headache. They bring the expertise to implement correctly, customize effectively, and solve problems quickly.

If you're considering NetSuite or struggling with your current implementation, a skilled contractor might be exactly what you need. The investment pays for itself through faster implementation, better functionality, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is set up right.

Need help finding the right NetSuite contractor for your specific needs? Our team at Atticus specializes in matching businesses with pre-vetted NetSuite experts who have proven track records in your industry. 

Book a call with Atticus to discuss your project and discover how we can help you get more value from your NetSuite investment.

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