returning customer

USAGE SUMMARY

"returning customer" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a customer who has previously made a purchase from a business or organization and has now returned to make another purchase. Example: "Our store offers special discounts for our returning customers as a way to thank them for their loyalty and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Mr. Giddens's office said in a statement that the trustee was exploring other alternatives for returning customer money sooner.

The New York Times

He did not chat with Walter as a waiter would with a returning customer, yet there was something in his manner that showed friendliness.

The New Yorker

And she offered another neat tip: some resort chains offer discounts for active or retired military; others do the same for any returning customer.

The New York Times

(Bloomberg Aptera Motorss, the California-based manufacturer of electric vehicles, is returning customer deposits for its 2e, a three-wheeled vehicle that the company had estimated would achieve 100 miles per gallon.

The New York Times

As a returning customer, she expected an upgrade. 5. (A) In a write-up on stackoverflow.com, a computer scientist used the imaging software Mathematica to come up with an algorithm that can find Waldo in any image.

The New York Times

But James Koutoulas, the head of the Commodity Customer Coalition, a group of MF Global clients, said that he believed Mr. Giddens and his team were making sincere and commendable efforts in returning customer money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The number of returning customers was marginally higher than last year.

The Washington Post

"I've seen an awful lot of returning customers," Mr. Hibbs said.

The New York Times - Books

Let a scene develop too: big bands sound best encircled by returning customers.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Vigliotti, a West Village resident, knows most returning customers by sight and many by name.

The New York Times

Because returning customers need new bloodlines on their way forward, using ear tags became a necessity.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returning customer" in marketing materials and website copy to create a sense of exclusivity and value for existing clients.

Common error

Avoid offering the same incentives to "returning customers" as you do to new ones. Tailor offers to reward loyalty and encourage continued business.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning customer" functions as a noun phrase, where "returning" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "customer". According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "returning customer" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a customer who has made previous purchases. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's widely used across various contexts, especially in news, business, and online resources. Understanding the nuances of this phrase is crucial for businesses aiming to foster customer loyalty and implement effective marketing strategies. By offering tailored incentives and recognizing the value of "returning customers", businesses can cultivate lasting relationships and drive sustainable growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeat customer

Simple substitution of "returning" with "repeat", maintaining the core meaning.

loyal customer

Emphasizes the customer's dedication and consistent patronage.

repeat purchaser

More formal synonym for "repeat customer".

regular patron

Formal alternative, emphasizing consistent visits.

established client

Focuses on a long-term business relationship.

existing customer

Highlights that the customer is already in the business's database.

long-term client

Highlights the duration of the customer relationship.

previous buyer

Focuses specifically on past purchases.

frequent shopper

Specifically refers to customers who shop often.

valued customer

Emphasizes the customer's importance to the business.

FAQs

How can I encourage customers to become "returning customers"?

Focus on providing excellent customer service, building relationships, and offering loyalty programs or exclusive deals to incentivize repeat purchases.

What are the benefits of having "returning customers"?

"Returning customers" are often more profitable, require less marketing investment, and are more likely to recommend your business to others.

What can I say instead of "returning customer"?

You can use alternatives like "repeat customer", "loyal customer", or "regular patron" depending on the context.

How does focusing on "returning customers" affect marketing strategy?

Marketing efforts shift towards retention strategies, personalized communication, and exclusive offers designed to nurture existing relationships rather than solely acquiring new customers.