Everything as a service
I am a believer of this “service” movement.
Over the last few years, we have seen a paradigm shift, with more things being sold as a service. What started off as an “internet thing” is now starting to cover our other everyday stuff.
And I think it’s a good thing.
With something being “sold” as a service, we free ourselves from having to do any maintenance work. And when something breaks down, we just need to log a repair claims. Or get a replacement.
In a properly managed ecosystem, this is good for many parties.
Just imagine…
Cars “sold” as services – We get a vehicle is good condition all the time. When it breaks down, the service provider could then give us a replacement, or fix it without additional cost. We don’t need to worry about changing spare parts or sending to service as the cars will be somehow monitored and the service provider will arrange and do the necessary when it’s time to replace parts or go for service.
Or TV. Pay a fee every month for a 42″ TV. Perhaps 2 years later, you are entitled to an upgrade to a newer model with more features, or one with a bigger screen. If the TV breaks, just call and get a replacement within 24 hours.
Houses too. As we see now, there are now more and more service apartments. But we can still go further with this service concept to cover repairs/ replacement of electrical items and other home furnishing, etc… Leaking roof? No worries, covered by the service agreement. If you have a garden, it will be taken care of.
For the person buying the service, it is a “fixed cost” for the duration of the service. You know what you need to pay and when. No nasty bill shocks.
But yes, there is the bit about the service agreement — what constitutes as “fair”. Then there is the case of abuse by a (usually small) group of users. Like all things, nothing is without it’s own set of problems. However, these are small issues that can be easily addressed.
I know some will say the above does exist — rental/ leasing. But well, it’s more comprehensive, I guess.
Next – Pay As You Use. 🙂