I don't buy much in bricks and mortar stores except groceries and I rarely go into the bank. When I do no one has bothered me much with up selling. I do however get sick of the Target clerk asking me if I want to save 5% with a red card. No, not today, not ever do I want another credit card. I'm not rude about it though as I know they're just doing what they're told and they are very good at it. That's usually what I say - no but you all sure do a good job of asking me every time I'm here. I try to just be happy and be nice. It makes for a better life of everyone.

The eyebrows! Yes! And hair products that I never used. My hair dresser recently asked me to pay her tips in cash because the salon is going to report to the IRS as wages if done by credit card. I tip well and yet it bothered me. I do not carry cash. The second time she asked, I let her know that she would be getting less pay because my DH doesn't realize how much I tip her and already balks at my almost $200.00 every 4 weeks. I have short hair, no blow outs and am still ugly. :)

In most of these examples, it's the business model and sales training structure that's requiring the upsell. The execution is from the hourly employees who have no choice but to comply. If you don't like the upsell, find another business to patronize.

My DD once worked at a retail store that is notorious for the upsell and trying to get you to donate, etc, etc. She hated it with a passion each time she had to ask a customer. But she said that it was required of them and if they didn't ask, they could be fired. There were secret shoppers that reported on cashiers and DD did know one girl who was let go because she didn't run the whole spiel. People who have to work in those low paying jobs can't afford to lose them so they're stuck annoying customers.

I think if you go in being prepared to just say no, it won't bother you as much. My nail salon technician will always ask if I want to upgrade my pedicure.

I donate to two charities. I therefor never give to xyz at a register. And, I explain that I already give to two charities.

Hate the upsell!! I just want to make my purchase or transaction and be on my way. Wasting my time with an unnecessary conversation, especially when I say no the first time to a credit card offer, is especially annoying. I know the sales clerks are required to ask but please don't be pushy. Maybe if we complain to store management when these 'pushy' incidents occur they would better get the message. I imagine there are a lot of cases where the sales people are embarrassed about it as neetsiepie describes.

It's not store management that makes these decisions, but corporate policy. You rarely see an upsell with a local store.

I've really appreciated the balanced responses I've seen here. Clearly, we're not a bunch of tightwads who won't part with our money. We just don't want to be bothered with an endless stream of offers to take our money for something we don't want or need.

One other thing I wanted to add about tipping is that I really, really dislike when the server asks, "Do you want change" when they pick up my money at the table. It's just a matter of semantics, I know, but it's just started happening regularly in the last few years. Before that, the server would just say, "I'll get your change and be right back," thus giving me the opportunity to say, "That's okay. We're good." Sometimes when they ask, I am tempted to say, "No, I really want to tip $40 on a $10 check." I don't, of course, because it would be snarky and it really is just a matter of an unfortunate way of phrasing the question. I hear it so often now it doesn't annoy me as much and I'm just resigned to being asked that; but when someone doesn't say that, I notice and often add a few dollars to an already generous tip.

In the grand scheme of things, this is not something I let bother me. There are so many more important things that get my knickers in a twist, so to speak, and if I don't let go of the small "annoyances" I would be angry or irritated far too often. I have gotten so good at that, that there are very few things that annoy me.

I guess this is considered an upsell. From AARP of all places. I was looking at their website one day and came across an article on local car dealerships that participate with AARP and give discounts on new vehicles if you're a member.

I filled out the online info so I'd get prices back via email. As soon as I hit "Send," the phone started ringing off the hook from all the dealerships! One after another. I was nice, but to me, that was a huge scam by AARP, and I plan on not renewing my membership. I also emailed them a complaint.

Which is why you should never fill out such forms, online or otherwise. AARP is just a lobbying and sales organization, the product being your name and contact info.

Any time you give your contact info, you give them carte blanche to contact info. Solution? Don't give out your info so casually.

