After-sale Service Definition:

A vendor of goods often offers additional inducements to prospective purchasers in the form of after sale services. This varies considerably according to custom of trade but can be of particular importance in the selling of branded capital goods where replacement of parts or normal maintenance and repair requires the specialized knowledge of the manufacturer or his agent.

The service usually comes in two stages. Initially there is the period of guarantee or warrantee during which faults must be put right by the vendor without charge. Subsequently, when the guarantee or warrantee period has expired, the manufacturer or vendor agrees to inform the customer of centers where there is a qualified staff who can take care on repairs and supply new parts. This is of particular relevance in the automobile industry.