- Over 450 thousand businesses provide services to American consumers.
- Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and academia are all critical areas of operation for consumer service providers.
- I.T. specialists, such as web developers, are in high demand by consumer service companies.
- Tech-savvy consumer service providers include AAA, Airbnb, and Costco.
According to a study by Dun & Bradstreet, the United States is home to over 455,000 enterprises providing consumer services, which earned almost $300 billion in 2015. The term “consumer services” encompasses various industries, including retail, wholesale, leisure and hospitality, health and social services, and education.
Businesses that cater to consumers have always required the skills of I.T. experts. Still, now they are especially in demand for tasks like data collecting, cloud storage, and security. In addition, they need data analysts, UX designers, software engineers, and web developers to provide high-quality services to their customers.
So, what exactly does it mean to work in consumer services?
Human resources (H.R.), computers, and information technology (I.T.) are essential in the consumer services industry. In contrast to typical consumer goods like clothing, toys, or electronics, these services focus on the process, the output, and the experience. Companies providing consumer services deal only with sales, customer service, and channels through which customers get access to their products or services.
Everything from online retail to healthcare to the arts would not be possible without the combination of people and technology found in the consumer services industry. Using human resources (H.R.) and a monthly streaming subscription made possible by technology, Netflix’s online streaming platform distributes original content to its users. Jobs in consumer services may be found in almost every sector of the economy.
Which Businesses Provide Services to the General Public?
Industries cannot function without the participation of retail and wholesale providers of consumer services. Retailers are one kind of middleman, purchasing things from wholesalers and manufacturers to resale them to the general public. Traditional stores are either incorporating online purchasing options or closing down altogether.
Companies in the hotel and restaurant business and those in the transportation and tourist sectors are all part of the leisure and hospitality consumer services sector. By using technology and human resources, organisations like AAA and Airbnb have increased their range of services for customers. Consumer services include food delivery, personal shopping, hotel stays, and online video streaming.
Businesses in the health and social sectors aid consumers in making educated product purchases, gaining access to their medical information, and locating appropriate healthcare providers. These businesses make it easier for patients to participate in their treatment. Companies providing preventative healthcare, online and in-person treatment services, and health insurance are all examples of health and social consumer service providers.
Consumer services in education could help individuals locate legitimate educational institutions and programmes by offering access to databases of approved and recognised schools. These organisations exist to protect buyers from dishonest traders. Another instance is electronic services, such as those that provide access to transcripts and online courses.
Where can I get advice on how to enter the competitive consumer services technology job market?
Experience with programming languages, database technologies, and tools is usually required for I.T. roles in the consumer services industry. One strategy to gain knowledge about emerging technologies and practise one’s programming abilities is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Cybersecurity analysts, web developers, data analysts, and project managers are just a few fields that benefit from educated workers.
A bachelor’s degree isn’t always required for I.T. jobs like web development and digital design. Aspiring web developers and I.T. pros might benefit from attending coding bootcamps to acquire or refresh their knowledge of the latest programming languages and technologies. Working in these fields often requires fluency in HTML coding, JavaScript, and SQL.
Leading Consumer Service Technology Providers
Some of the most creative consumer services technology companies are well-known global brands.
Data analytics, software engineering, app development, web development, and other consumer services jobs are available.
Cloud services are provided by companies like Amazon. In contrast, consumer convenience apps are provided by companies such as AAA and Airbnb.
AAA
Since its inception in 1902, AAA has worked to promote driver education, vehicle safety, better roads, and traveller rights. The Automobile Club has set the standard for responsible driving for nearly a century and a half.
Throughout the present day, AAA counts 61 million customers, 32 motor clubs, and over a thousand locations in North America as its members. AAA’s services range from emergency roadside help and car insurance to vacation packages and hotel reservations.
AAA has plenty of openings if you’re seeking a consumer services position in travel technology, data analytics, or software engineering.
Heathrow, Florida, is home to the company’s main office.
Jobs in Technology that are Currently Available:
- Director of Business Operations, Digital & Travel Products
- Director of Applications Software
- Programmer in Software
Airbnb
In 2008, Airbnb first began providing guests with exciting and novel alternatives to traditional lodging choices. There are now millions of people in over 190 countries and 81,000 cities using the company’s app.
Airbnb is a website where vacationers may locate a list of hosts willing to let them stay at their homes for free. The organisation ensures the authenticity of listings and profiles and provides a means of communication between hosts and visitors.
If you’re a digital whiz looking for flexible remote employment opportunities in the travel and hospitality industries, look no further than Airbnb.
San Francisco, California, is where the company’s headquarters are located.
List of Available Technology Positions:
- Expert Security Detection and Response Engineer
- HotelTonight’s Senior Back-End Engineer
- Marketing Data Analyst on Staff
Amazon
Amazon was an early adopter of technology and a forerunner in the development of digital service experiences for consumers all over the globe. The business operates as an online marketplace where customers may buy goods and services such as tailored recommendations, publishing, streaming, home security, and virtual assistants.
To improve efficiency and responsiveness without sacrificing safety, businesses of all sizes are turning to Amazon Web Services. The system incorporates more than 200 data centres throughout the world.
Amazon is an excellent place for tech-savvy people looking for work in consumer services because of the company’s massive size and breadth of offerings.
Seattle, Washington, is home to the corporation’s main office.
List of Available Technology Positions:
- In the field of software, you’d be called a “software developer.
