The difference between selling and service

There is definitely a difference between selling and service in the retail business.  My opinion of the difference is this:
Service is probing to find the wants and needs of the customer.  You must build report and a relationship with the customer first and then establish what brought them to buy from you.  Service is open-ended questions and putting yourself in the same position as the cutomer.  Then once and only once you have established that relationship can you sell.
Selling is the exchange of goods or services.  It is the suggestion to buy one good over another or the substitution of one good over another.  Selling is the actually transaction.  
Selling does not encourage repeat business.  That is all service.  People would much rather buy an experience than a product.  They must walk away with a memorable mindset or satisfied with there time spent.  
Now that you know the difference between the two I would suggest to buy from people that serve you, especially this holiday season.  It is a much more pleasant experience.  And for those of us who work in retail service the customer, do not sell to the customer.  They can tell the difference!