Consultation is similar to asking, inquiring, discussing, etc. Service refers to providing assistance, and the literal meaning of consulting service is to provide help in solving problems. In a broad sense, any question and answer event involving consultation, inquiry, discussion, etc. can be regarded as a consulting service for the questioner, such as A asking B for directions.

Explanation 1: Narrowly speaking, consulting services are a type of consultant and corresponding customer service activity, whose content is to provide consulting services to customers. The nature and scope of this service are determined through consultation with customers. Customers (consulting or consulting parties) raise questions or difficulties, and service providers (answering or service providers) provide suggestions or solutions. Both parties agree on each other's responsibilities and obligations through an agreement.

Explanation 2: Consultancy is a contract signed between an employer and an engineering consulting company, in which the consulting company is responsible for providing advice or solutions on technical issues proposed by the employer. The content of the service is very broad, such as feasibility study of projects, design and review of technical solutions, formulation of bidding task books, improvement of production processes or products, purchase of equipment, supervision and guidance of engineering projects, etc. Especially in developing countries, there is often a lack of technological strength or experience in solving certain technical problems. Hiring foreign engineering consulting firms to provide consulting services can avoid taking detours or wasting funds. Due to the rich scientific knowledge and technical intelligence possessed by consulting firms, they can assist employers in selecting advanced and applicable technologies, finding reliable technology suppliers, and obtaining high-quality machinery and equipment at reasonable prices. Although the employer has to pay a consulting fee, the financial savings they receive far exceed the amount paid. Finally, it is still beneficial for the employer. Consulting fees can generally be calculated based on workload, or they can be priced as a lump sum for technical projects. Generally, the consulting fee paid is equivalent to about 5% of the total project investment.