FAQ
Common Questions
What a technology advisor actually is, what Lumina isn't, and how engagements, pricing, and the Network actually work.
About Lumina
What is a technology advisor?
A technology advisor guides businesses to the right tools and vendors, and helps them get real value from what they're already paying for. It's a relationship, not a one-time purchase. Lumina looks at your technology the way an operator would: what's broken, what's missing, and what your team will actually use, not just what's easiest to sell.
Is Lumina a managed service provider (MSP)?
No. An MSP manages a client's entire IT environment on an ongoing contract, help desk, infrastructure, security, all of it. Lumina works differently. Lumina implements and supports the specific platforms in its services (Such as: monday.com, Google Workspace, and Zapier), but doesn't take on ongoing IT support across every tool a business uses. If you need broader managed IT support, Lumina can help you find the right MSP instead.
Does Lumina sell or resell software?
No. Lumina isn't a reseller or a value-added reseller (VAR), and never bills for, manages, or prices software licenses on a client's behalf. Lumina refers clients to vendors and the vendor bills you directly. Lumina earns a referral commission on some of these relationships, which is always disclosed in writing before a recommendation is made.
Who does Lumina actually work with?
Businesses of every size, not just small businesses or franchises. Those are where Lumina has deep roots, but the same vendor-neutral approach applies whether you're a single-location shop or a larger organization with its own IT department.
Pricing & Engagements
Is the discovery call really free?
Yes, it's the only free thing. Beyond that, every engagement is priced to be fair, sometimes lower than market rate, not because of a lack of experience, but because Lumina is built around relationships and long-term value over high invoices.
How is pricing determined?
By complexity, not company size or revenue. How many platforms you run, how many locations you have, and how much is actually changing all factor in. A small business with a tangled tech stack can land in a higher tier than a larger business with a clean one. Pricing stays fair and transparent on purpose, the goal is a long-term relationship, not a high invoice.
Can I hire Lumina for just one thing, like procurement or a single platform build?
Yes. Tech Audit + Procurement and Platform Build + Optimization are both available as standalone, fixed-scope engagements. Keeping these available as one-time options is intentional, it keeps Lumina accessible and protects the relationship. A single engagement where you got real value beats a long one where you felt like the goal was the invoice, not you.
What's the difference between Per Diem and Retainer?
Both are the same ongoing advisory relationship, just funded differently. Per Diem is hourly with no minimum, billed only for hours used. Retainer is a standing monthly engagement with committed hours and a few added perks, like a monthly strategy call and rate lock. Neither is an upgrade or downgrade from the other.
Vendors & Commissions
Do you mark up vendor pricing?
Never. Lumina doesn't bill for licenses at all, the vendor bills you directly, so there's no markup to add. On some certified partnerships, Lumina's relationship with the vendor can actually help you land better pricing than going direct.
How does commission disclosure actually work?
You're told before any introduction is made, in writing, and often in conversation the moment a vendor or platform comes up. Fit always comes first. The commission never decides the recommendation.
Partners & Lumina Network
What's the difference between the Partner Directory and Lumina Network?
The Partner Directory is a list of vendors and professional services firms who've applied and been vetted to work with Lumina clients. Lumina Network is different, it's a membership for business owners only. Vendors don't get access to the Network, but the Network does include resources, training, and exclusive discounts from select vendor partners.
Do I have to be a Lumina client to join Lumina Network?
No, but there is a membership agreement you'll sign before getting access. As a member, you also get 10% off any Lumina service, capped at $250 per engagement.