customer

In common usage, a person who buys the merchandise or engages the services of another person. In some contexts, the term has the more extensive connotation of a person who comes to the place of business of another for any purpose of concern to the latter, such as a person who comes to perform mechanical services for the proprietor. Anno: 33 ALR 181; 43 ALR 866; 46 ALR 1111. The term "customers of a stockbroker," as defined by the Bankruptcy Act, includes persons who have claims on account of securities received, acquired, or held by the stockbroker from or for the account of such persons (a) for safekeeping, or (b) with a view to sale, or (c) to cover consummated sales, or (d) pursuant to purchases, or (e) as collateral security, or (f) by way of loans or securities by such persons to the stockbroker, and it also includes persons who have claims against the stockbroker arising out of sales or conversions of such securities. Bankruptcy Act § 60(e) (1); 11 USC § 96(e)(1). One obtaining jewelry from a jeweler on the pretext of showing it to certain persons for their approval with a view to a purchase by them is not a "customer" within an exception in a theft insurance policy of a loss by customers of goods entrusted to them by the insured. 29A Am J Rev ed Ins § 1333. See able customer; cash customer; invitee.