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.

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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

See Examples For:

upsell upselling upsold

“AI is deeply embedded in the upsell momentum for cybersecurity vendors” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 7, 2026

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

“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

Telenor said it expects the acquisition to deliver significant synergies over time, including through upselling and cross selling across its broader product portfolio.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Service companies often reject the suggestion that diagnostic or investigation fees are simply a form of upselling.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 2026

When parents arrive at the end of the school day, the children spring into action; holding customer's bags, totting up totals and, in Edward's case, upselling a tin or two.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026

The only other downside was the relentless upselling throughout the cruise — from drink packages to spa treatments, it felt like someone was always trying to sell us something.

From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2025

Even in tough times, sales representatives will naturally try to squeeze out the highest price possible while upselling options and extras.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2020

They were upsold facial filler for places they did not initially request it, and after the treatment were left with extreme swelling and fluid pooling under their eyes.

From BBC ● Dec. 8, 2025

Had he been relentlessly upsold on the fancy wine?

From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2023

If you regularly use an Alexa device, you’ve probably been upsold by Amazon’s assistant at some point.

From The Verge ● Dec. 23, 2021

But regardless, it’s alarming that a signal designed to warn that your plane may be about to pitch toward the Earth was upsold like a free checked bag.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 22, 2019

He noted that he was upsold a few items and given a car smaller than the one he reserved.

From New York Times ● Jan. 16, 2016