Customer Relationship Manager(CRM) Question:

There can be various types of customers a business have to deal with. Here are some prominent types of customers −

► Loyal Customers − They are completely satisfied customers. Though they are less in numbers, they can promote more sales and profit. They expect individual attention and demand polite and respectful response from the supplier.

► Discount Customers − They visit the business outlets frequently but transact only when business offers discounts on regular products and brands. They are the ones who buy only low cost products. Their buying behavior changes according to the rate of discounts. They are important to a business, as they contribute a significant portion of business profit.

► Impulsive Customers − They are with the business in urge and buy on impulse. They don't plan for buying anything specific in advance, but they urge to buy anything that they find good and productive at the time when they are in the store. These customers are challenging and very difficult to convince. They are capable of bringing high profit when treated tactfully.

► Need-Oriented Customers − They have a specific product on mind and they often plan before buying. They only buy when they need a product. They are difficult to satisfy. They need reasons to switch to another product or brand.

► Wanderers − They are least profitable ones to a business. At times, they are not sure what to buy. They are normally new in the industry and mostly visit the suppliers only to confirm their needs on products. They like to find out the features of the products in the market but they are least interested in buying.

► High Volume Customers − They are the ones who consume a high volume of products.

► High Future Lifetime Value Customers − The ones who can contribute profits in future.

► Benchmark Customers − They are the ones whom other customers follow.

► Door Openers − They can open doors to a new market for the supplier.

► Inspiring Customers − They force the suppliers to change for betterment. They suggest product improvements or inform the suppliers about opportunities of cost reduction.