Sales Glossary

10 Sales terms

Knowing words of sales allows us to understand this field

Bargain

A product bought or offered for sale at a much lower price than is expected.

Example: “The laptop was a real bargain.”

fr: Bonne affaire

Cold calling

Noun

A technique that involves contacting potential (possible) customers who have had no previous contact with the salesperson who is making the call.

Example: “I always get annoyed when a cold caller decides to disturb my rest.”

fr: Appel à froid

Faulty goods

Defective goods, imperfect products

Example: “Their bad reputation was a result of having sold several faulty goods.”

fr: Produits défectueux

Price conscious

Seeking the lowest prices.

Example: “She was so price conscious that she kept looking for the best deal until the product wasn’t available anymore.”

fr: Soucieux du prix

Prospect

Potential customer or client.

Example: “Salespeople can identify prospects by direct mailing, emailing or cold calling.”

fr: Perspective

Retail

The selling of goods or services in small quantities to customers.

Example: “Retail sales are up three percent from last year.”

fr: Vendre au détail

Sales pitch

A sales presentation that tries to persuade someone to buy a product.

Example: “Her sales pitch was so good that it convinced almost everyone in the room.”

fr: Argumentaire de vente

Submit an invoice

To send or give a bill for a purchase.

Example: “They submitted the invoice late, so I assumed the product wouldn’t arrive on time.”

fr: Soumettre une facture

To buy in bulk

To purchase goods in large amounts, usually at a discount.

Example: “We bulk-buy office supplies because it’s a lot cheaper.”

fr: Acheter en gros

Wholesale

The sale of large quantities of goods (to retailers or to other wholesalers) at lower prices than in retailing.

Example: “Is that price retail or wholesale?”

fr: De gros