SERVICE MARKETING MIX
The services marketing mix is an extension of the 4-Ps framework. The essential
elements of product, promotion, price and place remain but three additional
variables – people, physical evidence and process – are included to 7–Ps mix.
The need for the extension is due to the high degree of direct contact between the
service providers and the customers, the highly visible nature of the service
process, and the simultaneity of the production and consumption.
Characteristics of Services compared to goods:
Intangibility
Heterogeneity
Simultaneous production and consumption
Perishability
Services are defined by user needs and demands and as services are intangible
hence the requirement of engulfing factors such as people who take part in service
delivery, the environment in which the service is delivered and the process of
carrying out the function is realised so as to sell service in form of a tangible
experience.
People
Everyone who take part in delivery of service are relevant to the service quality and
consistency. Here customers can influence service delivery thus affecting service
quality as they influence other customers choice of service along with their
individual perception and expectations of the service.
E.g.,- Employees(Recruiting, Training, Teamwork, Motivation, Rewards),
Customers(Training and Education).
Process
All Processes are concerned with the consistent creation and delivery of customer
value.
The Customer’s experience is affected directly at those points at which he/she
interacts with the organisation.
Processes should be continuously reviewed and co-ordinated to improve the
customer experience and demonstrate customer orientation and empathy.
E.g.,- Standardization, Customization, Simplex Method.
Process Decisions
Enquiry or Information Search
Point of Purchase
Delivery
After sales
Physical Evidence
Corporate Identity
Evidence of Ownership
Environment
Product Design
Packaging
Should provide physical evidence of delivered quality. Should be consistent
through entire customer experience. Provides conformation of customer’s
expectations.
E.g.,- Servicescape(Facility Interior and Facility Exterior), Other Intangibles.
Equitable Relation
The 7 Ps The 7 Cs
<Organisation Facing Customer Facing>
Product = Customer Value
Price = Cost
Place = Convenience
Promotion = Communication
People = Caring
Processes = Co-ordinated
Physical evidence = Confirmation
ILLUSTRATION OF 7 P’S –McDonalds Outlets
Product
Burgers, French Fries, Salads, Desserts.
Price
Burgers (20-100)
Chicken (50-80)
Desserts (30-120)
Cost based and competitive pricing
Promotion
Advertising (tv commercials, hoardings and banners)
Sales Promotion (Coupons and Happy meals)
Public Relations (Ronald McDonald Foundation)
Place
Branches are evenly spread out all over the country offering delivery services and
drive-thru services.
People
Employees have a standard uniform and they focus on friendly and prompt service
to their customers.
Process
The food manufacturing process at McDonalds is completely transparent.
Physical Evidence
They focus on clean, etiquette and hygienic interiors which are spacious and
attractive to the consumer