It wasn't a big deal, I give out info all the time since I mostly shop online. It would have been nice had they said I'd be receiving phone calls.

When asked if I want to donate to such and such at the register, I simply say no. Same when asked about an upsell item. I don't owe an explanation as to what i will or won't do with my money.

I've become pretty savvy about giving out my contact info. What really galls me is that places now are starting to be very aggressive with requiring your email address. I went to buy a new dryer and the sales person told me they needed my email or a cell phone number before they could complete the transaction. She claimed I would not be contacted if I declined messaging services, but shortly after that I got a text from the company.

It seems you can't go to any corporate owned place and not give out some kind of personal information. Can't even buy a bottle of aspirin at the drug store without them wanting your 'rewards card'. I even got an upsell on one of those-according to the clerk I was qualified for their enhanced rewards card system-just wanted my cell phone number so I could be notified of specials. Ridiculous.

As for the appliance store requiring an email address or cell #? If you had declined, they would still sell you the dryer. I promise that your non-cooperation would not stop the sale.

I just make up email or phone # in order to access something I want. I refuse to give it at stores, but on websites that want you to "join" to even look, I just put in a fake email address. Works just fine.

But how do you know that a made up number is not actually a real number that belongs to someone?

I use the 555 prefix that I believe isn't assigned. (at least that's how it used to be on tv).

I ask because many years ago when I didn't want to give my real number, I gave my old phone number instead. I figured this was safe enough, but one day out of the blue a man called me and said that he had been assigned my old number and was getting calls for me. He was not a happy camper - in fact, he seemed a little psychotic. It never occurred to me back then that my old number belonged to someone else. Aside from being slightly terrified from the angry phone call, I was so embarrassed!

I would give 123456789. The clerk understands. But now I just say "No", and the clerk knows.

I have a junk email address that I give out when needed. If someone in a bricks and mortar establishment asks me for it I ask why they need it. If there's no reason of benefit to me I don't even give them my junk mail address.

I got rid of my old land line but kept the number on a cheap "family member" cell phone. That's the phone number I give out to anyone who isn't a close personal friend or family member or someone I want to be able to reach me. I never answer the old land line number. I check voicemail every couple days in case someone legitimate is trying to reach me. For example if I order something to pick up locally and they need to call me when it's ready.

I generally don't answer my cell phone unless it's someone I know. I do get some junk calls and don't want to give them any encouragement by answering. I also block any junk numbers that do get through but they just call again with a different number.

It's all a nuisance but an insignificant problem in the big scheme of things.

I especially hate the upsale when ordering by phone. I often order by phone...I find it easier at times. I have everything ready to make a very quick transaction, and then they throw in offers! It is so annoying. I immediately say " no upsales, please". That usually works.

I also have a junk email address for orders, stores, etc. it's kinda weird, and a lot of time, I don't even expect they will enter it correctly. So if they don't, who cares. Most of the time, I just decline to give my email or tell them they already have it.

I also use a junk email address. Mine is also a little weird in that it includes an underscore, which often does not get entered correctly.

As far as paying cash for a car, the dealerships generally do not care. They get their money whether it is cash or financed.

Now even if you pay cash for a car, the closing paperwork is turned over to the finance department, it is not handled by the sales personnel. The finance person/closer is the one who tries to sell the add-ons.

I never give out my phone number, don't mind the email address because you can always put them in spam.

When buying a vehicle, I go online, then when I get emails from the various dealers I tell them what I want and what I will pay. If they agree to my terms, great! If not I move on. We bought two new trucks, got exactly what we wanted, paid exactly what we wanted AND they gave us an even better financing rate than we already had. Had to drive an hour but well worth it. The local dealer wanted to know "why" I was stuck on my top number and wouldn't pay more. LOL. Bet they wonder why I bought two new vehicles somewhere else.

Having worked retail, I know the employees have to ask. So I just say "no thanks".

