Final answer:
Manufacturers forgoing after-sales services and support miss out on significant aftermarket opportunities, which can be a major source of revenue and help build a trustworthy reputation. Planned obsolescence drives demand for these services, with consumer trust and product reliability at stake. A shift towards longevity and quality in products could alter the disposable economy trend.
Step-by-step explanation:
A manufacturer who does not offer after-sales services and support may indeed be missing out on the opportunity to partake in a lucrative aftermarket. This is important because the aftermarket services can provide a substantial source of revenue and profit for manufacturers while also enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Many factors, such as planned obsolescence, drive the need for these after-sales services, as manufacturers design products with limited lifespans to encourage frequent replacements.
For example, in the automobile industry, after severing ties with dealerships, automotive companies can seriously impact local economies and their own revenue streams. After-sales services in such a context not only bolster economic growth but also create a trustworthy reputation for reliability and customer care. Similarly, companies that fail to support their technological products post-sale can miss out on repairing older models, which could be more economically and environmentally viable than producing new ones due to the high costs of manufacturing and disposal. Trust plays a significant role here; sellers that invest in demonstrating the quality of their goods after purchase retain customers who might otherwise be wary due to imperfect information in the market.
Ultimately, a focus on quality, longevity, and repairability of consumer goods could lead to a shift away from the disposable economy and towards an appreciation of craftsmanship and sustainable products. Hence, after-sales support is not only beneficial for the customer but also essential for the manufacturer's long-term success and reputation in the marketplace.