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 helps a business choose the right tools and vendors and get real value from what it already pays for. Lumina does this as an ongoing relationship, looking at technology the way an operator would: what's broken, what's missing, and what your team will actually use.
Is Lumina a managed service provider (MSP)?
No. An MSP runs a company's entire IT environment on an ongoing contract, including help desk, infrastructure, and security. Lumina advises, sources technology, and supports six specific platforms: monday.com, HubSpot, Google Workspace, Zapier, Make, and Vonigo. If you need full managed IT, Lumina can help you find the right MSP.
Does Lumina sell or resell software?
No. Lumina is not a reseller and never bills for or prices software licenses. Vendors bill you directly. When you buy through Lumina's procurement partner network, the provider pays Lumina, so there is no fee to you.
Who does Lumina work with?
Businesses of every size, from single-location shops to franchise brands and multi-location organizations. Procurement and Per Diem are open to everyone. Retainers are built for franchise brands, multi-location businesses, and larger organizations.
Procurement
What is vendor-neutral technology procurement?
It means Lumina compares options across many providers and recommends what fits your business, not what one vendor wants to sell. Through its procurement partner network, Lumina can source from more than 1,000 technology providers across internet, phones, software, security, cloud, AI, hardware, energy, and more, then stays involved through implementation and renewals.
Is technology procurement through Lumina really free?
Yes. Sourcing technology through Lumina costs you nothing because the provider pays Lumina through its partner program. Sourcing never uses your Per Diem or Retainer hours.
Does Lumina mark up vendor pricing?
No. The vendor bills you directly at its own rate, so there is nothing for Lumina to mark up. In some cases, buying through Lumina's procurement partner network can get you a lower rate than going direct, through partner-negotiated pricing or promotions. Discounts vary by provider and aren't guaranteed.
Does getting paid by providers affect Lumina's recommendations?
No. Fit comes first. Lumina compares options across many providers, and if the best choice for your business sits outside the partner network, Lumina will tell you.
Pricing and Engagements
What does Lumina offer for free?
Two things: the discovery call and technology procurement. Tech Audits, Per Diem, and Retainers are paid services.
How is pricing determined?
Tech Audits and Per Diem rates are priced by tier, based on how many business apps, locations, and people your technology supports. Retainers are priced by the hours you need each month, starting at $1,900 for 10 hours.
Can I hire Lumina for just one project?
Yes. A Tech Audit is a one-time engagement, and a single project, like a Google Workspace cleanup or a HubSpot pipeline build, can be scoped under Per Diem at your hourly rate with no ongoing commitment.
What's the difference between Per Diem and a Retainer?
Per Diem is as-needed help billed by the hour, with no monthly minimum. A Retainer makes Lumina part of your team, with committed monthly hours for platform admin, support, vendor management, and planning. Retainers are built for franchise brands, multi-location businesses, and larger organizations.
Partners and Lumina Network
What's the difference between the Partner Directory and Lumina Network?
The Partner Directory lists vendors and professional services firms that applied and were vetted to work with Lumina clients. Lumina Network is a membership for business owners only, with resources, training, and discounts from select vendor partners. Vendors don't get access to the Network.
Do I have to be a Lumina client to join Lumina Network?
No. Anyone can join by signing up directly through the Lumina Network community platform, and you'll agree to the Network's terms as part of signup.