1

Both customers and clients pay for either goods or services, but they still fall in the same "customer/client" category, as in they buy stuff from you.

What would be the proper general term for this category?

I'm asking because I need to store both under the same category, and don't want to choose between either customers or clients.

Update: Thanks to Josh61's "clientele" answer.

But would there also be a singular noun for it?

As in:

  • A client
  • A customer
  • A ...
Improve this question

8 Answers 8

Reset to default
0

In the given context, why don't you try "buyer"?

It's singular, it encompasses both clients and customers, and it describes a category of people who "buy stuff from you".

Improve this answer
1
  • I thought about that as well, and it fits my context, but to me it lacks the descriptiveness of customer/client. Maybe I'm just too picky.
    – jlmmns
    Nov 8, 2015 at 22:51
2

You may us clientele:

  • Clients collectively: an upscale clientele (ODO)

Clientele:

  • (British English) The clientele of a place or organization are its customers or clients. (Collins)
Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Although this seems correct (thank you), I was hoping there would be a singular noun for it, to fit my programming needs. Too bad, I guess? :)
    – jlmmns
    Nov 8, 2015 at 21:58
  • Isn't "clientele" a pluralization of "client" ?
    – Ben
    Nov 9, 2015 at 0:27
0

I'd use consumer.

"a consumer" can be a buyer, a client, or a customer.

  • consumer - "a person who buys goods and services"
Improve this answer
0

Shopper would fit.

Definition:

  1. A ​person who is ​buying things from a ​shop or a ​number of ​shops,
  2. One who visits stores in search of merchandise or bargains.
Improve this answer
0

I will go with expender (also, spender or disburser).

: someone who spends money to purchase goods or services WordNet Farlex

Improve this answer
0

If you want a general term (that can also apply to sellers or vendors if needed) counterparty: An opposite party in a contract or financial transaction.

Improve this answer
0

You could consider using "purchaser" or "buyer":

A person who buys something; a buyer

‘He said that more than £1.8bn was spent in England by public purchasers on food each year.’

[Oxford Online Dictionary]

Improve this answer
-1

"consumer" comes to mind.......

Improve this answer
2
  • This post would be improved by explaining why you suggest this term, for example, by providing a dictionary definition or examples in the wild. I encourage you take the site tour and review the help center for additional guidance.
    – Nathaniel is protesting
    Nov 9, 2015 at 2:39
  • 1
    No, traders and brokers and their customers don't consume the goods they deal in.
    – deadrat
    Nov 9, 2015 at 9:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.