20+ SAMPLE Client and Customer List

What Is a Client and Customer List?

A client and customer list is a comprehensive list that enumerates a firm or company’s customers and clients. The list may contain various information on the client including a customer’s contact details and a client’s transaction history.  

According to an online article by HubSpot, statistics show that an overwhelming 89% of consumers are more likely to make another purchase after experiencing positive customer service.    

Types of Clients and Customers

In today’s complex and fast-paced market society, there are all kinds of consumers. Over the decades, economic growth has spurred lifestyle changes of many people around the world. It has improved the quality of life for some; but for others, consumer culture came with more negative effects rather than positive. The following examples below describe just some of the common types of customers. 

Bargain Hunters. With the price of commodities increasing each year, more and more people are finding it hard to afford the stuff they want. For the typical consumer, needs and essentials have to be met first. Wants are only secondary. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not have a disposable income that they can easily use to satisfy their wants. Because of the price of goods, many people turn into bargain hunters constantly on the lookout for a good deal and the next sale. For bargain hunters, value for money is key. Discount shoppers consider the price of an item as the most important thing. Producers and sellers know how important this is to their consumers. Thus, a lot of retailers hold multiple sales throughout any given year. Bargain hunters always look forward to payday sales, clearance sales, mid-year sales, and holiday sales. Demanding Clients. Anyone who has worked in retail, hospitality or any service-oriented industry knows that not all customers are pleasant and easy to deal with. There will always be difficult customers or demand clients, regardless of the industry. These types of clients are often challenging to deal with or hard to please. Some do not even respect the other person’s time and space. For demanding clients, it is usually their way or the highway. They typically want things to be done in a certain way and have a narrow vision of how things should be. However, it is important to note that not all demanding clients are rude and disrespectful. Some just have higher standards and expectations that they deliberately or unintentionally project onto other people. Big Spenders. The opposite of bargain hunters are big spenders. These types of consumers are more willing to shell out money than the typical discount shopper. They generally do not mind a hefty price tag as long as the product is of good quality or it’s something that they really want to possess. Big spenders can buy all kinds of things, depending of course on individual preferences and tastes. Some have a preference for designer items; for others, it may be gadgets, furniture, or household appliances. One’s purchasing power is an important component in big spending habits. It isn’t necessarily an issue if you are able to afford a luxurious lifestyle. However, not all big spenders are big earners. Unfortunately, a common but preventable mistake is living beyond your means. If you are not mindful of your spending, taking on loans or living on credit may lead to more serious financial problems. Regular and Loyal Customer. Another type of client is the loyal customer. They are usually regular or repeat customers. This is the kind of customer that many establishments prefer. Loyal clients keep coming back because they either love the product or the service offered. In some cases, customer service and experience may also be a reason for patronizing a business. For example, if a customer had a positive dining experience at a restaurant, he may become a regular customer because of the way he was treated and not necessarily because of the food. These types of clients normally like predictability and consistency. Although it doesn’t apply to all, loyal customers may not be as open to trying other things once they already patronize a certain brand or product.

Tips on Handling Customers and Clients

Dealing with different types of customers or clients can be a chore. As discussed previously, there will always be pleasant and difficult clients no matter what industry you work in. But this does not and should not make you powerless to improve your customer’s experience. The following examples are simple tips you can do to deal and relate better with clients or customers.    

