If you want a shortcut, start with this: xero psg vendor checklist before you compare price.
Most SMEs don’t lose money because Xero is hard. They lose money because the vendor hands over “setup” but no weekly system.
Xero PSG vendor checklist: what to compare (simple)
Use this Xero PSG vendor checklist to compare outcomes after go-live: can you trust the numbers, and do you have a weekly routine?
Fast filter question:
1) Setup quality (can i trust the numbers?)
Good setup is not “many accounts”. It’s consistency your team can maintain.
- GST configuration is correct and tested with common transactions
- bank feeds are connected and reconciliation is clean
- bank rules are created for recurring items (so the file stays current)
- categories are usable (not 70 “misc” buckets)
What to ask
After setup, can I trust my Profit & Loss and cash signals enough to act weekly?
2) Cash control (system vs software)
The best vendor is the one that turns “reports” into a simple weekly habit.
- what is the weekly spend boundary?
- what is the weekly check for cash timing risk?
- what is the rule for protecting profit (even small)?
what to ask
what do i do weekly so cash stays under control without overthinking?
3) Post go-live support (what happens after implementation?)
Support is where most projects succeed or drift.
- how long is support included (and what does it cover)?
- do you get a weekly routine, or only month-end guidance?
- what happens when something looks wrong (do you help fix or just explain)?
What to ask
After go-live, what support do I get, for how long, and what is excluded?
4) Scope clarity (vague scope = vague outcome)
PSG issues often happen when scope and responsibility are fuzzy.
- deliverables are listed clearly (in writing)
- exclusions are listed clearly (so there are no surprises)
- who does what (you vs vendor) is stated
- timeline is realistic and written down
Quick checklist you can screenshot
- deliverables list is clear
- timeline is clear
- what support is included after go-live is clear
- bank rules + weekly routine are included (or at least taught)
- data migration approach is stated (if applicable)
- training and handover are included
- GST setup and testing are included
- exclusions are written (so you don’t pay twice later)
3 questions to ask before you sign (fast)
- After go-live, what is my weekly routine? if they can’t answer simply, you’re buying setup, not control.
- When numbers look weird, what happens? do you get help fixing the workflow, or just a report explanation?
- What is excluded in writing? this is where scope creep starts and why SMEs end up paying twice.
If you’re still unsure, use the xero psg vendor checklist above and choose the vendor that gives you weekly control, not just a handover file.
PSG grant support may be available, subject to eligibility and approval.
Summary: this xero psg vendor checklist helps you compare setup quality, weekly routine, post go-live support, and scope clarity—so you don’t pay twice.