Comments on: The Difference Between a Customer and a Client

By: Mario

Mario — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:10:36 +0000

It’s unfortunate that none of you know the definition of client. To create a client relationship, it requires a contract which establishes a fiduciary relationship, one of trust and confidence. I have seen so many real estate agents use both customer and client interchangeably without knowing the difference. It has nothing to do with long-term business relationships. It is not a mindset, it is a matter of law.

By: DK

DK — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:15:02 +0000

I am ok with definintion but I would probably disagree with explaination of customers as being one time buyer. In fact I always thought is otherwise. Clients may need advice in the time of need however customers are buyers for long time.

By: alexis

alexis — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:24:19 +0000

It is all about attitude, that is my attitude toward the people I market to and serve. I was directed to this site because I wanted to know if I was splitting hairs on the core definition of “customer” or “client” so I decided to look it up. In the sales industry and now in the consulting business I have always considered my customers to be clients. I try to offer customer service in a way that not only generates referrals but also produce repeat business.. When I think of clients I think of a long term relationship, when I think of customers it is one time only. Truth be told, I don’t won’t all customers to become clients.

By: tony

tony — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:29:06 +0000

“Client” is so corporate-speak. “Customer” can relate to everyone

By: 12

12 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:54:32 +0000

is it just customer – uk english client – us english ?

By: Tamsin Fox-Davies

Tamsin Fox-Davies — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:34:41 +0000

This is a great distinction. I am going to talk about this in a forthcoming blog post (and reference your original post of course).

By: Vadim Matienko

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:21:56 +0000

Hey, great definition! Exactly what I’ve been looking for

By: Iain

Iain — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:24:15 +0000

I concur with the other folk, and it is a useful distinction. However, I have worked with organisations that use the term ‘client’ , but the behaviours are geared towards once off business and vice versa.

My own conclusion is that the label ‘client’ or ‘customer’ is semantic; the differentiation is the marketing philosophy and how well these values are translated into practices and behaviours.

By: Phill

Phill — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:49:32 +0000

After being overly fussy about a project and searching I found this definition to clear up my thoughts. I couldnt agree more.

Thanks

By: Hero

Hero — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 23:23:18 +0000

I totally agree with you.

This aproach (client vs. customer) is beyond a slaes person’s attitude. There are several Marketing Aproach was built on this philosophy.

Good sales reps would know what you are talking about and I beleive, sooner or later, most of them become business owners.