Sales vs. Service — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
Sales involve the process of selling products or services, while service pertains to the act of helping or doing work for someone, often post-sale.
Difference Between Sales and Service
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sales and service, while distinct, are both integral to the customer experience in many industries. Sales typically focus on the act of selling a product or service to a customer. It revolves around the transaction, where an item or service is exchanged for money. The emphasis in sales is often on persuading customers to make a purchase, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that align with those needs. On the other hand, service encompasses the actions taken to help or assist customers, often after the sale has occurred. This can include answering questions, resolving issues, or providing maintenance.
While sales is about generating revenue for a business, service ensures customer satisfaction and loyalty. A good sales process might attract new customers, but excellent service is what retains them. It's not uncommon for businesses to have dedicated sales and service teams, given the distinct skill sets each requires.
Moreover, while sales usually conclude once the transaction is complete, service can be ongoing. It is a continuous effort to ensure that the customer remains satisfied with their purchase, often leading to repeat business and referrals. In some industries, the line between sales and service might blur, with salespeople providing ongoing support, or service teams upselling additional products or services.
In essence, while sales and service serve different immediate goals—one focusing on acquiring customers and the other on keeping them—they are two sides of the same coin, often working in tandem to ensure a business's success.
Comparison Chart
Primary Goal
Selling products or services
Assisting or helping customers
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Phase in Customer Journey
Usually initial contact
Often post-sale
Focus
Revenue generation
Customer satisfaction and retention
Duration
Concludes after transaction
Can be ongoing
Required Skillset
Persuasion, understanding customer needs
Problem-solving, customer support
Compare with Definitions
Sales
The department or team responsible for selling products.
Jane works in the sales team, focusing on corporate clients.
Service
Maintenance or repair work done on a product.
My car is due for a service next week.
Sales
A measure of a company's revenue from selling its offerings.
The company reported $2 million in sales for the last quarter.
Service
The action of helping or doing work for someone
Millions are involved in voluntary service
Sales
A transaction where goods or services are exchanged for money.
The bookstore reported higher sales this month.
Service
A system supplying a public need such as transport, communications, or utilities such as electricity and water
A regular bus service
Sales
An event offering goods at reduced prices.
The holiday sales attracted many shoppers.
Service
A ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form
A funeral service
Sales
Sales are activities related to selling or the number of goods sold in a given targeted time period. The delivery of a service for a cost is also considered a sale.
Service
A periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine
He took his car in for a service
Sales
The exchange of goods or services for an amount of money or its equivalent; the act of selling
The sale of such a nice house should be easy.
Service
A set of matching crockery used for serving a particular meal
A dinner service
Sales
A selling of property to the highest bidder; an auction.
Service
(in tennis and other racket sports) the action or right of serving to begin play.
Sales
An offer or arrangement in which goods are sold at a discount
The store has a sale on winter coats.
Service
The formal delivery of a document such as a writ or summons.
Sales
The business or activity of selling goods or services
She works in sales.
Service
Perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine)
Ensure that gas appliances are serviced regularly
Sales
The number of items sold or the amount of money received for a number of items sold
Sales are better than expected.
Service
(of a male animal) mate with (a female animal)
One dog could presumably service several bitches in a day
Sales
Plural of sale
Service
Work that is done for others as an occupation or business
Has done service for us as a consultant.
Sales
The activities involved in selling goods or services.
He's likable and motivated: perfect for a career in sales.
We have a sales training program beginning this Monday.
Service
The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant
Found the butler's service to be excellent.
Sales
The amount or value of goods and services sold.
Sales were up 12% over last year.
Service
An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay
Offers a superior service to that of his competitors.
Provides full catering services.
Sales
Income (at invoice values) received for goods and services over some given period of time
Service
Assistance; help
Was of great service to him during his illness.
Sales
The act of selling a product or service.
The sales of smartphones have skyrocketed over the past decade.
