Terminology

TCCUGA

When does a "customer" become a "client," or are the two synonymous?

coinguy1

I believe that they are one and the same, but that "client" sounds a bit more formal.

Also, rightly or wrongly, I think that "client" is somewhat more likely to be associated with investments than "customer" is. I'll be curious to see if others see it that way, or not.

Lastly, those dealers who don't necessarily believe that "the customer is always right", might be more likely to have "clients" than "customers".

lkeigwin

People use the terms interchangeably but there are slight differences. Sort of like the differences between "lawyer" and "attorney".

A customer is one who buys products or services from you.

A client is someone under your protection. A client is someone you take care of, nurture, watch out for his best interests, provide guidance and peace of mind.

I am a customer for many dealers. I am a client for only a handful.
Lance.

Teva

I am not a dealer but a client was always someone who a company is contractually obligated with.
Some times client is used in reference to a frequent customer also.

tahoe98

...very well put, lance.

AMRC

Clients are customers I recognize by name.

PerryHall

<< <i>Clients are customers I recognize by name. >>



Best definition so far.

AUandAG

Customers are folks that I don't know their names, but do business with.

Clients are people that I know by name, and do business with (might even have
a phone number to go with the name)

They are not the same.

bob

19Lyds

I think customers are those folks that provide dealers with profits whereas "clients" are those folks which provide dealers with "finders fee's" via big ticket items.

In other words, I'd sell a "customer" a proof set but I'd bid in an auction on behalf of a "client".