customer database

Collection of records of consumer purchasing patterns and histories stored in a computer system and organized so that it can be retrieved quickly to provide information for a variety of uses. Information contained in a customer database is obtained from store receipts, credit card purchases, mail-order requests, information inquiries, and other sources demonstrating customer preferences or predisposition to purchasing a product. Customer databases are useful to marketers when planning promotions for new products, repeat sales, or cross-selling techniques.