customer

/'kʌstəmə/

Thân thiện

A customer examines a ripe red apple at the fruit stand.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person or organization that buys goods or services from a shop or business: The core meaning refers to the party who makes a purchase or pays for a service. 2. A person one has to deal with: (Informal) Used to describe a person of a specified type, often with an adjective.

Examples

• The store values every customer and strives to provide excellent service.
• She is a loyal customer of this local bakery.
• (Informal) He's a tough customer to negotiate with.

Advanced Usage

• "The customer is always right": A common business proverb emphasizing the importance of satisfying the customer's perspective, even if they are not factually correct.
  • We apologized for the error, following the principle that the customer is always right.
• "Customer base": The group of customers who repeatedly buy from a company.
  • The company's loyal customer base helped it survive the economic downturn.

Variants and Related Words

• Client (n): Often used for someone who uses professional services (e.g., a lawyer, architect). It can imply a more ongoing, advisory relationship than "customer."
  • The firm has many high-profile clients.
• Consumer (n): A person who purchases goods and services for personal use. It's a broader economic term.
  • Consumer confidence affects the overall economy.
• Patron (n): A customer of a shop, restaurant, or hotel, especially a regular one. Can also mean a supporter of the arts.
  • He has been a patron of this restaurant for years.

Synonyms

• Buyer: A person who makes a purchase.
• Shopper: A person who is shopping.
• Purchaser: A formal term for a buyer.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations

• To cater to a customer / customer needs: To provide what a particular customer wants.
  • The new software update caters to customer needs for greater security.
• Customer service: The assistance and advice provided by a company to those who buy or use its products or services.
  • Their customer service department is available 24/7.
• Customer satisfaction: The measure of how products and services supplied by a company meet or surpass customer expectation.
  • High customer satisfaction leads to repeat business.

Related Idioms / Expressions

• A queer customer: (Old-fashioned, informal) An odd or strange person.
  • He kept to himself and was known in the village as a queer customer.

Học thuật

Noun

1. someone who pays for goods or services

Từ đồng nghĩa

• client