What Are Value-Added Services (VAS)? Stand Out from Your Competitors

How do you convince a customer to buy from you if they’ve been buying the same product from your competitor for years? And how do you stand out to new customers? Manufacturers of technical products often sell high-quality but similar products. If you don’t have a way to stand out, customers will quickly stop noticing you. 

Of course, you don’t want to compete (solely) on price. That can quickly lead to price wars, especially if low prices and narrow margins are a hallmark of your business. However, by offering the right value-added services, you can significantly expand your customer acquisition strategy. Online stores, e-commerce, apps, and online self-service platforms are great ways to digitally raise your service level above that of your competitors. We’ll tell you how. 

What are Value-Added Services (VAS)?

Your product or service is only part of what you sell. You also provide customer service, after-sales support, and, of course, expertise. Value-Added Services (VAS) are all the extra services and benefits you offer as a wholesaler in addition to your standard product lineup. If you seamlessly integrate those extra services into your product, you’ll be one step ahead of your competitors.

This allows you to improve your product without making major changes, since these additional services actually make your product more appealing. It helps your company generate more sales and expand its operations. Some examples of Value-Added Services (VAS) include:

• Installation and Assembly: Help customers assemble products, bundle components, or label goods.
• Technical Support and Help Desk: Ensure prompt and expert assistance with technical issues.
• Maintenance and Repair Services: Make sure that maintenance and repairs are included in your product or service to alleviate customers' concerns.
• Training and Education: Organize workshops or webinars to help customers understand and use products.
• Consulting and Advisory Services: Provide expertise in designing solutions that meet customers' needs.
• Peace of Mind and Managed Services: To take over specific business functions or processes, either partially or completely, in order to reduce the burden on customers.
• Thought leadership: Show off your expertise. Blogs, e-books, white papers, and webinars are just a few ways to prove that you’re an expert in your field. If customers visit your website when they have questions, they’ll also visit it when they’re ready to make a purchase. 
• Customization: People often don't want the product you're selling, but rather the product they have in mind. If you offer customized products, customers are more than willing to pay extra.

So look for the added value in your service. All of these value-added services offer a benefit to your customers (hence the name). But you don’t have to implement them all right away. Ask your customers what they need and respond accordingly. 

Also consider integrating these value-added services into your internal operations. Check out all Solutions for Wholesalers and Value-Added Distributors (VADs).