Top 37 Slang For Selling – Meaning & Usage

Selling has its own language, and if you’re not in the know, you might feel like you’re missing out on a secret code. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top slang words and phrases for selling that will have you speaking like a seasoned salesperson in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something here for everyone. Get ready to boost your sales game and leave your competition in the dust!

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1. Bail

This term is often used to describe someone leaving a situation or place abruptly, especially when they were expected to stay or fulfill a commitment. In the context of selling, it can refer to someone leaving a deal or transaction without completing it.

For example, “He bailed on the sale at the last minute.”
In a discussion about unreliable buyers, one might say, “Watch out for people who bail on you.”
A seller might vent, “I can’t believe they bailed on the deal after all the negotiations.”

2. Ditch

In the context of selling, “ditch” refers to getting rid of an item or product, often quickly or discreetly. It can also mean abandoning a plan or backing out of a deal.

For instance, “I need to ditch these extra items before moving.”
A seller might say, “I’m ditching this old inventory to make room for new products.”
In a conversation about unreliable buyers, someone might comment, “They ditched the deal without any explanation.”

3. Busted

When referring to selling, “busted” means being caught or discovered by law enforcement or authority figures engaging in illegal or unauthorized selling activities.

For example, “He got busted for selling counterfeit goods.”
In a discussion about the risks of selling on the black market, someone might warn, “You could get busted if you’re not careful.”
A seller might share their experience, “I was almost busted by undercover police during a sting operation.”

4. Freebie

In the context of selling, a “freebie” refers to something given to a customer for free, often as a promotional or marketing strategy to attract more buyers or reward loyal customers.

For instance, “Buy one, get one free! It’s a great freebie.”
A seller might advertise, “Get a freebie with every purchase over $50.”
In a conversation about customer satisfaction, someone might say, “They always give freebies to their loyal customers.”

5. Lemon

In the context of selling, a “lemon” refers to a product, usually a vehicle, that is defective or unsatisfactory, often despite being advertised as high quality or in good condition.

For example, “I bought a used car, but it turned out to be a lemon.”
A seller might warn potential buyers, “Be careful, that brand has a reputation for selling lemons.”
In a discussion about consumer rights, someone might say, “If you buy a lemon, you can usually get a refund or replacement.”

6. Shades

This term refers to sunglasses, which are used to protect the eyes from the sun’s rays. It is a casual and informal way to refer to this accessory.

For example, “I always wear my shades when I go to the beach.”
A fashion influencer might post, “Check out these trendy new shades I just bought!”
Someone might ask, “Where did you get those cool shades?”

7. Shotgun

In the context of selling, “shotgun” is used to claim the right to buy or own something before anyone else. It is often used when multiple people are interested in the same item.

For instance, “I call shotgun on that vintage record player!”
In a group chat, someone might say, “Shotgun on the last ticket to the concert.”
A person might announce, “I shotgun that parking spot!”

8. In no time

This phrase is used to indicate that something will happen or be done very quickly or without delay.

For example, “I’ll finish that task in no time.”
A person might say, “I’ll be ready to leave in no time.”
Someone might comment, “He fixed the broken watch in no time at all!”

9. Buck

In the context of selling, “buck” is a slang term for a dollar. It is often used informally to refer to money.

For instance, “I’ll sell you this for 10 bucks.”
In a discussion about prices, someone might say, “I got it for 50 bucks less than the original price.”
A person might ask, “Can you lend me a few bucks?”

10. Rip-off

This term refers to something that is overpriced or not worth its cost. It implies that the seller is taking advantage of the buyer.

For example, “That designer handbag is a total rip-off.”
A person might warn others, “Be careful, that website is known for selling rip-offs.”
Someone might complain, “I can’t believe I paid so much for this, what a rip-off!”

11. Peddle

To peddle means to sell or promote goods or services, often in a persistent or aggressive manner. It can be used to describe someone who is actively trying to sell something.

For example, “He peddled his homemade jewelry at the local market.”
A salesperson might say, “I peddle the latest tech gadgets to customers.”
In a conversation about street vendors, one might mention, “They peddle their goods on the busy city streets.”

12. Hustle

To hustle means to engage in activities to make money quickly and often through unconventional means. It can refer to someone who is working hard to achieve their financial goals.

