• He works "with" agents, but has no contractual connection.
• He is free to work with any agent &/or private party.
• He is not due either advice or advocacy.
• He is not owed loyalty, obedience or confidentiality.

• The agent works "for" him.
• He & the agent are contractually obligated to each other.
• He is due advice & advocacy.
• He is owed loyalty, obedience & confidentiality!

If you're the proverbial shopper, being a "Customer" would probably suite you best as it gives you more freedom & less obligations. If you're a prudent serious buyer, being a "Client" obviously offers you sooooo much more! You will make a much wiser, more informed buying decision, faster and with more confidence!

When you just call around on ads & pictures - you are a "Customer." The agent will probably attempt to sell you that property on behalf of his Client, the owner of that property. If that doesn't work, typically he'll next try to sell you one of his other listings on behalf of those "clients". Only then, if neither of those are successful, will you typically be exposed to the open market. Aren't you more important and isn't your time more valuable than that???