Independent Service Providers As a Competitive Advantage in Developing Economies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-4-2007

Abstract

As buyers perceive quality parity among competing brands of a product with a significant service component in its consumption, product support service can become a differential advantage for a brand. The authors propose and test a framework for leveraging independent service providers as a competitive advantage in durable goods export markets in developing countries. Using survey data, the authors found a relationship between easy access to product support services, buyer herd behavior, and brand preference of passenger cars in a developing country. The paper concludes by suggesting how management can leverage independent service providers as a source of competitive advantage for a brand.

DOI

10.1300/J042v20n04_04

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