upsell

American  

[uhp-sel] / ˈʌpˌsɛl /

verb (used with or without object)

upsold, upselling

1. to try to persuade (a customer) to buy more, or to buy something more expensive.

   I don’t like aggressive salesmen trying to upsell me or tack on expensive warranties.

2. to sell (something) in this way.

   Want to upsell merchandise or VIP experiences on your website? No problem.

---

noun

1. an act or instance of making such an attempt (often used attributively).

   Unlike other software companies, we don't have complex pricing tiers or upsells.

   If one of your other products would solve a customer's problem, it's a great opportunity to send an upsell email.

Etymology

Origin of upsell

First recorded in 1975–80; up- ( def. ) + sell ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The vet says this would create pressure to "upsell" services.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Gifted with every upsell in Hyundai’s ample larder, our Calligraphy AWD tester carried 364 pounds of extra luxury around its midsection, compared to the FWD model.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

“If you call the number on your bill, you’re calling customer service, and their job is to upsell you,” Keaney says.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

“It is also the volume that allows Microsoft to upsell data fabric and other infrastructure software, thus getting growth leverage and lifting AI margins overall.”

From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025

Salespeople would always tell you—in an effort to upsell you, but it was true—that the system will only sound as good as its worst component.

From Slate • Aug. 13, 2025