Service Concept

The term service designates a specific type of good with intangibility characteristics; this is, without physical existence. Therefore, it is distinguished, from the product, which despite of also being a good, is a tangible good. Another way of characterizing a service (and of distinguishing it from a product) is by the fact that this cannot be stored, this is, and it’s only possible to be consumed at the moment in which is being produced.

Examples of services are the people and products’ transport activities, products commerce, communications and telecommunications, supplying of electricity, juridical support, management support, education activities, health activities and a wide range of personal services. To the group of all services suppliers is given the designation of the third sector.

 

 

Translated from Portuguese by Susana Saraiva, Portuguese-English and English-Portuguese translation specialist. Contact: spams@sapo.pt.