1. CONSUMER SERVICE
Consumer Services refers to the formulation, deformulation, technical
consulting and testing of most consumer products, such as food, herbs,
beverages, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, hair products, household
cleaners, paints, plastics, metals, waxes, coatings, minerals, ceramics,
construction materials plus water, indoor air quality testing, non-medical
forensic testing and failure analysis.
Consumer Service means goods, service and credits, debts or obligations
which are primarily for personal, family, household, or agricultural purpose,
which shall include but not limited to food, drugs, cosmetics and devices.
Types of consumer services:
Beauty, transportation, communication, appliances installations, postal
services, etc.
Difference between products and services
A product is something you can touch, a service is an action performed by
someone (labor).
A product is anything that can be offered to a market that might satisfy a
want or need. In retailing, products are called merchandise.
In manufacturing, products are purchased as raw materials and sold
as finished goods. Commodities are usually raw materials such as metals and
agricultural products, but a commodity can also be anything widely available
in the open market. Inproject management, products are the formal
definition of the project deliverables that make up or contribute to delivering
the objectives of the project.
Services are intangible and insubstantial: they cannot be touched, gripped,
handled, looked at, smelled, tasted or heard. Thus, there is neither potential
nor need for transport, storage or stocking of services. Furthermore, a
service cannot be (re)sold or owned by somebody, neither can it be turned
over from the service provider to the service consumer nor returned from the
service consumer to the service provider. Solely, the service delivery can be
commissioned to a service provider who must generate and render the
service at the distinct request of an authorized service consumer.
2. How to Be a Wise Consumer
Research the industry prior to making a product purchase. Competition
between manufacturers is stiff, so there are often many models to
choose from. Ask friends and family if they've had experience with a
product, and use the internet to compare various models. Read
reviews from consumers who have purchased different models to
determine which product is best suited for your needs.
Find available discounts and price shop. The same products can be
priced differently at different retailers. Shop around to find the best
price, and look for rebates and coupons.
Compare businesses if you're using a service. Call at least three
different providers or contractors and ask the same list of questions to
each. Rather than basing your decision on an advertisement, choose a
provider based on personal recommendations and a phone
conversation.
Check your reciepts and review invoices in detail. Be sure you're being
charged the agreed upon or advertised price. Check for hidden costs.
For example, hospitals are notorious for billing errors, charging
patients for services that were never received.
Refuse to give your personal or account information in any situation
that seems unnecessary, and never give it over email. For example, if
you're purchasing a bottle of perfume, it's probably not necessary for
the retailer to have your name, email address, and phone number,
unless you're purchasing it online. Find out why they want the
information, and decide whether you'll provide it.