Customer vs. Patron: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 20, 2023
A "Customer" buys goods/services; a "Patron" supports or frequents an establishment, often with loyalty or regularity.
Key Differences
The words "Customer" and "Patron" both refer to people who utilize the services or products of a business but in slightly different capacities. A "Customer" is generally someone who purchases goods or services from a store or business. The term is transactional and focuses on the act of buying. On the other hand, a "Patron" is not only someone who buys but also supports or advocates for an establishment, usually implying a sense of loyalty or regularity.
In business terminology, "Customer" refers to someone who makes a purchase, emphasizing a commercial transaction. This term doesn't necessarily imply any continuity or loyalty to the business; a customer's relationship with the business is often limited to that particular transaction. Conversely, a "Patron" suggests a more personal and ongoing relationship with the business. Patrons are regulars, often visiting a particular establishment frequently over a period of time and forming a relationship with the business.
When considering establishments like restaurants, theaters, or museums, the term "Patron" takes on an additional layer of meaning. While a "Customer" is simply someone who would pay for a meal, a ticket, or an entry fee, a "Patron" in these contexts might be someone who sponsors events, makes donations, or engages in activities that help sustain the establishment's operations and cultural endeavors.
In a retail context, the distinction remains: a "Customer" purchases items they want or need, engaging in a straightforward commercial transaction. However, a "Patron" of a retail establishment might be someone who not only makes purchases but also endorses the store, participates in its events, and contributes to its community presence, perhaps because they believe in the store's mission or values.
From a cultural and societal perspective, "Patrons" often engage with the establishments they support on a deeper level than "Customers." While customers may support a business economically, patrons may also support it socially, artistically, or ideologically, often contributing to the establishment's character and community. Therefore, while all patrons are customers in the sense that they purchase goods or services, not all customers qualify as patrons, as the latter denotes a deeper, more engaged level of support and interaction.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Individual who purchases goods or services
Supporter of an establishment, often regular
Relationship
Transactional, often one-time
Ongoing, with loyalty
Context of Usage
Common in retail, general commerce
Common in arts, culture, and regular establishments
Level of Engagement
Primarily economic
Beyond transactions, often emotional or ideological
Connotation
Neutral, commercial
Positive, supportive
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Customer and Patron Definitions
Customer
A customer is someone who purchases goods or services from a business.
The store announced a sale, attracting many customers.
Patron
A patron is a person who gives financial or general support to a business or cause.
As a patron of the arts, he donated regularly to the theater.
Customer
A customer is an individual a company must convince to purchase its offerings.
The sales team reached out to potential customers.
Patron
A patron is a protector or sponsor of an activity or establishment.
The library's patrons campaigned against its closure.
Customer
A customer is a recipient of a business’s products or services.
The customer was thrilled with her new dress.
Patron
A patron is a frequent or loyal customer, often with a sense of advocacy.
The bookshop's patrons appreciated its unique selection.
Customer
A customer is a buyer at a retail establishment.
Customers rushed to grab the latest electronics.
Patron
A patron is a regular customer of a store or restaurant.
Patrons of the café were familiar with the menu.
Customer
One that buys goods or services, as from a store or business.
Patron
A patron is someone who advocates for and helps further the work of an artist or organization.
The museum's patrons hosted an annual fundraiser.
Customer
(Informal) An individual with whom one must deal
That teacher is a tough customer.
Patron
One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor
A patron of the arts.
Customer
(obsolete) A habitual patron, regular purchaser, returning client; one who has a custom of buying from a particular business.
Patron
A customer, especially a regular customer.
Customer
A patron, a client; one who purchases or receives a product or service from a business or merchant, or intends to do so.
Every person who passes by is a potential customer.
Patron
(also pä-trōn) The owner or manager of an establishment, especially a restaurant or an inn of France or Spain.
Customer
(informal) A person, especially one engaging in some sort of interaction with others.
A cool customer, a tough customer, an ugly customer
Patron
A noble or wealthy person in ancient Rome who granted favor and protection to someone in exchange for certain services.
Customer
A native official who exacted customs duties.
Patron
A slave owner in ancient Rome who freed a slave without relinquishing all legal claim to him.
