English for Sales

90 essential sales expressions, along with their meanings and contextual examples, to cover a wide range of sales concepts, strategies, and activities.
Basic Sales Terminology

1. Sales Pitch
A presentation to persuade a prospect to buy a product or service.
Example: “He perfected his sales pitch to emphasize the product’s unique features.”

2. Value Proposition
A statement explaining why a customer should choose a product over competitors.
Example: “Our value proposition focuses on high quality at an affordable price.”

3. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
A unique benefit that makes a product stand out from competitors.
Example: “Our USP is our lifetime warranty on all products.”

4. Lead
A potential customer interested in your product or service.
Example: “We generated 50 new leads from last week’s trade show.”

5. Prospect
A qualified lead that has shown interest and has the potential to become a customer.
Example: “The sales team follows up with each prospect to build interest.”

6. Closing
The final step in the sales process where the deal is completed.
*Example:* “He used several closing techniques to secure the deal.”

7. Conversion Rate
The percentage of leads that turn into customers.
Example: “Improving our website boosted our conversion rate by 20%.”

8. Quota
The sales target or goal set for a salesperson or team.
Example: “Each team member has a monthly sales quota to meet.”

9. Upselling
Encouraging a customer to purchase a higher-end product.
Example: “During the sale, she upsold customers to the premium model.”

10. Cross-Selling
Recommending additional products related to the main purchase.
Example: “Cross-selling accessories increased the average sale per customer.”

 

Sales Process and Techniques

11. Cold Calling
Contacting potential customers who have not shown prior interest.
Example: “Cold calling is often used to reach new prospects.”

12. Warm Calling
Calling a prospect who has shown some level of interest.
Example: “Warm calling is generally more effective than cold calling.”

13. Referral
A lead generated through a recommendation from an existing customer.
Example: “Referrals are often high-quality leads with a higher conversion rate.”

14. Objection Handling
Addressing concerns or hesitations a prospect has about a product.
Example: “He overcame the client’s pricing objection with a payment plan.”

15. Follow-Up
Contacting prospects after initial outreach to maintain interest.
Example: “Timely follow-ups often increase the chance of a sale.”

16. Discovery Call
An initial call to understand the prospect’s needs and requirements.
Example: “The discovery call revealed that the client needed custom features.”

17. Needs Assessment
Identifying the specific needs of a prospect to tailor the pitch.
Example: “A thorough needs assessment leads to more effective selling.”

18. Sales Funnel
The process through which a prospect moves from awareness to purchase.
Example: “We analyze each stage of the sales funnel to identify drop-off points.”

19. Pipeline
The collection of prospects in different stages of the sales process.
Example: “The sales pipeline includes prospects at various decision stages.”

20. Pain Points
The specific problems or needs a prospect is facing.
Example: “Our pitch addressed the company’s pain points with tailored solutions.”

 

Sales Strategies and Models

21. Consultative Selling
A sales approach focused on understanding and solving the prospect’s needs.
Example: “Consultative selling builds trust and long-term relationships.”

22. Solution Selling
Focusing on how the product solves a problem rather than just its features.
Example: “Solution selling shifts the focus from product to customer benefit.”

23. Transactional Selling
A straightforward approach focused on closing the deal quickly.
Example: “Transactional selling works well for low-cost, high-volume products.”

24. Account-Based Selling (ABS)
A targeted approach focusing on high-value accounts with personalized strategies.
Example: “Account-based selling improved our close rates with large companies.”

25. Inbound Sales
Engaging with leads that have shown interest in the product through marketing efforts.
Example: “Our inbound sales team handles leads from the website and social media.”

26. Outbound Sales
Reaching out to potential customers proactively through calls, emails, or meetings.
Example: “The outbound sales team focuses on cold outreach and lead generation.”

27. Territory Management
Dividing geographic areas to assign specific sales responsibilities.
Example: “The sales manager assigned territories to each sales representative.”

28. Sales Enablement
Providing sales teams with the resources, tools, and training needed to sell effectively.
Example: “Sales enablement improved performance by 30% last quarter.”

29. Sales Forecasting
Predicting future sales based on historical data and market trends.
Example: “Accurate sales forecasting helps manage inventory levels.”

30. Sales Playbook
A guide containing strategies, tactics, and best practices for the sales team.
Example: “The playbook includes tips for handling common objections.”

