What is an example of a service?

Air travel is an excellent example of a service because it involves the provision of a transport solution where a customer pays for the experience of being transported from one location to another. This service is characterized by an intangible element; travelers do not own the airplane and cannot physically touch or take away the service like a tangible product. Instead, they receive an experience, which includes the act of flying, access to on-board amenities, and the overall travel experience provided by the airline.

In contrast, options such as shampoo, an automobile, and educational materials represent tangible products. These items are physical goods that can be manufactured, sold, and owned. Shampoo is a consumable product, an automobile is a durable good, and educational materials, like books or online courses, are instructional content that provides information. Hence, these options do not embody the essence of a service, which revolves around intangibility, the customer experience, and the ability to perform tasks or provide benefits rather than delivery of physical products.