client or customer

[Winwin2011]

I saw a finance company which provides trade finance to its customers, its staff called their customers as "client".
I was wondering if the staff is correct to call their customers as"client".

 

[probus]

Strictly speaking, those who buy goods are customers, and those who buy services are clients. But it is a distinction that is often ignored in everyday usage.

In the special case of health-care services, patient is used instead of client.

 

[Winwin2011]

Strictly speaking, those who buy goods are customers, and those who buy services are clients. But it is a distinction that is often ignored in everyday usage.

Thanks probus

I am not quite understand the meaning of "But it is a distinction that is often ignored in everyday usage." Could you further explain it to me, please?

Banks lend money to borrowers, they have a Customer Service Department. If the bank lend money to borrowers, does it mean that they are selling services. If yes，I am strange why they don't call it "Client Service Department".

 

[probus]

I am strange why they don't call it "Client Service Department".

So am I. That's why I said the distinction is often ignored.

But you cannot say "I am strange why ...". How about "I don't understand why..." or, more casually, "I don't get why...".

 

[Matthew Wai]

But you cannot say "I am strange why ...".

I think it is Chinglish and the intended meaning is 'I wonder why ...'

 

[Matthew Wai]

I am not quite understand the meaning of "But it is a distinction that is often ignored in everyday usage."

I think 'a distinction' refers to the difference between 'customers' and 'clients'.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Customer service" is a common phrase.

 

[Tdol]

Banks are an interesting case- I would use the word customer when I am in a bank getting cash. Maybe it's because money is seen as closer to goods (cash) than a pure service like buying legal advice.

 

[SoothingDave]

Banks in the US can also sell financial services, so "client" is more suitable for that.

 

[Tdol]

I would use client there too.