Who are considered external customers?

External customers are individuals or entities that are outside the organization and utilize its products or services. They are crucial to a business's success as they directly influence revenue and growth. Understanding this group is essential for companies as they need to address the needs and preferences of these customers to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.

In the context of the other options: employees using internal services are internal customers, as they operate within the organization. Vendors providing supplies are partners in the supply chain rather than customers, and managers overseeing operations are part of the internal structure of the business as well. Therefore, only individuals outside the organization who engage with its offerings accurately represent external customers.