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Client VS CUSTOMER -
A simple approach
Mirza Zia Hussain
Marketing Manager at MK Sons (Pvt) Ltd. |Marketing & 43 articles
Sales/Merchandising/Sourcing/Negotiations/Fabrications/Pro…

October 26, 2023

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A simple approach to understanding the difference

between a client and a customer is as follows:

1. Client:Ongoing Relationship: A client typically implies

a long-term or ongoing relationship with a business or
service provider. Personalized Service: Clients often
receive more personalized or tailored services to meet
their specific needs. Two-Way Interaction: There is
Messaging
usually a two-way interaction, and the business may
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10/26/23, 2:54 PM (6) Client VS CUSTOMER - A simple approach | LinkedIn

have a deeper understanding of the client's Imdad Construction Com…

preferences. Professional Services: The term "client" is
commonly used in professional services such as law,
accounting, or consulting.

2. Customer:Transactional Relationship: A customer

typically implies a more transactional, one-time, or
short-term interaction with a business. Standardized
Service: Customers often receive standardized or off-
the-shelf products or services. Limited Interaction:
There may be limited interaction beyond the specific
transaction, and the business may have less
information about the customer's individual needs.
Retail and Sales: The term "customer" is commonly
used in retail and sales contexts.

The importance of clients and customers depends on the

specific context and industry. Both clients and customers
play crucial roles in different business models, and their
significance varies based on the nature of the relationship
and the goals of the business. Here's a general perspective:

1. Clients:Clients are typically more important in service-

oriented industries such as legal, accounting,
consulting, and other professional services. These
businesses often build long-term relationships with
clients, and client satisfaction is vital for repeat
business and referrals. Clients often contribute to a
more stable revenue stream as they provide ongoing
work and can be a source of steady income for the
business. The client-provider relationship tends to be
deeper, with a greater understanding of the client's
unique needs and preferences.

2. Customers:Customers are generally more important in

retail and product-based industries, where transactions
are often one-off or occasional. Customer satisfaction
remains crucial, but the focus is on the individual sale
rather than a long-term relationship. In retail, e-
commerce, and similar sectors, the volume of
customers and sales is often a key driver of success.
Businesses aim to attract as many customers as
possible. The customer relationship may be shallower

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10/26/23, 2:54 PM (6) Client VS CUSTOMER - A simple approach | LinkedIn

and less personalized, but the volume of customers Imdad Construction Com…
can compensate for this.

In many cases, businesses may serve both clients and

customers simultaneously. For instance, a law firm may
have long-term clients for legal services while also handling
occasional customers for specific legal needs.

Ultimately, whether clients or customers are more

important depends on the business's goals, industry, and
the type of products or services it provides. Success often
involves finding the right balance between serving the
needs of clients and attracting and satisfying a broader
customer base.

In summary, the key difference is the nature of the

relationship. A client relationship is usually ongoing and
more personalized, while a customer relationship is often
transactional and less personalized. The specific use of
these terms can vary by industry and context, but this
simple approach should help you grasp the fundamental
distinction.

Published by

Mirza Zia Hussain 43

Marketing Manager at MK Sons (Pvt) Ltd. |Marketing & Sales/Merchandising/S…
Published • 1h articles

Client VS CUSTOMER - A simple approach\ What we need?

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1- Trait Theory: This theory suggests that certain inherent traits or characteristics
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