For instance, “He hustled to make ends meet by doing odd jobs.”
A person discussing their side business might say, “I hustle on the weekends to sell my handmade crafts.”
In a conversation about entrepreneurship, one might mention, “Successful entrepreneurs hustle to turn their ideas into reality.”

13. Push

To push means to sell or promote something aggressively or forcefully. It can be used to describe someone who is actively trying to convince others to buy or engage with a product or service.

For example, “He pushes his products by offering exclusive discounts.”
A salesperson might say, “I push the latest fashion trends to my customers.”
In a conversation about marketing strategies, one might mention, “We need to push our new product to increase sales.”

14. Move

To move means to sell or get rid of something. It can be used to describe the act of selling an item or disposing of it in some way.

For instance, “He moved his old furniture before moving to a new house.”
A person discussing decluttering might say, “I’m moving some of my old clothes to make space.”
In a conversation about garage sales, one might mention, “They moved a lot of their unwanted items at the sale.”

15. Flip

To flip means to buy something at a low price and sell it at a higher price for profit. It can be used to describe the act of purchasing an item with the intention of reselling it for a higher price.

For example, “He flipped vintage clothing for a profit.”
A person discussing their side business might say, “I flip electronics to make extra money.”
In a conversation about investment strategies, one might mention, “Some people flip real estate to generate income.”

16. Pitch

To present or offer something for sale, often with persuasive or enthusiastic language or actions.

For example, a salesperson might say, “Let me pitch you this new product that will revolutionize your life.”
In a business meeting, someone might suggest, “We need to pitch our ideas to the potential investors.”
A person might ask, “Can you pitch me your best price for this car?”

17. Deal

An agreement or arrangement between two or more parties for the exchange of goods or services, usually involving some form of negotiation.

For instance, a buyer might say, “I got a great deal on this new laptop.”
In a business context, someone might discuss, “Closing the deal with a major client.”
A person might ask, “What’s the deal with this new promotion?”

18. Vend

To sell or offer for sale, often in a more formal or business-like manner.

For example, a street vendor might shout, “Vending hot dogs! Get your hot dogs here!”
In a discussion about business strategies, someone might mention, “We need to find new ways to vend our products.”
A person might say, “I’m vending my old clothes at a flea market.”

19. Auction

A public sale in which goods or services are sold to the highest bidder.

For instance, a collector might attend an auction to bid on rare coins.
In a discussion about fundraising, someone might suggest, “Let’s hold an auction to raise money for charity.”
A person might say, “I won the bid at the art auction and now I own a beautiful painting.”

20. Trade

To give something in return for something else, often of equal or similar value.

For example, a person might say, “I’m willing to trade my comic book for your baseball card.”
In a discussion about international commerce, someone might mention, “We need to negotiate trade agreements with other countries.”
A person might ask, “Do you want to trade your tickets for mine?”

21. Retail

This term refers to the process of selling goods or services directly to consumers at a fixed price, typically in a physical store or online.

For example, “I work in retail, so I deal with customers all day.”
A shopper might say, “I love the retail experience of browsing through a store.”
Someone might complain, “Retail prices are too high; I prefer shopping during sales.”

22. Wholesale

Wholesale involves selling goods or products in large quantities to retailers or other businesses, typically at a discounted price.

For instance, “I own a wholesale business, so I supply products to various stores.”
A retailer might say, “I buy my inventory from wholesale suppliers to get better prices.”
Someone might ask, “Do you offer wholesale discounts for bulk purchases?”

23. Market

Market refers to a physical location or online platform where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods or services.

For example, “I love going to the farmers market to buy fresh produce.”
A person might say, “I found a great deal on vintage clothes at the flea market.”
Someone might ask, “Is there a market for handmade crafts?”

24. Shift

Shift is a slang term used to describe the act of selling or moving products quickly, often to avoid excess inventory or to make room for new stock.

For instance, “We need to shift these products before the new collection arrives.”
A store manager might say, “We had a successful shift of our winter inventory.”
Someone might ask, “Do you have any tips for shifting products effectively?”

25. Barter

Barter refers to the act of exchanging goods or services without the use of money, typically through direct negotiation between individuals.

For example, “I bartered my old bicycle for a guitar.”
A person might say, “Bartering can be a great way to save money.”
Someone might ask, “Do you know any online platforms for bartering goods?”

26. Offload

To offload means to sell something quickly or get rid of it. It is often used when referring to selling items that are no longer wanted or needed.

