Client vs. Customer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 12, 2023
A "Client" seeks professional services or advice, while a "Customer" purchases goods or services.
Difference Between Client and Customer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "Client" is typically associated with someone who seeks out specialized services or advice from a professional. This term often implies a relationship that goes beyond a single transaction, possibly involving trust, confidentiality, and ongoing interactions. Conversely, a "Customer" refers to someone who buys goods or services, often in a more transactional manner without the expectation of an extended relationship.
In many professional sectors, such as law, finance, and consulting, the term "Client" is used. The client-professional relationship usually involves an understanding that the professional will provide specific services tailored to the client's unique needs. On the other hand, in retail, restaurants, and many other sectors, the term "Customer" is more common. Here, the relationship is often based on a single, straightforward transaction.
One might say that all clients are customers, but not all customers are clients. For example, if you go to a store and buy a shirt, you're a customer. However, if you hire a designer to create a custom shirt tailored for you, you become their client.
Furthermore, the relationship's nature between a professional and a "Client" might be more personalized and in-depth compared to the relationship between a seller and a "Customer". A client might expect more personalized attention and services tailored to their needs, while a customer might simply expect to receive the good or service they paid for.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Seeks professional services or advice
Purchases goods or services
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Relationship Depth
Often deeper, ongoing
Typically transactional
Context
Legal, consulting, financial sectors
Retail, restaurants
Expectation
Tailored services, advice
Goods or services for payment
Interaction Frequency
Can be recurrent
Often one-off
Compare with Definitions
Client
Seeker of professional services.
The lawyer represented her client in court.
Customer
Individual in a business transaction.
The customer decided to return the shirt.
Client
Patron of a specific service.
The spa has a loyal client base.
Customer
Recipient of a particular service.
The taxi driver greeted his customer warmly.
Client
Person under protection or care.
The social worker checked on her client's wellbeing.
Customer
Patron of a business.
The restaurant had a steady stream of customers.
Client
User of a particular service provider.
As a client of the gym, he had access to all facilities.
Customer
In sales, commerce, and economics, a customer (sometimes known as a client, buyer, or purchaser) is the recipient of a good, service, product or an idea - obtained from a seller, vendor, or supplier via a financial transaction or exchange for money or some other valuable consideration.
Client
Computer that receives data from a server.
The client software connects to the main server.
Customer
A person who buys goods or services from a shop or business
Mr Harrison was a regular customer at the Golden Lion
Client
A person or organization using the services of a lawyer or other professional person or company
Insurance tailor-made to a client's specific requirements
Customer
A person of a specified kind with whom one has to deal
He's a tough customer
Client
(in a network) a desktop computer or workstation that is capable of obtaining information and applications from a server
Workstation clients are going to be easy to install
Customer
One that buys goods or services, as from a store or business.
Client
(in ancient Rome) a plebeian under the protection of a patrician.
Customer
(Informal) An individual with whom one must deal
That teacher is a tough customer.
Client
The party for which professional services are rendered, as by an attorney.
Customer
(obsolete) A habitual patron, regular purchaser, returning client; one who has a custom of buying from a particular business.
Client
A customer or patron
Clients of the hotel.
Customer
A patron, a client; one who purchases or receives a product or service from a business or merchant, or intends to do so.
Every person who passes by is a potential customer.
Client
A person using the services of a social services agency.
Customer
(informal) A person, especially one engaging in some sort of interaction with others.
A cool customer, a tough customer, an ugly customer
Client
One that depends on the protection of another.
Customer
A native official who exacted customs duties.
Client
A client state.
Customer
One who collect customs; a toll gatherer.
The customers of the small or petty custom and of the subsidy do demand of them custom for kersey cloths.
Client
(Computers) A computer or program that can download files for manipulation, run applications, or request application-based services from a file server.
Customer
One who regularly or repeatedly makes purchases of a trader; a purchaser; a buyer.
He has got at last the character of a good customer; by this means he gets credit for something considerable, and then never pays for it.
Client
A customer, a buyer or receiver of goods or services.
Customer
A person with whom a business house has dealings; as, the customers of a bank.
Client
(computing) The role of a computer application or system that requests and/or consumes the services provided by another having the role of server.
Customer
A peculiar person; - in an indefinite sense; as, a queer customer; an ugly customer.
Client
A person who receives help or services from a professional such as a lawyer or accountant.
Customer
A lewd woman.
Client
(legal) A person who employs or retains an attorney to represent him or her in any legal matter, or one who merely divulges confidential matters to an attorney while pursuing professional assistance without subsequently retaining the attorney.
Customer
Someone who pays for goods or services
Client
A citizen who put himself under the protection of a man of distinction and influence, who was called his patron.
Customer
Buyer of goods or services.
The customer paid for her groceries.
Client
A dependent; one under the protection of another.
I do think they are your friends and clients,And fearful to disturb you.
Customer
Party in a retail interaction.
The cashier thanked the customer for their patience.
Client
One who consults a legal adviser, or submits his cause to his management.
Client
A person who seeks the advice of a lawyer
Client
Someone who pays for goods or services
Client
(computer science) any computer that is hooked up to a computer network
Common Curiosities
Is the client relationship more personalized?
Generally, yes, as services are often tailored to the client's needs.
Do professionals always refer to those they serve as clients?
Typically, but it depends on the nature and formality of the service.
Can one person be both a client and a customer?
Yes, depending on the context and the services/goods they're seeking.
Which term is more common in retail?
"Customer" is the more commonly used term in retail.
Is a client relationship usually longer-term?
Often yes, as clients might seek ongoing services or advice.
Can businesses be customers?
Absolutely, businesses can purchase goods or services as customers.
Is a client's commitment often longer than a customer's?
It can be, especially if they're seeking ongoing professional services.
Is the term "client" more formal?
It can be, especially in professional settings.
Are the terms interchangeable?
Context matters, but they can be used interchangeably in some cases.
Which term implies a deeper trust?
"Client" often implies a deeper level of trust due to the nature of professional services.
Do customers always receive a tangible product?
Not necessarily; they can also purchase intangible services.
Can the distinction between client and customer be blurry?
Yes, especially in industries where purchases involve both goods and extended services.
Can a company be a client?
Yes, companies can hire professionals and be their clients.
Do clients generally pay more than customers?
Not necessarily, but clients might pay for more specialized services.
Are all clients customers in some way?
Essentially, yes, since clients are also purchasing a service.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
