Data Center Sales & Marketing Institute (DCSMI) Blog

Biggest IT Asset Disposition and MSP Challenges with Differentiation

Written by Joshua Feinberg | Mar 17, 2026 1:44:59 PM

Joshua Heath discusses the competitive challenges faced by IT asset disposition (ITAD) companies and MSPs, emphasizing the need for unique approaches to stand out. He highlights the importance of effective communication and execution in MSPs. Heath also mentions innovative solutions like using shipping containers for IT equipment drop-offs.

Joshua Feinberg adds that professional services struggle with differentiation due to late-stage marketing efforts. He suggests that firms should focus on educational content and creative strategies early in the sales process to build awareness and consideration. Both agree that creativity and personalized communication are key to success. 

 This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. 130 Joshua Heath, President of WipeOS | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast

Action Items

  • Develop educational marketing content plan (topics, format options such as webinars, ebooks, planning guides, and a sample outline) to drive awareness and consideration earlier in the buyer journey
  • Document and prototype creative differentiation ideas for IT asset pickup (including the shipping-container drop-off concept) and prepare a one-page summary of possible implementations and operational considerations
  • Audit recent outbound email templates for AI artifacts and generic language, and produce updated, personalized outreach templates to avoid sounding identical to competitors

Outline

Challenges in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)

  • Joshua Feinberg asks about the biggest struggles faced by ITADs and MSPs.
  • Joshua Heath explains that the ITAD market has become highly competitive, with many companies now offering similar services.
  • Joshua Feinberg adds that companies are more aware of the value of their assets, making it harder for ITADs to stand out.
  • Joshua Heath mentions that successful ITADs are those that communicate their services well and execute effectively.

Competition and Execution in MSPs

  • Joshua Feinberg notes that MSPs face similar challenges, with competition being a significant factor.
  • He emphasizes that companies need quick solutions, and MSPs must be well-prepared to meet these demands.
  • Joshua Feinberg highlights the importance of doing things differently to stand out in the market.
  • He shares an example of a company using shipping containers as drop-off sites for IT equipment, which he finds innovative.

Creativity and Innovation in IT Services

  • Joshua Feinberg discusses the need for creativity in IT services, using shipping containers as an example.
  • He mentions the potential of repurposing shipping containers for modular data centers.
  • Joshua Heath agrees, stating that standing out from the competition requires unique approaches and not sounding like everyone else.
  • They discuss the limitations of AI in creating unique content, as it often leads to generic presentations.

Differentiation in Professional Services

  • Joshua Feinberg talks about the struggle of professional services firms to differentiate themselves.
  • He points out that many firms focus their marketing efforts too late in the sales process, missing opportunities for awareness and consideration.
  • Joshua Feinberg suggests that educational content like webinars, ebooks, and planning guides can help differentiate firms.
  • He emphasizes that smaller firms can also punch above their weight by investing in educational content.

Challenges of Imitation and Originality

  • Joshua Heath admits that small businesses often unintentionally imitate successful ideas they see online.
  • They discuss the challenge of maintaining originality while being inspired by others.
  • Joshua Feinberg reiterates the importance of creativity and unique approaches in standing out.
  • The conversation concludes with a focus on the need for personal touch and unique presentation in IT services.

Guest Resources

Watch the full podcast Ep. 130 Joshua Heath, President of WipeOS | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast

Resources

 

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