Service as a product
Service as a product '''; pronounced or is a transaction of service production and delivery model in which a productized service is sold by the seller or vendor to the buyer and is centrally hosted, either on a standalone website or an open marketplace platform. It is sometimes referred to as "on-demand service". SaaP is typically accessed by the creator and the consumer by users using a thin client via a web browser.
SaaP has become a delivery model for some businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, freelancers, and independent contractors. It has been incorporated into the strategy of several leading web-based marketplace companies including AirBnB, Fiverr, Lyft, TaskRabbit, Uber and others, as listed in the SaaP marketplace platforms section below.
Micha Kaufman, the co-founder of the company Fiverr, claims that the company created the concept of SaaP. The company offers as a SaaP service over 2.5 million things people will do for a small, fixed fee.
SaaP marketplace platforms
As of November 1, 2014, a number of SaaP marketplace platforms exist. These include a variety of platforms serving different markets and niches. Currently the marketplaces offering SaaP include brands offering offline services, online services, shift work, and more. Below is a list of known market platforms offering SaaP. There are also other SaaP marketplaces online in the so-called "sharing economy".- Airbnb offers a market platform for hosts and guests of Bed and Breakfast, guest housing and other room and board for travellers.
- Etsy is an online market platform for customers shopping for the works of arts and crafts providers.
- Handy is a market online for and mobile cleaning and home repair booking services.
- Lyft is a marketplace platform for taxi related car services.
- TaskRabbit is a market of service providers and clients in the offline space. Vendors provide services such as gardening, carpentry, plumbing, cleaning, moving and more.
- Thumbtack is a marketplace for customers in need of writers and writing and translation services.
- Traveling Spoon is a food tourism platform that connects travelers with local hosts who prepare homemade local cuisine in their homes.
- Uber offers vehicle for hire and food delivery services
- Upwork is an online work and performance market for customers and vendors of computer-related services.
- Zipcar is a carsharing company with cars provided and managed by the company.