Definition: Upselling

What is upselling?

Upselling is a sales technique used by businesses to encourage customers to purchase a higher-priced or upgraded version of a product or service that they initially intended to purchase.

By highlighting the added value and benefits, businesses aim to persuade customers to invest in an upgraded offering that provides greater value or satisfaction. For example, a customer purchasing a laptop may be offered a higher-tier model with increased processing power, more storage capacity, and advanced features such as a higher-resolution display or longer battery life. The upsell provides the customer with enhanced performance and capabilities, aligning with their needs and preferences while generating increased revenue for the business.

However, if the retailer offers the customer additional accessories such as a laptop bag, wireless mouse, or external hard drive to complement their purchase, it would be an example of cross-selling.