Business services are any non-manufacturing activity that supports a company’s business operations. These activities include marketing, consulting and administrative support. They are a large sector of the economy and play a key role in the European Union’s economy.
Businesses need a variety of business services to function effectively. Many of these services are invisible to the customer, making it hard for customers to evaluate the quality of service or determine if it is worth the cost. In addition, the nature of the service industry means that customers are often involved in operational processes – for example, an architect’s client might explain his or her needs well or poorly, which will affect the quality of the final product, and a customer who dithers at a fast food counter can slow down the service for everyone behind him.
Some examples of business services include translation, maintenance, and technology support. Companies need translation services to ensure they can communicate with employees from different countries, and maintenance services keep equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Tech support professionals help companies troubleshoot network and computer problems so they can continue to operate their business.
Service companies are a great source of employment and can offer flexible working arrangements, which is appealing to some workers. They can also be more affordable than purchasing products, which is helpful to consumers who are trying to save money during difficult economic times. However, it’s important for service companies to be innovative in their offerings and make sure they are providing value to customers, or they risk being overlooked.