Service
An act of assistance or benefit; a favor
My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
Service
The serving of food or the manner in which it is served
The service was good, but the food was lousy.
Service
A set of dishes or utensils
A silver tea service.
Service
Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government
Has been in the company's service for 15 years.
Service
A government branch or department and its employees
The diplomatic service.
Service
A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care
The anesthesiology service.
Service
The armed forces of a nation
Joined the service right after college.
Service
A branch of the armed forces of a nation.
Service
The installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer
A dealer with full parts and service.
Service
The provision to the public of something, especially a utility
A town without sewer service.
Service
The system or equipment used to provide something to the public
The electrical service was damaged in the storm.
Service
The right of serving in many court games.
Service
A serve
Her first service hit the net.
Service
A religious rite or formal ceremony
Held services in the evening.
A memorial service.
Service
Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
Service
(Law) The serving of a legal process, such as a summons or court order.
Service
The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
Service
An answering service.
Service
To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain
Service a car.
Service
To provide services to
That cable company services most households in the area.
Service
To make interest payments on (a debt).
Service
To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
Service
(Slang) To have sex with.
Service
Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
Service
Intended for use in supplying or serving
A service elevator.
The service entrance.
Service
Offering repairs or maintenance
A service guarantee.
A road service area.
Service
Offering services to the public in response to need or demand
A service industry.
Service
An act of being of assistance to someone.
I say I did him a service by ending our relationship
– now he can freely pursue his career.
Service
(economics) The practice of providing such a service as economic activity.
Hair care is a service industry.
Service
A department in a company, an organization, a government department, etc.
Service
(computing) A function that is provided by one program or machine for another.
This machine provides the name service for the LAN.
Service
The state of being subordinate to or employed by an individual or group
Lancelot was at the service of King Arthur.
Service
The military.
I did three years in the service before coming here.
Service
A set of dishes or utensils.
She brought out the silver tea service.
Service
(sports) The act of initially starting, or serving, the ball in play in tennis, volleyball, and other games.
The player had four service faults in the set.
Service
A religious rite or ritual.
The funeral service was touching.
Service
(legal) The serving, or delivery, of a summons or writ.
The service happened yesterday.
Service
A taxi shared among unrelated passengers, each of whom pays part of the fare; often, it has a fixed route between cities.
Service
A musical composition for use in churches.
Service
(obsolete) Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed.
Service
(nautical) The materials used for serving a rope, etc., such as spun yarn and small lines.
Service
Access to resources such as hotel rooms and web-based videos without transfer of the resources' ownership.
Service
Service tree.
Service
The sorb; the fruit of this tree.
Service
(transitive) To serve.
They service the customer base.
Service
(transitive) To perform maintenance.
He is going to service the car.
Service
To supply (media outlets) with press releases etc.
Service
To inseminate through sexual intercourse.
Service
To perform a sexual act upon.
He serviced her several times a week.
Service
To attack.
To service a target; target servicing
Service
A name given to several trees and shrubs of the genus Pyrus, as Pyrus domestica and P. torminalis of Europe, the various species of mountain ash or rowan tree, and the American shad bush (see Shad bush, under Shad). They have clusters of small, edible, applelike berries.
Service
The act of serving; the occupation of a servant; the performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command; attendance of an inferior, hired helper, slave, etc., on a superior, employer, master, or the like; also, spiritual obedience and love.
Madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service.
God requires no man's service upon hard and unreasonable terms.
Service
The deed of one who serves; labor performed for another; duty done or required; office.
I have served him from the hour of my nativity, . . . and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows.
This poem was the last piece of service I did for my master, King Charles.
To go on the forlorn hope is a service of peril; who will understake it if it be not also a service of honor?
Service
Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service.
The outward service of ancient religion, the rites, ceremonies, and ceremonial vestments of the old law.
Service
Hence, a musical composition for use in churches.
Service
Duty performed in, or appropriate to, any office or charge; official function; hence, specifically, military or naval duty; performance of the duties of a soldier.