Especially now if you are buying a new vehicle and maybe you've test driven it (or not if you know exactly what you want), there are so little choices in trim lines (interior and exterior colors and options), that if you find the one you want (e.g., white, tan leather, satellite radio, premium or limited line, etc. ) I read I think in Consumer Reports that savvy consumers negotiate this way without ever stepping into a dealership.

With buying Certified Pre-Owned/CPO, I would still probably go check out the cars. There could be small things such as paint knicks or other signs that could make a difference.

gsciencechick once they get you in the doors they hold you hostage :)) I do not care about color or trim, just certain features I must have. oh, wait, no red. LOL. I exchanged several emails with the salesman, I told him i did not want to waste his time or mine. I wanted this this and this and would pay only this for all of it. I told him if it was not as we discussed i would turn around and walk out. Just wanted him to be prepared. The whole experience was so great, we bought another vehicle from him two weeks later. You just have to be willing to spend your time up front and be clear about what you want and what you will pay AND be willing to walk away.

I just brace myself to expect it, whether at the department/big box store, car rental counter, etc. I realize the upseller-ers are simply doing their job, so I don't hold it against them nor give them a hard time (a la don't kill the messenger). However, if I've politely said 'no thanks' with a smile, and they continue to push it, that's when I'm inclined to get a bit terse.

Auto dealers, furniture stores, and appliance stores are places I never visit unless I am planning on buying that day.

All my years in home improvement and building I offered Good, Better, Best. 80% of the time, the customer chose Better and 10% of the time, they chose Best. I offered it because of the better value. Regardless what they chose, my margin was consistently 35%.

Tim Horton's always asks, "would you like espresso added to your coffee this morning"? "How about a donut, bagel or muffin"?

So when I pull up I say, "one medium dark roast with cream, and nothing else, please. Thank you. The only response I get is "your total is $1.65".

It doesn't bother me when a clerk seeks to upsell. It's their job. Many of you probably work for companies that practice upselling, upgrading, etc.

A friend of mine works for a bank and I shared this thread with her. She informed me that all staff members are trained to "cross sell" and rewarded by promotions and bonuses.

I just had a flashback to years ago when I wanted to discuss price on a certain car at a dealership. The salesman said, "Sure - happy to help you, but we do ask that you give us a check for $50 that we WILL return to you, but we just want to make sure you're really interested in serous discussion."

I wonder how many customers besides me that they lost with that little gem!

Boycott Amazon. They pitch the upsell on everything you buy.

I'm a long time Amazon Prime member and I can smell an upsell at 500 paces, and I don't get that sense from Amazon. Care to give examples?

Selling people things they don't need, for personal gain like a promotion, is morally ambiguous at best.

mimi,

Upselling is a sales technique whereby a
seller induces the customer to purchase more expensive items, upgrades
or other add-ons in an attempt to make a more profitable sale.

Every time you select a product, Amazon attempts an upsell with the intention of getting you to add on more products. I'm sure you've seen...

Frequently Bought Together

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Sponsored Products Related To This Item

Cross selling and upselling by Amazon rakes in $$$ per day.

Amazon Upsell Strategy

You are absolutely right, brushworks. Amazon is just one of many many doing that.

What about Prime. Or their credit card. Every time at checkout.

I would never boycott Amazon because their upsell's are relevant to what I'm buying. I can't tell you how much time I've saved searching for a particular item to go with what I bought, because Amazon has it right there. I probably take advantage of their upsell half the time I order.

Snookums, I also like their credit card. The rewards points add up and are a great discount for items bought from Amazon.

Eh, I don't feel the upsell from Amazon and in fact, appreciate the items they present. In fact, it's helped me find alternative items and given me ideas. For me, there's no pressure, like a human being bugging you go apply for a credit card and save 10% RIGHT NOW!

