preferred customer

USAGE SUMMARY

"preferred customer" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a customer who receives special treatment, privileges, or discounts from a particular business or company. It can also be used to describe a customer who is highly valued and appreciated by a business. Example: As a preferred customer, you will receive exclusive discounts and early access to new products.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

With interactive features at your Web site, birthday coupons or preferred customer perks?

The New York Times

"But I've always been more a preferred customer than an actual partner".

The New York Times

I later received a fruit plate, but would have just preferred customer service befitting a high-end hotel.

The New York Times - Travel

There are six stools at the bar and even when one comes open it may be reserved for a preferred customer.

The New York Times - Food

But before long the whole fragile edifice calluses in a rubble of signing-on fees, 10ft connection cables, set-top boxes, preferred customer packages until eventually you're left weeping into the sofa cover, phone off the hook, very slowly and deliberately gouging out your own eardrums with a ratchet screwdriver.

The Guardian - Sport

Conduct searches based on your preferred customer profile.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Furthermore, they allow companies to better serve their larger, preferred customers.

Harvard Business Review

And that, in turn, is closely tied to the prime lending rate that the banks charge preferred customers.

The New York Times

In the process, marketers gain access to preferred customers, while the banks and BillShrink get a small piece of each transaction.

The New York Times

As preferred customers, they often took Chapo's drugs without putting any money down, then paid the cartel only after they sold the product.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said most of the clients believed they were getting a good rate because they, as longtime clients of the banks, were preferred customers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "preferred customer" sparingly and genuinely; overuse can dilute its perceived value.

Common error

Avoid labeling a customer as "preferred" without consistently delivering the associated benefits. Inconsistent treatment can lead to dissatisfaction and damage the customer relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred customer" functions as a noun phrase, where "preferred" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "customer". It is used to identify a specific type of customer who receives special treatment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred customer" is a common and grammatically correct term used to designate clients who receive special benefits and treatment. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across news, business, and general contexts. While alternatives like "valued client" or "VIP customer" exist, "preferred customer" is a widely understood and accepted term. Ensure that if you designate someone as a "preferred customer", you consistently provide the associated benefits to maintain a positive customer relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

VIP customer

Uses a common abbreviation for 'Very Important Person', implying superior service.

priority customer

Highlights the preferential treatment given to the customer.

key customer

Indicates the customer's importance to the business.

favored customer

Highlights that the customer receives preferential treatment from the business.

platinum customer

Implies a high level of loyalty and value, often linked to loyalty programs.

valued client

Emphasizes the high value the business places on the customer.

premier customer

Emphasizes top-tier status and benefits.

elite customer

Suggests exclusivity and high-end service.

esteemed customer

Highlights the high regard the business has for the customer.

loyal customer

Focuses on the customer's repeated business and commitment.

FAQs

How is "preferred customer" typically used in a business context?

In business, "preferred customer" usually describes someone who receives special benefits, discounts, or priority service due to their loyalty or high value to the company. These perks are designed to foster long-term relationships and encourage continued patronage.

What are some alternatives to calling someone a "preferred customer"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "valued client", "priority customer", or "VIP customer". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the customer's relationship with the business.

Is it better to use "preferred customer" or "loyal customer"?

While both terms are positive, "preferred customer" often implies additional perks and privileges beyond simple loyalty. If you want to emphasize repeated business, "loyal customer" is suitable; if you want to highlight special treatment, use "preferred customer".

What kind of benefits are usually associated with "preferred customer" status?

Common benefits include exclusive discounts, early access to new products, dedicated customer support, personalized service, and invitations to special events. The specific benefits vary depending on the company and industry.