Metrics and Performance Indicators

31. Sales Target
A goal set for individual sales reps or teams to achieve within a timeframe.
Example: “The team exceeded its quarterly sales target.”

32. Gross Margin
The difference between sales revenue and the cost of goods sold.
Example: “Our focus is on high-margin products to increase profitability.”

33. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)
The total revenue a customer is expected to generate over their lifetime.
Example: “High CLV customers are a priority for upselling and retention.”

34. Average Deal Size
The average revenue generated from each closed sale.
Example: “Our average deal size increased by 15% after the product upgrade.”

35. Sales Velocity
The speed at which leads move through the sales funnel.
Example: “Increasing sales velocity results in quicker conversions.”

36. Win Rate
The percentage of closed deals out of total opportunities.
Example: “Improving our win rate by 5% could significantly boost revenue.”

37. Quota Attainment
The percentage of the sales quota achieved by a salesperson or team.
Example: “All team members achieved over 90% quota attainment.”

38. Revenue Per Salesperson
The revenue generated by each salesperson in a specific period.
Example: “We track revenue per salesperson to assess individual performance.”

39. Cost of Sale
The expenses involved in acquiring a customer, including marketing and sales efforts.
Example: “Reducing cost of sale increases overall profit margins.”

40. Sales Cycle Length
The time it takes to close a deal from the first contact to completion.
Example: “Reducing the sales cycle length improves cash flow.”

 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

41. Customer Retention
Keeping existing customers engaged and loyal to the brand.
Example: “Our retention rate increased after launching the loyalty program.”

42. Churn Rate
The percentage of customers who stop buying or engaging with the brand.
Example: “Lowering our churn rate is a top priority.”

43. Account Management
Managing and nurturing relationships with key accounts.
Example: “The account manager regularly checks in to understand client needs.”

44. Client Onboarding
Guiding new customers through the initial steps after purchase.
Example: “A smooth onboarding process increases customer satisfaction.”

45. Relationship Selling
Focusing on building long-term relationships rather than just one-time sales.
Example: “Relationship selling helps with customer retention and referrals.”

46. Customer Success
Ensuring that customers achieve their desired outcomes with the product.
Example: “Our customer success team provides training and support.”

47. Key Account
A high-value client that represents a significant portion of revenue.
Example: “We assigned a dedicated manager to our key accounts.”

48. Customer Touchpoint
Any interaction between the customer and brand during the buying process.
Example: “Improving touchpoints can enhance the overall customer experience.”

49. Service-Level Agreement (SLA)
A contract outlining the service standards between a company and its clients.
Example: “The SLA guarantees a response time of 24 hours for inquiries.”

50. Customer Satisfaction (CSAT)
A measure of how happy customers are with the product or service.
Example: “High CSAT scores reflect positive customer experiences.”

 

Negotiation and Deal-Making

51. Price Negotiation
Discussing terms to agree on a price that works for both parties.
Example: “After price negotiation, they settled on a fair discount.”

52. Discount
A reduction in price offered to incentivize purchase.
Example: “Offering a discount helped close the sale faster.”

53. Bundle Offer
Selling multiple products together at a reduced price.
Example: “The bundle offer included a free accessory with each purchase.”

54. Value-Based Pricing
Pricing based on the perceived value to the customer rather than cost.
Example: “Value-based pricing positioned the product as a premium option.”

55. Gross Sales
Total sales revenue before any deductions.
Example: “Gross sales hit a record high last quarter.”

56. Sales Contract
A formal agreement between a buyer and a seller.
Example: “Both parties signed the sales contract after negotiations.”

57. Proposal
A document outlining the terms of a potential deal or project.
Example: “The client reviewed the proposal before making a decision.”

58. Commission
A percentage of sales revenue earned by salespeople.
Example: “Sales reps earn commission on each closed deal.”

59. Revenue Recognition
Accounting for revenue only when a sale is complete.
Example: “Revenue recognition practices align with accounting standards.”

60. Terms and Conditions
The rules and guidelines governing a sale or agreement.
Example: “The terms and conditions cover return policies and warranties.”

Advanced Sales Strategies and Tactics

61. Consultative Approach
A selling style that involves acting as an advisor to help the customer solve a problem.
Example: “Using a consultative approach builds trust and long-term relationships.”

