Final answer:
The primary difference between service providers and goods manufacturers or sellers is that the latter must manage inventory, which consists of unsold products waiting in storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major difference between companies that provide services and companies that manufacture or sell goods is that those that manufacture or sell goods must account for inventory. Inventory refers to the goods that a business has produced but has not yet sold to consumers, and they are typically stored in warehouses and on shelves. In the context of the economy and the market for goods and services, inventory is a small category but crucial for businesses as it involves the products that are ready or almost ready for sale.
On the other hand, service companies do not have physical products to account for, so inventory tracking is generally not applicable to them. They may deal with other financial aspects such as revenue, gains and losses, and operating expenses. However, the concept of inventory is unique to companies handling physical goods, as they have to manage stock levels, storage, and the cost associated with unsold goods.