Product vs. Service: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 21, 2023
A product is a tangible item that's manufactured and sold, while a service is an intangible action or activity performed for a consumer.
Key Differences
A product refers to any physical item or good that a company produces to be sold to consumers. These are typically tangible objects that individuals can touch, feel, and own. On the other hand, a service is intangible; it's an action or a series of actions performed to benefit someone else. Services are experienced rather than possessed.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
The durability differentiates products and services. Products have a longer shelf life and can be stored for future use. For instance, a car or a computer can be used multiple times after purchase. Services, however, are perishable and are consumed at the point of delivery, like a massage session or a flight journey.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Transactions for products often involve a one-time exchange where the customer receives ownership of the item. In contrast, service transactions involve an ongoing relationship between the provider and the client. For instance, while buying a phone (product) is a singular event, phone network coverage (service) requires consistent performance.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
The way products and services are evaluated by customers also differs. Customers can often assess a product before purchasing, looking at its features, quality, and aesthetics. Services, however, are assessed mainly based on the outcome and the experience during the service delivery, like the expertise of a consultant or the ambiance of a restaurant.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Despite their differences, products and services are often intertwined. Many businesses offer both, enhancing the value of a product with supplementary services. For example, a car (product) may come with free maintenance checks (service) for a limited period.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Durability
Long-lasting, can be stored
Perishable, consumed at point of delivery
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Evaluation by Customers
Based on features, quality, aesthetics
Based on outcome and experience during delivery
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Ownership
Transferred to the customer
No transfer of ownership; experience-based
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
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Product and Service Definitions
Product
An artifact manufactured for sale.
The local crafts fair showcased an array of handmade products.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
Service
The occupation of aiding or working for others.
She dedicated her life to public service, working tirelessly for community development.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Product
A tangible item produced for consumer use.
The new smartphone is a highly sought-after product in the market.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Service
A ceremony or ritual in religious worship.
The Sunday morning service at the cathedral was deeply moving.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Product
An outcome resulting from a process or operation.
The research team was thrilled with the product of their long hours of experimentation.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
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Service
An intangible action performed to benefit someone.
The hotel offered impeccable service, ensuring every guest felt at home.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Product
An entity marketed for public consumption.
The latest beauty product promises youthful skin with regular use.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Service
The act of maintaining or repairing something.
My car is due for a service next week.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Service
The performance of duties for a superior or employer.
His years of service to the company were recognized with a grand farewell.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Product
An item that is made or refined and marketed
Farm products.
Soaps, detergents, and similar products.
Travel products such as vacation trips.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Service
Work that is done for others as an occupation or business
Has done service for us as a consultant.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
FAQs
Are services always intangible?
Primarily, services are intangible, but they can have tangible elements, like a physical report after consultancy.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Can services be stored for future use?
No, services are perishable and are consumed at the point of delivery.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Can a business offer both products and services?
Yes, many businesses offer products complemented by related services.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
How can customers evaluate a product before buying?
Customers can assess a product's features, quality, and aesthetics.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can products and services be bundled together?
Yes, often a product is sold with supplementary services, enhancing its overall value.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Are services repeatable?
While the delivery process can be standardized, each service experience can vary due to its intangible nature.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Is a restaurant meal a product or service?
It combines both; the food is a product, while the dining experience is a service.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can a service be returned like a product?
Not usually, since services are consumed upon delivery, but dissatisfaction may lead to compensation or redoing the service.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Are services always paid for?
Not always. Some services, like community help or certain online platforms, may be free.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is a product always tangible?
Typically, products are tangible, but in some contexts, they can refer to intangible outcomes.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Why do some products come with warranties?
Warranties act as a promise of quality and offer service or replacement if the product fails.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Do customers gain ownership of a service?
No, services are experienced, not owned.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can digital items be considered products?
Yes, digital items like software or e-books are intangible products.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
What determines the quality of a service?
Quality is determined by the outcome and the experience during service delivery.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
How do businesses promote intangible products or services?
Through showcasing benefits, testimonials, and offering trials or demos.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can services have warranties?
Some services come with guarantees, promising satisfaction or offering a redo.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Why do some businesses shift from product-based to service-based models?
Services can offer recurring revenue, build customer relationships, and provide value through expertise.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
How do businesses price products?
Pricing considers costs, competition, perceived value, and market demand.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can a service be patented?
While methods or processes can be patented, general services typically aren't.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
What's an example of a product enhancing a service?
A high-quality treadmill (product) in a gym can enhance the gym's fitness service.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
