Final answer:
Service characteristics such as intangibility, inseparability, variability, and perishability highlight the need for targeting compatible market segments to ensure customer satisfaction and efficient service delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of services that increase the importance of targeting compatible market segments include intangibility, inseparability, variability, and perishability. Since services are intangible, customers cannot try them before purchase, which means that the perceived value and reputation of the service are crucial in attracting the right segment. Additionally, the inseparability of services, where production and consumption occur simultaneously, often requires interaction between customers and service providers, underscoring the need for segment compatibility. Variability in service quality increases the importance of training and standardizing procedures to maintain consistent service delivery to a targeted segment. Finally, the perishability of services means they cannot be stored for later sale, emphasizing the need to accurately match demand and supply within specific segments to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction.