Customer vs. Client – Which is Correct?

The distinction between a customer and a client hinges on the nature of the relationship. A customer generally engages in a transactional purchase of products or services. A client, however, typically implies a professional, ongoing, and often advisory relationship with a service provider, where the interaction is more personalized and long-term. Both terms are correct, but used in different contexts.

Customer or Client – Which is Correct?

Both “customer” and “client” are correct terms in American English, but they are not interchangeable. The primary distinction lies in the type and depth of the relationship. A customer is typically someone who purchases goods or services from a business, often on a transactional basis. Think of someone buying a coffee, groceries, or a new pair of shoes; these are customers.

A client, on the other hand, usually engages a professional for specialized services, implying a more personal, ongoing, and often advisory relationship. This term is common in fields such as law, finance, consulting, design, or healthcare, where the service is tailored and the relationship is built over time. For example, a lawyer has clients, and an accountant has clients.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To easily remember the difference, consider the “Consultation vs. Consumption” trick:

• A client consults with a professional, often seeking advice, expertise, or a specialized service that requires a deeper, ongoing engagement.
• A customer consumes a product or a standard service, often through a more direct, transactional exchange.

If the interaction involves a professional providing tailored advice or a long-term service, think “client.” If it’s a straightforward purchase of a product or a standardized service, think “customer.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Customer	Noun	A person who buys goods or services from a shop or business. Focus on transaction.	The coffee shop serves hundreds of customers every morning.
Client	Noun	A person or organization using the services of a professional person or company. Focus on relationship.	The lawyer met with her new client to discuss the case details.

How to Use Customer

The term “customer” is broadly used to refer to individuals or entities that purchase products or services from a business. This relationship is often transactional, meaning it might be a one-time purchase or a series of discrete purchases without necessarily implying an ongoing, deep personal connection. It’s prevalent in retail, hospitality, and many B2C (business-to-consumer) industries. The tone is generally neutral and business-focused, emphasizing the exchange of goods or services for payment.

Example 1: The department store announced a special discount for its loyal customers.

Example 2: Feedback from customers helps us improve our product features.

Example 3: Every customer receives a receipt after their purchase.

What are the different forms of Customer?

As a regular noun, “customer” has straightforward forms:

• Singular: customer
• Plural: customers
• Possessive Singular: customer’s (e.g., the customer’s order)
• Possessive Plural: customers’ (e.g., the customers’ feedback)

Etymology of the word Customer

The word “customer” originates from the Old French coustume, meaning “custom, habit, practice.” It entered English in the late 14th century, initially referring to someone accustomed to buying from a particular shop or person. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of anyone who purchases goods or services.

How to Use Client

The term “client” is typically reserved for individuals or organizations that engage the services of a professional or firm, implying a more sustained, often advisory, and personalized relationship. This is common in fields where expertise, consultation, and tailored solutions are provided, such as law, accounting, consulting, marketing, or healthcare. The tone is often more formal and professional, reflecting the specialized nature of the service and the ongoing trust built between the parties.

Example 1: The financial advisor reviewed the investment portfolio with her long-standing client.

Example 2: Our design agency works closely with each client to bring their vision to life.

Example 3: The lawyer prepared the legal documents on behalf of his client.

What are the different forms of Client?

As a regular noun, “client” has straightforward forms:

• Singular: client
• Plural: clients
• Possessive Singular: client’s (e.g., the client’s case)
• Possessive Plural: clients’ (e.g., the clients’ needs)

Etymology of the word Client

“Client” comes from the Latin cliens, which referred to a “follower, dependent, retainer.” In ancient Rome, a client was a plebeian dependent on a patrician patron. The word entered English in the 15th century, initially referring to someone under the protection of another. By the 17th century, it acquired the sense of a person seeking professional advice or services, particularly in law.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader concepts of business relationships and professional terminology can further clarify the distinction between “customer” and “client.”

• Professional Terminology: Using precise language in business communication is crucial. Choosing between “customer” and “client” demonstrates an understanding of the relationship dynamics and the industry context, enhancing professionalism and clarity.
• Business Relationships: This concept highlights the spectrum of interactions businesses have with individuals or other entities. Relationships can range from purely transactional (common with customers) to highly collaborative and long-term (characteristic of clients), influencing how services are delivered and value is perceived.

Examples from Media and Literature

• In a news report about a retail giant: “The company reported record sales, attributing its success to strong online engagement from its customers.”
• From a legal drama: “The attorney assured her client that they had a strong case, reviewing all the evidence meticulously.”
• In a business article about a consulting firm: “Our firm prides itself on building enduring relationships, working as strategic partners with our clients.”
• A restaurant review might state: “The chef frequently greets customers to gather feedback on their dining experience.”
• An advertisement for a financial planning service: “We help our clients navigate complex financial markets to achieve their long-term goals.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The architect presented the final blueprints to her ______ for approval.
2. Every ______ who enters the store is greeted warmly by staff.
3. As a marketing consultant, I spend most of my time advising my ______.
4. The online retailer offers free shipping to all its ______.
5. The therapist carefully listened to the concerns of her new ______.

Answer Key

1. client
2. customer
3. clients
4. customers
5. client

Customer Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Buyer	A person who purchases something.
Purchaser	A person who buys, especially one who makes a significant purchase.
Shopper	A person who is shopping.
Consumer	A person who purchases goods and services for personal use.
Patron	A customer, especially a regular one, of a shop, restaurant, or theater.

Client Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Account	A regular customer of a business, especially one for whom credit is extended.
Patron	A person who supports or gives financial aid to an organization or individual.
Patient	A person receiving medical treatment (a specific type of client in healthcare).
Consultee	A person who is consulted or advised.
Ward	A person, especially a minor, under the care or protection of a guardian or court (a specific type of client in legal contexts).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can a business have both customers and clients?
Yes, many businesses can have both. For example, a software company might have “customers” who buy their off-the-shelf software licenses and “clients” who engage them for custom software development projects or ongoing consulting services.

Question 2: Is one term more formal than the other?
“Client” generally carries a more formal and professional connotation, often associated with specialized services and a deeper relationship. “Customer” is a more general term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in retail and transactional settings.

Question 3: Does the industry determine whether someone is a customer or a client?
Often, yes. Industries like legal, accounting, consulting, and creative agencies almost exclusively refer to the people they serve as “clients” due to the personalized, advisory, and long-term nature of their services. Retail, hospitality, and e-commerce typically use “customer” because the interactions are more transactional.

Conclusion

While both “customer” and “client” refer to individuals or entities receiving goods or services from a business, the core difference lies in the nature of the relationship. A customer is typically involved in a transactional exchange, purchasing products or standardized services. A client implies a more profound, often long-term, and professional relationship, usually involving specialized, tailored, or advisory services.

Pro Tip: Using “client” when the relationship is truly transactional can sound pretentious or misrepresent the interaction. Conversely, using “customer” when you provide highly personalized, ongoing professional services might undervalue the depth of your engagement. Choosing the correct term reflects your understanding of business relationships and enhances your professional credibility.