Hard sell

A hard sell is a sales technique characterized by aggressive, high-pressure tactics. The salesperson employing a hard sell approach typically focuses on persuading the customer to make an immediate purchase, often using manipulative or forceful language and disregarding the customer's actual needs or concerns. Common features of a hard sell include persistent follow-up, limited-time offers designed to create a sense of urgency, and attempts to overcome objections regardless of their validity.

The hard sell contrasts sharply with consultative selling, where the salesperson acts as an advisor, focusing on understanding the customer's needs and providing solutions tailored to those needs. While a hard sell might result in a quick sale, it can also damage the long-term relationship with the customer and lead to negative word-of-mouth. It's often perceived as unethical and can be detrimental to a company's reputation. The effectiveness of the hard sell is debated; while it may work on some individuals, many find it off-putting and will actively avoid businesses that employ such tactics. Legal restrictions and ethical considerations often discourage the use of overtly aggressive hard sell techniques.