Business Classifications
- Agriculture and mining businesses produce raw material, such
as plants or minerals.
- Financial businesses include banks and other companies that
generate profits through investment and management of capital.
- Information businesses generate profits primarily from the
sale of intellectual property and include movie studios, publishers and
internet and software companies.
- Manufacturers produce products, from raw materials or from
component parts, then sell their products at a profit. Companies that make
tangible goods such as cars, clothing or pipes are considered manufacturers.
- Real estate businesses sell, rent, and develop of properties
including land, residential homes, and other buildings.
- Retailers and distributors act as middlemen and get goods
produced by manufacturers to the intended consumers, and make their profits by
marking up their price. Most stores and catalog companies are distributors or
retailers.
- Service businesses offer intangible goods or services and
typically charge for labor or other services provided to government, consumers,
or other businesses. Interior decorators, consulting firms and even
entertainers are service businesses.
- Transportation businesses deliver goods and individuals to
their destinations for a fee.
- Utilities produce public services such as electricity or
sewage treatment, usually under a government charter.