A customer is someone who buys goods or services from a store or business. The word "client" can also mean "customer," according to most dictionaries, but it has a separate definition as someone who receives professional services. In business, the two terms are often applied differently based on the types of relationships built.

The words “client”, “customer” and “consumer” are often confused for one another and used interchangeably (especially the first two terms). Many businesses don’t distinguish between the three and don’t really need to either.

However, if you launched a startup or if you’ve been running a small business, and need to plan/determine your business goals and growth, then it’s useful to know the difference. Let’s start with (paraphrased) dictionary definitions:

ClientSomeone who uses the professional services of an individual or company. (Archaic definitions include a dependent or someone under the protection of somebody else.)CustomerA person who buys goods or services from a business (which includes shops).ConsumerSomeone who buys good and services for their personal use; or someone who eats or uses something.