Client Vs. Customer - A Critical Difference

client vs customerHow do you view the person who buys your products and services?

What label do you prefer to use?

Are they a client vs customer?

Or, do you use levels of each?

I often use the word "customer" when writing here but when someone buys something from me they are a client. Why?

Words have meaning. And the meaning behind customer and client are very different.

A customer is someone who buys the product or service you sell, according to Merriam-Webster.

They are transactional.

You have something to sell and find someone to buy it. When someone buys it you created a customer. Tada!

A client is something different.

A client is someone who is under your protection. (Merriam-Webster)

Ponder that for a minute.

A customer is someone who merely buys something you sell.

Your client is under your protection.

If someone is merely buying something from you how do you treat them?

Would you put in the extra effort to build customer loyalty?

Would you spend extra time to make them feel special?

Will you treat them honestly and with integrity?

Now, what about your client?

If someone is under your protection would you give them the best possible options?

Would you go out of your way to make sure they had everything necessary when buying what you offer?

What about finding ways to build loyalty? And Repeat purchases?

So now, as you think about it, what will you call the people who buy from you?

The labels you use to describe people determine how you treat them. And this goes beyond the client vs customer label.

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Some links may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I think are valuable to you. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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