- Architect of Data Systems
- Expert in Web Development
Comcast
As a single-system cable provider, Comcast first launched in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1963. As of now, it is a worldwide media and technology conglomerate that includes Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky (its European media and entertainment branch).
Xfinity is the brand name for Comcast’s suite of services, including internet, mobile phone, television, media, entertainment, and intelligent home automation. NBCUniversal is a media conglomerate that creates and distributes programming in the areas of entertainment, news, and information throughout the world.
Many I.T. specialists, such as those specialising in network security and DevOps, are needed to support Comcast’s extensive range of services.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home to the company’s headquarters.
List of Available Technology Positions:
- Engineer, Product Safety
- Sr. Machine Learning Research Engineer
- Developer/Operations Engineer
Costco
Costco is a membership-only warehouse club that offers members low prices on various products. The first Price Club launched in San Diego in 1976; in 1983, it combined with Costco in Seattle to become what is now known simply as PriceCostco.
The company’s name was changed to Costco in 1997. It now has hundreds of sites throughout the world. For example, Costco’s information systems department includes network technology and data analytics professionals.
City of Corporate Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington
List of Available Technology Positions:
- Program Manager, Network Strategy, Costco Logistics
- Information Systems Analyst/Engineer
- System Administrator in the Cloud
Home Depot
With over 2,300 locations serving customers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Home Depot is the largest home improvement chain in the Americas. The firm was founded in 1979 with two shops in Atlanta, Georgia, and its headquarters remain there to this day.
Home Depot now serves do-it-yourselfers and professionals via its brick-and-mortar stores and integrated online store, which offers more than a million different items.
Jobs in consumer services are available at Home Depot in various fields, including engineering and cybersecurity. There are a lot of outlying areas.
Atlanta, Georgia, Home of the Corporation’s Main Office
Opportunities in Technology Employment:
- Engineer of Systems
- Programmer in the Software Industry
- Engineer of Data
Group of Companies Owned by TJX
The TJX Companies are a very successful chain of retail outlets in the United States and across the globe, specialising in trendy garments and furnishings. The chain spans nine countries and three continents with over 4,700 locations.
Marshalls, Marmaxx, HomeGoods, Sierra, and T.J. Maxx, are only five of TJX Companies’ branded e-commerce websites. These websites provide a rotating selection of name-brand and designer goods at steep discounts.
TJX Companies hire I.T. professionals that can contribute successfully to teams and are knowledgeable about the latest programming languages, operating systems, and project management practices.
Framingham, Massachusetts, is home to the company’s headquarters.
Opportunities in Technology Employment:
- Reliability Engineering Manager
- Director of Electronic Communication Marketing
- Professional Scrum Master, Senior
Walt Disney Productions, Inc.
Throughout the world, people may enjoy the works of The Walt Disney Company, which is a media and entertainment conglomerate. It covers everything from Disney theme parks and merchandise to the distribution of movies and T.V. shows to theatrical productions in real-time and streaming services like ABC Entertainment.
Among consumer service providers, Disney is at the forefront because of its innovative use of technology to provide guests with tailored entertainment and vacations. The Walt Disney Company is a significant entertainment industry operator, offering various services to its customers.
Suppose you are a digital whiz interested in working in the rapidly growing entertainment and media consumer services industry. In that case, The Walt Disney Company is a great place to start your search for a new career.
Burbank, California, Home of the Main Office
Opportunities in Technology Employment:
- Stack-Based Python Programmer
- Job Title: Web Engineering Technical Program Manager
- Senior tvOS Software Developer
Questions About Consumer Service Providers and Their Responses
Business meaning of “consumer services.”
Human resources and information technology are critical to the success of services aimed at consumers since they are what ultimately interact with customers. Consumer services are intangible since they aid processes and provide resources but cannot be physically touched or felt. Services like online hotel booking are provided by AAA and Airbnb, just two examples.
Companies that cater to consumers often use technology and customer service to better serve their clients. Various businesses and institutions offer consumer services, including hotels, motels, travel agencies, resorts, insurers, healthcare providers, and universities. Careers in consumer services are diverse, from customer service and technical assistance to web development and network management.
To what extent do service sectors need to overcome these obstacles?
Adopting cutting-edge technology and recruiting skilled workers are two of the industry’s significant obstacles in providing customer services. Challenges in acquiring and keeping customers are also plaguing the consumer services industry in today’s competitive industries.
Due to its inherent complexity, inefficiency, and weariness, management and use of digital technologies may be challenging for businesses and their staff. Professionals in the information technology industry are vital for organisations that offer consumer services because they can assist in transitioning to digital platforms, selecting the finest software and hardware, and providing required training.
Another significant difficulty for customer service providers is managing remote and hybrid teams. Small and large enterprises in the consumer goods industry must implement methods of staying in constant contact with one another.
Which four categories best describe the services that consumers often seek?
The retail and wholesale sector, the leisure and hospitality sector, the health and social sector, and the education sector are the four main consumer service sectors. Clothing shops, supermarkets, and hardware stores are all examples of retail consumer services organisations. Retailers often give in-store and online purchasing alternatives, although wholesalers tend to provide deeper discounts.
Travel, housing, transportation, dining, and amusement parks are all examples of leisure and hospitality services. Home delivery and digital streaming services are two prominent examples of this sector of the economy.
Education services help students locate reputable educational institutions. In contrast, health and social services allow individuals to access healthcare services, resources, and information.
