Lawyers, accountants, marketing agencies and private banks have clients. Commercial banks, restaurants and retail outlets have customers. What's in a label? Well, quite a lot, as it turns out.
Turn to any dictionary and a 'customer' is typically defined as a person who buys goods, or services. This definition defines a simple, transactional relationship.
The word 'client', on the other hand, is defined in it's simplest form as a person using the services of a professional person or organization- and in fuller versions- as a person that depends on the protection of another.
The word 'client', derives from the Latin word 'cliens'- and denotes a person under the protection and patronage of another. The word client implies a 'duty of care' and suggests a longer term relationship.
Businesses with customers tend to have transactional relationships, where loyalty is low, and purchasing decisions are made on tangible features (e.g. interest rates, product specification) and price.
Businesses with clients offer less tangible products and services (ideas, expert advice, personal service) - and a purchasing decision where price is a factor- but not the prime consideration.
It is important that any company looking to build deeper, stronger relationships with buyers understand the sense of responsibility that lawyers and accountants feel towards their clients. It can yield interesting results:
        ·  The service offering is personalised. Time is invested to understand the client, their target market and their short and long term objectives. Typically, this is not charged for.
The relationship manager, having established a relationship, stays the course. Contrast this with other organizations where the interest of the sales person disappears once the process is concluded, with responsibility quickly passing to other departments.