What distinguishes a lost customer within the sales process?

A lost customer within the sales process is characterized by having a 0% probability of future sales. This designation typically means that the customer has either fully disengaged or made a decision not to continue with the relationship, whether by choosing a competitor's product or service, stopping their purchasing activities altogether, or expressing a clear intent not to return. Understanding this categorization is crucial for businesses as it informs their strategies for customer retention and acquisition, highlighting that these customers are unlikely to contribute to sales or business growth in the future, hence requiring different treatment compared to active or potential customers.