Existing customers pay an access or use-fee. An example of an access or use-fee is a phone bill, electric bill, or cable TV bill. Companies with a use-fee are typically utilities like telephone, gas, electricity, cable TV, and garbage collection. Other types of businesses with a use-fee are apartment houses and banks. Most use-based service companies are established businesses with a broad consumer base. Utility customers are familiar with their current use-for-pay billing system. Consumers are looking for ways to consolidate, simplify, and manage their budgets.

If your company is service oriented, you may want to create an online shopping and online purchasing service focused on convenience. That way, you entice customers to learn more about your services, teach them better ways to use your service, and lead them to buy additional services.

Service suppliers find an online purchasing site a better way to manage their costs. Use-based service companies are looking for ways to streamline business practices while maintaining service levels. Online billing is a method of providing new convenience- based services that benefit both the company and the consumer. By providing consumers with direct access to their bills, service companies can automate the process of sending out bills and processing payments, saving time for consumers and employees. Automating bill payments cuts costs (since fewer people are needed to process payments), increases cash flow (since money is electronically received), and provides better services (since consumers can access better bill management tools). Additionally, service suppliers can use mass customization online shopping and purchasing services to provide existing customers with information on existing and newly customized services for individuals based on their use patterns.