Types of services

Types of services
See also
Direct labor Intermediate goods Government procurement Front desk Micro-enterprise Project team Technology park Charter service Product concept

Services are activities, procedures, or tasks that a business provides to customers, either directly or indirectly, in exchange for payment. There are many different types of services, and they can be broadly divided into four categories: professional services, consumer services, educational services, and hospitality services.

Examples of types of services

Services can vary greatly in terms of their range, complexity, and cost. Some services are very simple, such as a car wash, while others are very complex and expensive, such as a major construction project. Here are some examples of different types of services:

• Maintenance Services: Maintenance services are services that are provided to keep an item or system in good working condition. Examples include car repair services, appliance repair services, and lawn care services.
• Consulting Services: Consulting services are services that are provided by an expert who offers advice or expertise. Examples include financial consulting services, IT consulting services, and management consulting services.
• Creative Services: Creative services are services that are provided to create a product or service. Examples include web design services, video production services, and copywriting services.
• Business Services: Business services are services that are provided to help a business succeed. Examples include accounting services, marketing services, and human resources services.

Categories of services

Services can be classified in a variety of ways, depending on the context. Generally speaking, services can be divided into two main categories: tangible services and intangible services.

• Tangible Services: Tangible services are services that involve the exchange of physical goods. Examples include delivery services, repair services, and maintenance services.
• Intangible Services: Intangible services are services that do not involve the exchange of physical goods. Examples include financial services, legal services, and consulting services.

In addition, services can also be classified according to the type of customer for whom they are provided, such as business services or consumer services.

Other approaches related to services

Services can also be classified according to their purpose. Some services are meant to satisfy basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing; others are meant to provide entertainment, leisure, or recreation; and still others are meant to provide knowledge, expertise, or skills.

• Basic Needs Services: Basic needs services are services that are designed to satisfy basic human needs. Examples include food services, housing services, and clothing services.
• Entertainment Services: Entertainment services are services that are designed to provide leisure or recreation. Examples include amusement parks, movie theaters, and sporting events.
• Knowledge Services: Knowledge services are services that are designed to provide knowledge, expertise, or skills. Examples include tutoring, online courses, and professional development services.

Suggested literature

• Choi, K. S., Lee, H., Kim, C., & Lee, S. (2005). The service quality dimensions and patient satisfaction relationships in South Korea: comparisons across gender, age and types of service. Journal of services marketing.
• Almquist, P. (1992). Type of service in the internet protocol suite (No. rfc1349).
• Mattila, A., & Wirtz, J. (2000). The role of preconsumption affect in postpurchase evaluation of services. Psychology & Marketing, 17(7), 587-605.