long-term customer

USAGE SUMMARY

'long-term customer' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has had a relationship with a company over an extended period of time such as a year or more. For example, "We appreciate the loyalty of our long-term customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It has helped 3M to establish productive, long-term customer relationships.

The New York Times

Ms. Meidan said the Taizhou refinery would help China establish itself as a long-term customer for Qatari oil.

The New York Times

By grateful staff?As a private company, however, Carlson has the scope to focus on building long-term customer relationships.

The Economist

So is he in the business of magical thinking — of maintaining a product for a long-term customer who does not exist?

The New York Times

We will focus on the customers, channels, products, and pricing strategies that build the best long-term customer relationships and deliver the best cost of funds.

The New York Times

It is not so easy to look into your crystal ball and figure out who is going to recover and be a good long-term customer and who is going to go broke.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

These are my long-term customers I'm turning away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To make up for that, Quidsi focuses on nurturing long-term customers.

The New York Times

The business is based on recurring revenue from long-term customers.

The New Yorker

There's more creativity and you don't have to worry about long-term customers.

Independent

But I'll stay until the end, and hopefully find some long-term customers".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of solely focusing on acquiring new customers, consider strategies to nurture and retain your "long-term customers".

Common error

Avoid using "long-term customer" when referring to prospective clients. A "long-term customer" implies an existing relationship. Instead, use terms like "prospective customer" or "potential client" when describing someone you hope will become a regular buyer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-term customer" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a customer with an established and sustained relationship with a business. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in emphasizing customer retention and the value of lasting business relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-term customer" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a customer with an established and sustained relationship with a business. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. It serves to highlight the value of enduring business-customer relationships, distinguishing them from short-term transactions. Alternatives include "loyal customer" and "repeat customer", though each carries subtly different connotations. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects an existing relationship and is not confused with potential or prospective customers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-standing client

Highlights the duration and good standing of the client relationship.

loyal customer

Focuses on the customer's dedication rather than the duration of the relationship.

repeat customer

Highlights the customer's recurring purchases, implying a continuous relationship.

established customer

Emphasizes the duration and stability of the customer relationship.

regular patron

Highlights the habitual use of the services or products.

returning customer

Similar to repeat customer, but emphasizes the act of returning.

enduring client

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the client relationship.

sustained client

Highlights the continuous support provided by the client over a period of time.

long-time buyer

Focuses on the act of purchasing over a long period.

legacy customer

Suggests a customer who has been with a company since its early days.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "long-term customer" in a sentence?

You can use "long-term customer" to emphasize the importance of customer retention, as in: "Our company values its "long-term customer" relationships." or "Providing excellent service is key to securing "long-term customer" loyalty".

What are some alternatives to "long-term customer"?

Alternatives include "loyal customer", "repeat customer", or "established customer", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "long-term customer" and "frequent customer"?

"Frequent customer" refers to someone who makes purchases often, while "long-term customer" implies a sustained relationship over an extended period. A customer can be frequent without being "long-term customer", and vice versa.

Why is focusing on "long-term customers" important for a business?

Focusing on "long-term customers" can lead to increased revenue, reduced marketing costs, and valuable word-of-mouth referrals. Retaining existing customers is often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones.