Business services are a group of activities that support companies and help them achieve their goals. These services provide marketing, production, safety, cost and convenience functions, and are especially important for larger companies that need to stay competitive in the marketplace.
The industry includes many different kinds of service providers, including those who handle technology and maintenance, animal control, logistics and more. These professionals often have to work outside their home offices and are reliant on technology to keep them up and running.
Tech Support
Computer and software technicians offer customer service to individuals and businesses who are having trouble using their computer or phone. They fix problems, install software updates and protect against viruses, malware or other online threats. These services can also help with hardware repair and security, including repairing computers or phones that have been stolen.
Delivery Services
Some business services specialize in transporting products from manufacturers to consumers. This can save time and money and can increase the speed at which customers receive their products. Some businesses hire couriers to deliver shipments and other essential items, such as paper or office supplies, on a regular basis.
Utility Services
Businesses often hire a company to provide water, electricity and gas for their locations. This helps maintain a clean and comfortable workplace, as well as prevents fires or other emergencies.
Child Care
Some businesses hire caregivers to help with in-office day cares, which can be beneficial for employees who need a little extra assistance with childcare. Having a provider at the workplace can help employees avoid scheduling conflicts, which can lead to lost productivity.
Pest Control
Having a professional pest control team can help to eliminate pests and insects from the workplace, ensuring the health of all those working there. It can also help to reduce the amount of chemicals in a work environment, which can cause damage to people and equipment.
Real Estate Agency
In some cities, there are real estate agencies that can help companies find offices or retail space and arrange rental agreements with them. These organizations can be a great resource for companies that are looking to grow or move, as well as those that are simply trying to get their business off the ground.
Business Taxes
While these types of businesses do not typically have to pay taxes on the services they provide, it is up to each individual state to determine whether they are required to pay sales tax. The best way to ensure that you are paying the right sales tax is to research the laws of your state before you start a business.
Product differentiation is another common barrier to entry in a product-oriented business, but not in a service business. Unlike products, which can be marketed with names that identify them, service-oriented businesses have to develop a reputation for the type of service they offer and the quality of that service before it can become an established brand name in the marketplace.