It's never struck me as an upsell, but yes, a sell in that Amazon uses my search criteria to give me choices, and in that sense, it's been a positive to me. I am on Amazon so much that I don't even see the peripheral advertising. I really don't. I know how to search, where to look and how to do my buying efficiently.

A nanosecond glance at their credit card offer is innocuous to me.

I've never felt that I've gone onto Amazon to buy something and come out the other end having spend way more than intended. Further, Amazon gives me-the consumer- vastly more information so that my purchases are more informed than any other buying platform I experience.

Oh, and thanks for the definition on upsell ;-/

Oakley, I wasn't commenting on the value of either Prime or their credit card. It was stated that they don't try to upsell.

I love Amazon and use it all the time. Those two offerings don't bother me in the least nor does the bought-with area. Brick & mortar upselling and 'helpfulness', on the other hand, gets to the point of harrassment and drives me up a wall.

We agree, Amazon upsells.

I'm not especially annoyed with upselling, but I'm sick of cashiers at every store asking for my email address, phone number, and zip code. I don't give out personal or demographic data, but every now and then, some twit will try to argue with me telling me they can't ring the purchase without a zip code. Fine: it's 00000.

Agree that Amazon does upsell, but they do not "push" me to change my purchase or give me a sad/shocked expression when I ignore the upsell. Sometimes they come up with a good idea, although 99%+ of the time I do not need what they are offering. My daughter used to work for Banana Republic (BR), they were expected to ask if the customer wanted shoes or a belt with the whatever they were trying on, assuming the store was not too busy. She did not mind doing that but dd not like the pressure to find customers that were willing to open Banana Republic credit card account. Not obtaining "x" new accounts a month put her job in jeopardy. She felt that it was more important to BR that she obtain new credit card accounts, than sell clothing. The employees were only given a extremely small bonus , I think $10, when they opened over 5 accounts per month, otherwise nothing. However, management must have been receiving a bonus related to the credit cards as they were constantly bugging employees to open more cards.

some twit will try to argue with me telling me they can't ring the purchase without a zip code. Fine: it's 00000.

*******

The only place I get this from is Tuesday Morning. They always say that they're collecting demographic info, while their POS systems are archaic.

I have a very convenient Pet Value nearby. It's been there for years and they've undergone a couple renovation, and carry very good products now. Despite that, I find I only go there if I really need dog food quickly, and don't feel like driving farther.

Their checkout system is 20 years behind, and I have to dig out my membership card (to get points) and hand it over, because again, their technology is so old that you can't just tell them, or input, your phone #. On top of all that, they are always pushing customers to buy cans of food or cat litter for their adoption efforts.

I'm no Scrooge, but most times, I just don't want the hassle.

How often do any of you listen to an upsell while seated in the dentist chair?

How often do you purchase the upsell from the dentist chair?

I don't recall them at the dentist but all the upselling at the vet seems pretty unethical. It makes me question everything they want to do. Doctors and salesmanship don't mix well.

BB, TJ's always does this zip code thing with me. No idea why they need it, but I'm already addicted.

Brushworks, I'll purchase anything in exchange for laughing gas:)

I don't say anything. I just quietly make the sign language for no. Works every time.

Retail and fast food employees hate saying this canned @$?! Only a robot should have to go through it time after time.

We got new cell phones this week, different provider because old one is very weak in this area. First store we went into, we heard about every offer under the sun, who is our IPS? Our TV? Would we like the new package? Would we like another package $10 less? I told him to can all the upsell. We said we'd think about it all.

Went to another store same company. Got the two phones we wanted. and for some mysterious reasons, monthly charges are $20 less that was quoted at first store. And only attempt at upsell was offer of a free tablet, but it had a monthly service charge, so we said no.

Wells Fargo is charged with over-aggressive 'incentive' programs that resulted in 2 million phony accounts and 5300 employees losing their jobs. I have no doubt that this is result of the pressure on employees to upsell. The bank is being changed $185 million in fines and will pay restitution to customers.

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