When he cometh to experience of service abroad . . . ne maketh a worthy soldier.
Service
Useful office; advantage conferred; that which promotes interest or happiness; benefit; avail.
The stork's plea, when taken in a net, was the service she did in picking up venomous creatures.
Service
Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed.
Service
The act and manner of bringing food to the persons who eat it; order of dishes at table; also, a set or number of vessels ordinarily used at table; as, the service was tardy and awkward; a service of plate or glass.
There was no extraordinary service seen on the board.
Service
The act of bringing to notice, either actually or constructively, in such manner as is prescribed by law; as, the service of a subpŒna or an attachment.
Service
The materials used for serving a rope, etc., as spun yarn, small lines, etc.
Service
The act of serving the ball.
Service
Work done by one person or group that benefits another;
Budget separately for goods and services
Service
A company or agency that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
Service
The act of public worship following prescribed rules;
The Sunday service
Service
An act of help or assistance;
He did them a service
Service
Employment in or work for another;
He retired after 30 years of service
Service
A force that is a branch of the armed forces
Service
The performance of duties by a waiter or servant;
That restaurant has excellent service
Service
Periodic maintenance on a car or machine;
It was time for an overhaul on the tractor
Service
Tableware consisting of a complete set of articles (silver or dishware) for use at table
Service
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play;
His powerful serves won the game
Service
The act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone;
He accepted service of the subpoena
Service
Canadian writer (born in England) who wrote about life in the Yukon Territory (1874-1958)
Service
A means of serving;
Of no avail
There's no help for it
Service
The act of mating by male animals;
The bull was worth good money in servicing fees
Service
(law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him
Service
Be used by; as of a utility;
The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
The garage served to shelter his horses
Service
Make fit for use;
Service my truck
The washing machine needs to be serviced
Service
Mate with;
Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
Service
The act of helping or doing work for someone.
The hotel is known for its impeccable service.
Service
A system supplying a public need, like transportation or utilities.
The city's bus service is very reliable.
Service
An act of religious worship or ceremony.
They attend a service every Sunday morning.
Service
The performance of duties or work for another.
She has been in the service of the company for a decade.
Common Curiosities
Do all businesses differentiate between sales and service?
Not always. Some small businesses or industries might have overlapping roles for sales and service.
Can the same person handle both sales and service roles?
While possible, sales and service often require different skill sets, but some professionals can effectively manage both.
Is sales always about physical products?
No, sales can involve both tangible products and intangible services.
What's more important: making a sale or providing good service?
Both are crucial. Sales bring in revenue, but consistent service ensures customer loyalty and long-term business success.
Why is post-sale service important?
Post-sale service ensures customer satisfaction, leading to loyalty, repeat business, and referrals.
How can businesses improve their sales?
Effective training, understanding customer needs, and adapting to market trends can enhance sales.
How does a sales strategy differ from a service strategy?
While sales strategies aim to attract and convert customers, service strategies focus on meeting customer needs post-sale and ensuring satisfaction.
Are discounts and offers part of sales or service?
They are typically sales tactics to incentivize purchases, but can be used in service contexts for customer retention.
Are sales always profit-driven?
While revenue is a primary goal, sales can also focus on market penetration, brand awareness, or other objectives.
Can a service be sold?
Yes, services, like consulting or maintenance, are often sold to clients.
Can a business survive with good sales but poor service?
While it might see short-term gains, poor service often leads to customer attrition and negative reputation in the long run.
How can businesses enhance their service quality?
Regular feedback, employee training, and prioritizing customer satisfaction can lead to improved service.
What's a service guarantee?
It's a promise to customers to deliver a certain standard of service, often with a refund or compensation if not met.
Can a product be both sold and serviced?
Yes, many products, like cars or electronics, are sold and then serviced over time for maintenance or repairs.
Is customer support the same as service?
Customer support is a subset of service, specifically assisting customers with questions or issues related to a product or service.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
