Business services are activities that companies use to help them perform tasks that they cannot complete on their own. They include marketing, production, safety, cost and convenience. For large organizations, business services can be a critical resource that helps them stay competitive.

Unlike products, which have a physical form and can be bought and sold, services are intangible. They do not have inventory, are only delivered when needed and require customer involvement. This makes them different from goods, which can be stored for future use.

Some of the most common business services are office supplies, delivery and transportation, utility service and real estate. Some businesses also offer in-office child care, which allows employees to better maintain a work-life balance.

These services are not only beneficial for a company, but they also save time and money. Some companies hire professional delivery people to deliver essential supplies, such as paper and office furniture, while others hire movers to transport items from one place to another.

While some of these businesses may have a higher price point than others, the overall pricing for a service is often determined by market demand. This means that customers are willing to pay for a service that they think is valuable.

The primary challenge for service-business managers is to design and market an offering that meets the needs of an attractive group of consumers. This requires that they shift their perspective from the traditional view of product companies, which focus on what buyers want in a product and how that will drive sales, to the more sophisticated perspective of service businesses, which focus on what customers want in a service.

For example, while it is common for a product business to create a brand name identification in the marketplace, service businesses do not develop one. This is because a service offers a different type of value, and so it has to attract and retain a unique group of customers in order for the business to survive and grow.

Moreover, service-oriented businesses often must differentiate themselves from competitors by providing superior service, which is an important barrier to entry in the marketplace. This can be done by focusing on the experiences that customers seek in a service (such as convenience, friendly interaction, or extended hours).

A business can offer different kinds of services, depending on its location and industry. For instance, an insurance brokerage may provide business coverage for small or large businesses, while a computer repair company might specialize in home computers and other electronics.

Other business services involve a company’s supply chain, such as warehousing and logistics. These include picking and shipping materials, managing inventories, storing raw materials and packing and labeling finished goods.

Some businesses offer services to help other businesses succeed, such as business consulting and training. These can be provided through seminars, workshops or individual meetings with business leaders or entrepreneurs. These are all great opportunities to expand your business and increase your revenues.