1

In my mother tongue there is a verb called '帮衬', which means someone being a regular customer of (a store, merchant, etc.) of another person to support her business, satisfy their own needs and save money.

Is there any similar behavior in your country in which someone regularly go to a shop(or other commercial place) and consume? in order to support that shop, enjoy the needed goods/service and save money. (he regularly___that shop because the boss is nice, the goods/service is of high quality and the price is reasonable) .

What do you call that behavior in English?(it doesn't necessary be a verb, phrase work well if it convey similar meaning in English.), thanks.

Improve this question
14
  • Probably "support" comes close to the idea you want to express: yellowbridge.com/chinese//…
    – user66974
    Commented Jul 3, 2017 at 16:15
  • 1
    Yes, that is explained in the sentence, but I was thinking what term would fit in your example. "Mutual support" would convey the idea.
    – user66974
    Commented Jul 3, 2017 at 16:28
  • 1
    Maybe not, but there is probably no precise translation for the expression you are looking for. It is a cultural thing, and "mutual" probably is as close as you can get.
    – user66974
    Commented Jul 3, 2017 at 16:52
  • 3
    He regularly frequents that shop because the boss is nice, the goods/service is of high quality and the price is reasonable. I like giving them my business because they act like they care and treat me with respect.
    – Jim
    Commented Jul 4, 2017 at 0:57
  • 1
    there is the term "loyal customer" ... which to me means more than a regular or frequent customer but a customer that has some level of an emotional reluctance to sometimes shop at a competitor ... it's not a perfect term for your question but it is certainly a common term
    – Tom22
    Commented Jul 4, 2017 at 1:05

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4

I can't think of a word that fulfills all of the nuanced meaning, but:

Patronize could fit your usage fairly well, at least relating to frequenting somewhere in order to support them, although not necessarily to your own financial benefit.

Patronize
Verb

1: to act as patron of : provide aid or support for (The government patronized several local artists.)

3: to be a frequent or regular customer or client of (A restaurant much patronized by celebrities.)

Merriam-Webster

Note that it can also mean that you are being condescending towards someone.

Improve this answer
2
  • thanks, is that word used in daily life often?
    – user239460
    Commented Jul 3, 2017 at 16:42
  • 3
    I think patronise lacks the "mutual convenience" aspect that OP is referring to.
    – user66974
    Commented Jul 3, 2017 at 16:43
2

In Germany one would probably call it a 'Stammkunde' for an individual or 'Stammkundschaft' for a group (say in a pub). In English the closest would probably be a 'regular customer' or simply 'regular' for short.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    @user239460 - I've used "regular" as a verb before. "I regulared that bar back in college."
    – SomethingDark
    Commented Jul 4, 2017 at 2:52
  • @SomethingDark it can be, but i think it's not specific enough, though it can be understand as well.
    – user239460
    Commented Jul 4, 2017 at 12:41
1

An understated way of expressing the concept would be to refer to the customer as a "repeat customer." You would not be explicitly characterizing the customer's frame of mind, yet your listeners/readers would apprehend your message.

Improve this answer
1
  • as tom22 mentioned before, 'loyal customer' would be more specific.
    – user239460
    Commented Jul 4, 2017 at 12:39

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .