Learn English – customer-centered vs customer-centric

word-choice

What is the difference between 'customer-centered' and 'customer-centric'? It seems to me that 'customer-centered' is plain and understandable. I do not see any reason to replace it with 'customer-centric.'

Best Answer

I've done some further research and into more credible sources. Firstly, I think we can all agree that the term customer centered is synonymous with customer focused. According to Cambridge Online Dictionary:

Customer focused: paying great ​attention to the ​needs and ​opinions of ​customers.

The term Customer Centricity was coined by Wharton Professor Peter Fader; and has a distinct meaning from customer centered.

Customer centricity means that you’re going to be friendly, provide good service and develop new products and services for the special focal customers — the ones who provide a lot of value for you — but not necessarily for the other ones. You need to pick and choose. Some customers deserve the special treatment, and if others want to buy from you, that’s great, but they are not going to be treated the same. -Peter Fader

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