Supermarket - service or manufacturing?

[Elayg6]

On numerous exams, supermarkets are a service business however my teacher says you should avoid using supermarkets as service.  That applies to any other business that sells goods that 'could' be categorised as a service.

[GuZz]

On numerous exams, supermarkets are a service business however my teacher says you should avoid using supermarkets as service.  That applies to any other business that sells goods that 'could' be categorised as a service.

This is a tough one. As a rule of thumb, I have gone with a manufacturer is a business that provides a tangible good to consumers, where as a service provider only offers intangible goods. Supermarkets, whilst they don't manufacture, do provide a tangible good.

I'd stay clear to avoid confusion in your answers and more importantly the examiners interpretation of your answer. You want to be as clear and concise as possible.

[Elayg6]

Thanks!

[NathanG]

On numerous exams, supermarkets are a service business however my teacher says you should avoid using supermarkets as service.  That applies to any other business that sells goods that 'could' be categorised as a service.

Depends on how you word it, but yeah it's tricky..
YES they would be service because of the cashiers / intangible goods that they sell, but if you take into account Home-brand items that they do manufacture and sell as their own tangible good then you can justify them as a manufacturing company. As GuZz said, i'd probably try to stay clear from them in service / manufacturing questions unless i'm 100% sure i can justify which one they are