Customer vs Client: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Customer refers to a person who purchases a product or service, while client specifically refers to a person who receives professional services.
Memory Tip: customer = buys goods, client = seeks services
customer has three syllables, client has two syllables
customer /ˈkʌstəmər/
nounA customer is a person who buys something in a shop.
Example:
The customer is asking for a refund because the shirt is too small.
Common patterns:
a happy customer
many customers
client
nounA client is a person or organization that receives services or advice from a professional.
Example:
The lawyer is meeting her client to discuss the case this afternoon.
Common patterns:
client service
client relationship
new client
Common Mistakes
Our law firm has over 200 customers who rely on our expertise.
Our law firm has over 200 clients who rely on our expertise.
In a professional service context like a law firm, 'clients' is the correct term.
The coffee shop offers a loyalty program for regular clients.
The coffee shop offers a loyalty program for regular customers.
In a retail context like a coffee shop, 'customers' is the correct term.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The ____ is asking for a refund because the shirt is too small.
2. The lawyer is meeting her ____ to discuss the case this afternoon.
Other Confusing Words
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