What characterizes services uniquely compared to products?

The unique characteristics of services compared to products are best encapsulated by their intangible and perishable nature. Services are intangible, meaning they cannot be touched or owned like physical products. This lack of tangibility makes it challenging to measure the quality of services until they are experienced. Additionally, services are considered perishable because they cannot be stored or inventoried. For instance, if a flight is not filled, that seat cannot be sold after the fact; it is a lost opportunity. This characteristic leads to the need for effective demand management and capacity planning in service delivery.

In contrast to this correct characterization, the other options describe product features. Products are tangible, can be produced in bulk, and are often homogeneous; they can be stored and resold, which does not apply to services. Understanding these differences is crucial for applying appropriate management strategies in a service-oriented environment versus a product-oriented one.