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Some of the important services of retailers from the point of view of consumers are as follows:

(i) Regular availability of products: The most important service of a retailer to consumers is to
maintain regular availability of various products produced by different manufacturers. This

enables the buyers to buy products as and when needed.
(ii) New products information: By arranging for effective display of products and through their

personal selling efforts, retailers provide important information about the arrival, special
features, etc., of new products to the customers. This serves as an important factor in the buying

decision making process of the purchase of such goods.

(iii) Convenience in buying: Retailers generally buy goods in large quantities and sell these in
small quantities, according to the requirements of their customers. Also, they are normally

situated very near to the residential areas and remain open for long hours. This offers great

convenience to the customers in buying products of their requirements.
(iv) Wide selection: Retailers generally keep stock of a variety of products of different

manufacturers. This enables the consumers to make their choice out of a wide selection of goods.
(v) After-sales services: Retailers provide important after-sales services in the form of home

delivery, supply of spare parts and attending to customers. This becomes an important factor in
the buyers’ decision for repeat purchase of the products.

(vi) Provide credit facilities: The retailers sometimes provide credit facilities to their regular

buyers. This enables the latter to increase their level of consumption and, thereby, their standard
of living.

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