hard sell

noun

Definition of hard sell

: aggressive high-pressure salesmanship — compare soft sell

Examples of hard sell in a Sentence

Such an expensive project will be a hard sell during these slow economic times.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then the hepatitis crisis hit, and the notion of a years-long plan became a hard sell when the public and influential figures demanded immediate action. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Why San Diego will never ‘solve’ homelessness," 21 Aug. 2019 But with Proposition 13 still very popular among voters, any changes in it will still be a hard sell. — Dan Walters, The Mercury News, "Walters: Measure to raise commercial property taxes withdrawn," 15 Aug. 2019 Fighting domestic terrorists like the government fights foreign ones could be a hard sell. — Ron Kampeas, sun-sentinel.com, "9/11-style response needed to fight white supremacists, Jewish security officials say," 13 Aug. 2019 Simmons’ softer approach to immigration policy may be a hard sell for his fellow Republicans, especially in an election year. — orlandosentinel.com, "Florida Sen. David Simmons proposes work, driving permits for illegal immigrants," 22 July 2019 But at the time, Jenkins had a hard sell—his argument was circulating in a culture where many people had already given up on the future of childhood. — Kate Eichhorn, WIRED, "Social Media Could Make It Impossible to Grow Up," 8 July 2019 Jackson could still be a hard sell since he is being recruited to Michigan State by SPIRE teammate Rocket Watts, a Spartan signee. — Danielle Lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Big Board 4.0: Louisville basketball's 2020 recruiting targets," 27 June 2019 And that candidate, Jamie Zahlaway Belsito of Topsfield, once aided Moulton’s onetime Republican opponent, Richard Tisei, which might be a hard sell to Democratic primary voters. — James Pindell, BostonGlobe.com, "Seth Moulton didn’t make the debate stage. Here’s what’s going on with his campaign," 13 June 2019 This sandbar wedged between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay was a hard sell, with narrow lots going for as little as $450. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Mission Beach: Small lots, big roller coaster," 27 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hard sell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for hard sell

hard sell

noun

Financial Definition of hard sell

What It Is

A hard sell is an aggressive sales tactic used to persuade customers to make an immediate purchase. It is the opposite of a soft sell.

How It Works

In a hard sell, a salesperson tries to sell a product or service by applying pressure that suggests a sense of urgency to the buyer. A hard sell is closely associated with short-term advertising and the assumption that consumers are inherently indecisive. For this reason, many rationalize hard selling as a way to ensure that a buyer benefits and does not miss an opportunity.

For example, someone selling a mattress may engage in hard selling by explaining its long-term orthopedic and health benefits while telling the customer that he or she will get an especially great price if the mattress is purchased that day.

Why It Matters

Salespersons must take great care when conducting a hard sell as excessive pressure may appear to customers as a dishonest attempt to make money quickly and manipulate customers.

Source: Investing Answers

hard sell

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hard sell

: an aggressive way of selling something

US : something that is difficult to sell : something that others are not willing or likely to accept

See the full definition for hard sell in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hard sell

Definition of hard sell

Examples of hard sell in a Sentence

First Known Use of hard sell

Financial Definition of hard sell

English Language Learners Definition of hard sell

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