Business services are the various tasks and activities that help maintain a company but do not produce a tangible product. Examples of this include information technology (IT) support, marketing, and inter and intra-departmental communication. They are a tertiary sector of the economy, in addition to primary and secondary sectors that create and sell tangible goods.
A company can outsource its business services to other companies. This helps it save time and resources while improving the efficiency of its processes. Moreover, it allows the company to focus on its core competencies and reach out to new customers. Nevertheless, outsourcing has some risks that companies should keep in mind when choosing a provider.
For instance, a company may hire a service provider that is not in compliance with local laws. This can lead to legal issues and loss of business. Furthermore, the company should choose a partner with a good reputation and quality standards.
Another factor to consider is whether the service provider offers 24/7 support. This is especially important if the company is dealing with customers from around the world. The partner should also have the necessary experience in providing business services.
Business services can be divided into two categories: business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C). B2B business services are those that take place between different businesses, such as a car manufacturer and its wholesaler or a shipping company and a retailer. In contrast, B2C business services are those that take place between a consumer and a brand.