Customer
One who collect customs; a toll gatherer.
The customers of the small or petty custom and of the subsidy do demand of them custom for kersey cloths.
Patron
One who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.
Customer
One who regularly or repeatedly makes purchases of a trader; a purchaser; a buyer.
He has got at last the character of a good customer; by this means he gets credit for something considerable, and then never pays for it.
Patron
A patron saint.
Customer
A person with whom a business house has dealings; as, the customers of a bank.
Patron
One who protects or supports; a defender or advocate.
Customer
A peculiar person; - in an indefinite sense; as, a queer customer; an ugly customer.
Patron
A guardian or intercessor; patron saint.
St. Joseph is the patron of many different places.
Customer
A lewd woman.
Patron
An influential, wealthy person who supported an artist, craftsman, a scholar or a noble.
Customer
Someone who pays for goods or services
Patron
A customer, as of a certain store or restaurant.
This car park is for patrons only.
Customer
A customer is a person or entity that engages in a transaction.
The customer paid with a credit card.
Patron
A protector of a dependent, especially a master who had freed a slave but still retained some paternal rights.
Patron
One who has gift and disposition of a benefice.
Patron
(nautical) A padrone.
Patron
A property owner, a landlord, a master. patroon.}}
Patron
To be a patron of; to patronize; to favour.
Patron
To treat as a patron.
Patron
One who protects, supports, or countenances; a defender.
Patron
A master who had freed his slave, but still retained some paternal rights over him.
Let him who works the client wrongBeware the patron's ire.
Patron
One who encourages or helps a person, a cause, or a work; a furtherer; a promoter; as, a patron of art.
Patron
One who has gift and disposition of a benefice.
Patron
A guardian saint. - called also patron saint.
Patron
See Padrone, 2.
Patron
To be a patron of; to patronize; to favor.
Patron
Doing the duty of a patron; giving aid or protection; tutelary.
Patron
A regular customer
Patron
The proprietor of an inn
Patron
Someone who supports or champions something
FAQs
Does a "Customer" always pay for goods or services?
Typically, yes, as the term implies a transaction.
Are "Customer" and "Patron" interchangeable?
Not always; "Patron" often implies loyalty or advocacy, while "Customer" is more transactional.
Can a "Patron" be a one-time supporter?
It's possible, especially if their support has significant impact.
Can a "Customer" become a "Patron"?
Yes, when their engagement or support for a business deepens beyond transactions.
Can businesses have both "Customers" and "Patrons"?
Absolutely, depending on individuals' relationship with the business.
Are all "Customers" considered "Patrons" in a restaurant?
Commonly, yes, but "Patrons" may also be regulars or supporters of the restaurant's vision.
Is a "Patron" always a regular customer?
Often, but not always; they may also be supporters or sponsors.
Why is customer satisfaction important?
It drives repeat business, loyalty, and word-of-mouth promotion.
Do "Patrons" influence business decisions?
They can, especially in smaller businesses or artistic venues where their support is crucial.
Are "Patrons" important for non-profits?
Yes, they often provide crucial support, financial or otherwise.
Is feedback from "Customers" or "Patrons" more valuable?
Both are important; "Patrons'" feedback may provide deeper insights due to their closer relationship with the business.
How do businesses identify "Patrons"?
Through regular interactions, continued support, or advocacy for the business.
Are "Patrons" likely to be brand ambassadors?
Often, yes, due to their deeper connection and loyalty to the brand.
Can a "Patron" influence other customers?
Yes, often through recommendations, reviews, or direct referrals.
Are "Patrons" more prevalent in certain industries?
Yes, particularly in cultural, artistic, or community-focused fields.
What's the value of a loyal "Customer"?
High, as they provide consistent revenue and can become "Patrons."
How do businesses maintain "Customer" relationships?
Through quality service, engagement, and addressing feedback.
Why are "Patrons" critical to some establishments?
They provide consistent support, advocacy, and often, financial backing.
How do "Customers" impact revenue?
Directly, through their purchases and indirectly through their feedback and promotion.
What's a "Customer's" role in market dynamics?
Customers drive demand, influencing product availability and pricing.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