Keep a database. One way you can keep track of clients and their various needs is by keeping a masterl ist or customer database. An organized list can help you stay on top of client or customer relations. This is applicable to any industry or sector. Whether you are in retail or the financial and banking sector, keeping a list of clients is crucial. With a comprehensive database, it can promote greater ease and efficiency when conducting business transactions. Since you already have a record or have already established a relationship with a client, you do not need to start from scratch each time. Moreover, it is also important to keep your database updated and confidential at all times. For ease and convenience, many companies and organizations use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets or Google Sheets for their masterlist. Engage with customers. Another way to truly relate with your clients and customers is by engaging with them. It is important to engage with them not merely on a superficial level, but to really take the time to converse with them and get to know their perspective as a customer. The more you become aware of the client’s sentiments or grievances, you are then in a much better position to help them. Practicing empathy is key. Although it is not always easy, workers employed in the service sector must always try to place themselves in the customer’s shoes. Aside from engaging and empathizing with clients, there are also several tools you can use to measure and improve customer experience. Surveys, questionnaires, feedback forms or even informal interviews are excellent tools that you can employ. Exercise professionalism and courtesy. No matter how difficult a customer or demanding a client may be, it is still proper to exercise utmost professionalism and respect. If you are employed in the service sector or industry, you need to be willing to put the needs of your customer above your own in certain situations. It’s not easy and it requires the right training to be able to handle clients and customers with competence and professionalism. If you handle a customer complaint with a sense of entitlement and hubris, any hope for a resolution will be faint. Escalating the problem by acting out will ultimately not solve anything or improve the situation. After all, practicing courtesy and respect should not only be extended to clients, but all people you meet.

How to Create a Client and Customer List

To create a client or customer list, it takes keen observation and preparation. If you are looking for editable and reliable templates, you are bound to find a sample list that suits your needs in the collection above. Simply select one that meets your needs and follow the basic step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Objective

The first step in creating a client list is to identify the purpose or objective behind it. Why do you need to form and maintain a customer list in the first place? What outcome are you expecting from your client list? It is important to always establish the why and the bigger picture; otherwise, you might end up losing sight of what’s really important. Of course, the objective of a client or customer list would depend on the nature of the industry or business. For instance, retail and sales companies may find the need to keep a record of their clients’ contact information. Lastly, avoid making this section too long. It is best to keep your objectives short, descriptive and direct to the point. 

Step 2: Format

The next step is deciding on the best format that would work for you. A client and customer list can either be simple and straightforward or it can be heavily detailed. It would depend entirely on you how comprehensive and specific your list will be. A simple checklist, table, or chart would work just fine. Many people prefer to use Microsoft Excel because spreadsheets can help organize your information better. However, you can use other applications as well. If you are still unsure of what format to use, feel free to browse the sample templates above for more ideas.

Step 3: Details

Once you have established a format, you can then begin inputting your preferred details. As mentioned in previous sections, you can include whatever data you think is relevant to your list. A basic customer and client list contains contact details, transaction history and other records or relevant information about the client. Again, it is up to you to decide how detailed or not your customer list will be. In some cases, a customer profile is given to each client on the list. The profile helps businesses and companies study and personalize their approach toward individual customers.

Step 4: Tracker

The last step in creating a client and customer list is installing a monitoring tool. Rarely does a client list remain passive or the same over time. It is important to have a mechanism in place where it enables you to keep track of your clients and their business affairs with you. Usually, as a business expands and grows, so does its client and customer base. Thus, you need to ensure that your client list and customer database is constantly updated and relevant. You also need to make sure that the data you input is accurate and true. Keep your list or spreadsheet organized and orderly so it is easy to keep track of customer information. If you need ideas or help with organizing your client list, use the sample templates as a reference guide.

FAQs

What is a client list?

A client list is a detailed and comprehensive list companies or firms use to keep track of their business clients. It can contain various information such as contact details and transaction history, etc.


What is a client and customer?

A client or customer is someone who does business with an individual or a firm. They engage the services of the latter and usually compensate them for it.


How do you write a customer list?

To write a customer list, you need to establish your main objective and also a clear format. Your list can be as detailed as you want it to be. Make sure to include the customer’s name, contact information and other relevant details. You can refer to the step-by-step tutorial guide above for more detailed instructions on how to create a client and customer list.

Clients and customers are necessary for any business to survive. Keeping a client or customer list can help you stay on top of your business transactions with each client. Browse the wide selection of sample templates above to create and customize your own list today!