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ESL forum > Ask for help > Client x Customer    

Client x Customer



danibauer
Brazil

Client x Customer
 

Good morning, dear colleagues!!!

 

I �d like to know the difference between the words client and customer. One of my business students used the word �client� during a meeting, but he was corrected by his boss, that said: "They aren �t our client, they �re our customer." I�ve tried to find the answer on the internet, but it�s very vague�

 

Thanks in advance!!! Have a great Sunday!

 

XO, Daniela

15 Mar 2009      





Greek Professor
Greece

Hello danibauer,
 
I hope this is useful...
 
1.  somebody using professional service: a person or organization taking advice from a lawyer, accountant, or other professional person 

2.  customer: a person or organization to whom goods or services are provided and sold
 
3.  user of social service agency: somebody who uses the services of a social services agency 

4.  person or entity helped by another: a person or entity dependent on the protection or patronage of another person or entity
the former Soviet Union and its clients in the Middle East
 
Encarta � World English Dictionary � & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

15 Mar 2009     



danibauer
Brazil

Thank you, Greek Professor, for your prompt reply!

15 Mar 2009     



_babz
Canada

hi there

both are synonyms, but this is what I found:

a customer: a person who purchases goods or services from another; buyer; patron.

a client: a person or group that uses the professional advice or services of a lawyer, accountant, advertising agency, architect, etc. OR a person who is receiving the benefits, services, etc., of a social welfare agency, a government bureau, etc.


I underlined the key words , so there is a slight difference.,

hope that helps! :)

15 Mar 2009     



danibauer
Brazil

Thanks, tbabalis!!! It really helped me!

15 Mar 2009     



tensilestrain
Singapore

Thanks, danibaue,r for raising the question.
 
Thanks, tbabalis, for answering.
 
I �ve learnt something new.

15 Mar 2009     



Ayaniw
Algeria

Hi!
a customer = a person or an organization that buys something from a shop / store or business
: one of the shop�s best / biggest customers.

a client = a person who uses the services or advice of a professional person or organization:a lawyer with many famous clients.

15 Mar 2009     



danibauer
Brazil

Thanks, Ayzman!
 
I �ve got great explanations from all of you!
 
Cheers,
 
Daniela

15 Mar 2009