When you study services marketing at University, you will learn that there are some unique challenges that service firms and industries face.
That is why the services marketing mix has been extended from 4 P’s to the 7 P’s.
A good way to start your understanding of services marketing is to get a good sense of what type of firms and industries are classified as service firms.
Service firm examples
The following is a list of examples of service firms and industries:
Education sector – universities, colleges, tutoring schools, corporate trainers
Childcare services – from formal establishments to babysitters
Accommodation services – such as hotels, motels and backpacker hostels
Associated travel services – such as travel agents and tour providers
All forms of transport services – airlines, taxis, buses, trains and so on
Personal services – such as hairdressers, beauticians and related services
Fitness centers – including personal trainers and services like dieticians
Retailers are another example of a service firm – with all types of retailers being considered a service firms – please see the article on why a retailer is considered a service firm
Wholesalers and logistics – the distribution channels partners, the physical products are also providing a service of transportation and storage
Restaurants and take-away food – any food vendors whether food is ready to eat would be considered the service provider
Banking services – which would include stockbroking, financial planning and investment advice as well
The insurance industry is another example of the service provider – both property insurers (car and house) and life insurance providers
Telecommunications services – such as phone services and Internet providers
Another example of services include events and entertainment – such as the Olympics, concerts, movies, sporting events, theater, and so on
Home service providers – such as cleaners and gardeners
Tradespeople – which would include plumbers, electricians and various contractors
Hire services – where consumers can hire cars, tools, storage facilities and so on
All types of professional services, including legal, accounting and consulting
Medical services – doctors, hospitals, dentists, related medical services, and so on
Various agents such as real estate agents and mortgage brokers
Other professionals – such as engineers, interior decorators, designers, and so on
And websites are also an example of a service firm
Broad scope of services
As you can see there is an enormous variety of service providers, probably much broader than you would find in the manufacturing sector. That is one of the challenges learning services marketing concepts – that there are many types of different service firms.
Hopefully the above list of service firm examples is helpful in getting started in your study and practice of services marketing.
