Re. Customers vs. users

Subject: Re. Customers vs. users
From: Geoff Hart <geoff-h -at- MTL -dot- FERIC -dot- CA>
Date: Wed, 24 May 1995 08:59:13 LCL

Ronni Perry asked about the difference between customers and users.
This seems like splitting hairs at first glance, but it could be quite
significant if you look closer. Customers _can be_ the ones who buy
the product but don't necessarily use it; users are the ones who _may
buy_ the product, but who certainly have to use it once it's been
bought.

The two words are close enough to be confusing. If I've made the
distinction Ronni was seeking, I'd suggest changing to purchasers
(those who buy) and users (those who use). These groups do have
sufficiently different needs that you should make the distinction and
address both sets of needs. Simplistically, and no offence intended,
you're trying to seduce the purchasers, but live with the users. See
the difference?

--Geoff Hart #8^{)}
geoff-h -at- mtl -dot- feric -dot- ca

Disclaimer: These comments are my own and don't represent the opinions
of the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada.


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