62. Solution-Based Selling
Focusing on the customer’s specific problem and offering a tailored solution.
Example: “Solution-based selling helps meet the unique needs of each client.”

63. Account-Based Marketing (ABM)
Tailoring marketing efforts specifically for high-value accounts.
Example: “Account-based marketing helped us secure large enterprise clients.”

64. Lead Qualification
The process of determining whether a lead is likely to become a customer.
Example: “Lead qualification saves time by focusing on high-potential prospects.”

65. Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
Metrics used to evaluate the success of sales activities and strategies.
Example: “Monthly sales KPIs include conversion rates and average deal size.”

66. Buyer Persona
A detailed profile representing an ideal customer, including demographics and preferences.
Example: “Creating a buyer persona helps target our messaging more effectively.”

67. Target Audience
The specific group of people most likely to buy the product.
Example: “Our target audience for this campaign includes tech-savvy professionals.”

68. Sales Play
A specific tactic or sequence used by sales reps in particular situations.
Example: “The sales play for new leads involves a discovery call followed by a demo.”

69. Buying Cycle
The process a customer goes through when deciding to purchase a product.
Example: “Understanding the buying cycle helps tailor our follow-up timing.”

70. Sales Enablement Content
Resources that help sales reps provide more value to prospects.
Example: “Sales enablement content includes case studies and product comparison sheets.”

 

Advanced Sales Metrics and Performance Tracking

71. Sales Growth Rate
The percentage increase in sales over a specific period.
Example: “Our sales growth rate improved by 10% last quarter.”

72. Market Penetration
The extent to which a product is recognized and used by customers in a market.
Example: “Our market penetration in Europe has steadily increased.”

73. Deal Closure Rate
The percentage of deals closed compared to those in the pipeline.
Example: “Our deal closure rate improved with better qualification processes.”

74. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
The cost of acquiring a new customer.
Example: “Reducing CAC can increase profitability and improve return on investment.”

75. Sales Rep Productivity
Measurement of the effectiveness of a salesperson in generating revenue.
Example: “Tools that improve sales rep productivity streamline time management.”

76. Sales Operations
Processes and activities that support sales teams, such as analytics and planning.
Example: “Sales operations streamline our pipeline tracking and reporting.”

77. Sales Revenue Growth
The increase in revenue generated by the sales team over time.
Example: “Our team achieved impressive sales revenue growth this quarter.”

78. Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
Predictable revenue generated every month from subscriptions or ongoing contracts.
Example: “Increasing MRR is essential for our long-term financial stability.”

79. Sales Trend Analysis
Evaluating sales data to identify trends and patterns.
Example: “Sales trend analysis revealed a seasonal spike in December.”

80. Revenue per Customer
The average amount of revenue earned from each customer.
Example: “Increasing revenue per customer is a goal for upselling strategies.”

 

Sales Communication and Customer Engagement

81. Touchpoint Management
Strategically managing interactions with customers to ensure a positive experience.
Example: “Touchpoint management helps maintain consistency across customer interactions.”

82. Value-Based Selling
Emphasizing the value and outcomes of a product rather than focusing solely on price.
Example: “With value-based selling, we highlight how the product solves specific issues.”

83. Sales Cadence
A structured schedule for following up with leads or customers.
Example: “A clear sales cadence helps sales reps maintain regular contact.”

84. Customer Buying Signals
Indicators that a prospect is ready to make a purchase.
Example: “Understanding buying signals helps us know when to move towards closing.”

85. Decision Maker
The individual with the authority to make purchasing decisions.
Example: “Identifying the decision maker early is key to closing a deal.”

86. Influencer
A person within a company who influences buying decisions, even if they don’t make the final decision.
Example: “The manager was the main influencer in the decision-making process.”

87. Multi-Channel Sales
Selling through various platforms, including in-person, online, and over the phone.
Example: “Multi-channel sales meet customers wherever they prefer to engage.”

88. Lifetime Value (LTV)
The predicted total revenue a customer will generate over their lifetime with the company.
Example: “LTV is a crucial metric for assessing customer profitability.”

89. Service Recovery
Actions taken to resolve a problem or complaint from a customer.
Example: “Service recovery efforts helped rebuild trust after the issue.”

90. Post-Sale Follow-Up
Checking in with a customer after the sale to ensure satisfaction and encourage future sales.
Example: “Post-sale follow-up is essential for building long-term relationships.”

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