For example, “I need to offload these old clothes before I move.”
A person selling a car might say, “I’m looking to offload this vehicle ASAP.”
In a discussion about decluttering, someone might suggest, “You can offload unwanted items on online marketplaces.”

27. Liquidate

To liquidate means to sell off all assets, typically in a business or financial context. It often refers to selling goods or property to generate cash.

For instance, “The company had to liquidate its inventory to pay off its debts.”
A person closing a business might say, “I’m liquidating all the remaining stock at discounted prices.”
In a discussion about bankruptcy, someone might explain, “When a company files for bankruptcy, they may need to liquidate their assets to repay creditors.”

28. Dump

To dump means to sell something at a low price or dispose of it quickly. It can also refer to getting rid of something without much regard for its value.

For example, “I just want to dump these old books and make some space.”
A person selling used electronics might advertise, “I’m looking to dump this smartphone for a cheap price.”
In a discussion about clearing out clutter, someone might say, “I’m planning to dump all these old clothes at a garage sale.”

29. Push product

To push product means to promote and sell a product aggressively. It involves actively marketing and persuading customers to purchase a particular item.

For instance, “The sales team is working hard to push the new product.”
A person advertising a sale might say, “We’re pushing this limited-time offer, so don’t miss out!”
In a discussion about retail strategies, someone might explain, “Retailers often use various techniques to push their products and increase sales.”

30. Peddle wares

To peddle wares means to sell goods, often on the streets or in a public setting. It can also refer to selling items in a persistent or aggressive manner.

For example, “The street vendor peddles his wares every day in the busy market.”
A person selling homemade crafts might say, “I peddle my wares at local craft fairs.”
In a discussion about entrepreneurship, someone might mention, “Many successful business owners started by peddling their wares in small markets.”

31. Auction off

When you auction off an item, you are putting it up for bid and selling it to the person who offers the highest price. This term is often used when selling unique or valuable items.

For example, “The rare comic book was auctioned off for thousands of dollars.”
A seller might advertise, “I’m auctioning off my vintage record collection.”
A collector might say, “I’m looking to auction off some of my rare stamps.”

32. Sell like hotcakes

When something sells like hotcakes, it means it is in high demand and sells very quickly. This term is often used to describe popular or trendy items that are selling rapidly.

For instance, “The new iPhone model is selling like hotcakes.”
A store owner might say, “These limited edition sneakers are selling like hotcakes.”
A salesperson might exclaim, “Our new product is flying off the shelves!”

33. Cash in

When you cash in on something, you are making a profit or benefiting financially from a particular situation. This term is often used when someone is taking advantage of a favorable circumstance.

For example, “She cashed in on the booming real estate market by selling her properties.”
A business owner might say, “We’re cashing in on the holiday shopping season.”
A stock trader might announce, “I’m cashing in on my investments before the market crashes.”

34. Unload

When you unload something, you are selling it or disposing of it. This term is often used when someone wants to get rid of something they no longer need or want.

For instance, “He unloaded his old furniture at a garage sale.”
A person might say, “I need to unload these extra concert tickets.”
A seller might advertise, “I’m looking to unload my collection of vintage vinyl records.”

35. Wheel and deal

When someone wheels and deals, they are actively engaged in negotiating and making business deals. This term is often used to describe someone who is skilled at bargaining and making advantageous agreements.

For example, “He’s known for his ability to wheel and deal in the real estate market.”
A businessperson might say, “I’m always wheeling and dealing to get the best prices for my company.”
A negotiator might boast, “I can wheel and deal with the best of them.”

36. Trade in

This refers to the act of exchanging an old item for a new one, typically at a reduced cost. It is commonly used in the context of selling or buying goods, especially in the automotive industry.

For instance, a car dealership might advertise, “Trade in your old vehicle and get a discount on a new one!”
A person looking to upgrade their phone might say, “I’m going to trade in my old iPhone for the latest model.”
In a discussion about video games, someone might mention, “I traded in my old console to get the new one with better graphics.”

37. Close a deal

This phrase is used to describe the successful completion of a business transaction, typically involving the sale of goods or services. It signifies the moment when all terms and conditions have been agreed upon and the deal is officially done.

For example, a salesperson might say, “I finally closed the deal with that client, and we secured a big contract.”
In a negotiation, someone might ask, “What can we do to close the deal and reach an agreement?”
A business owner might celebrate, “We closed a record number of deals this quarter!”