Undersell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ธ
undersell
[หสndษrหsel ]
Definition
business
To sell something for less than its true value or worth, often in order to attract customers. Underselling can also refer to not promoting or marketing a product effectively.
Synonyms
discount, sell cheap, undercut, underprice.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| undersell |
Typically used in business to describe selling products or services at a lower price than competitors to gain an advantage. It can sometimes imply a negative strategy if it undercuts competitors unfairly.
|
| underprice |
Used to describe setting a price point lower than the actual value or competitors, sometimes accidentally. It often implies a missed profit opportunity or error.
|
| undercut |
Used often in competitive business environments to describe setting prices lower than competitors. It can have a negative connotation if it suggests an aggressive and potentially unfair market strategy.
|
| sell cheap |
Informally used to describe selling something at a low price, often implying a lower quality product or desperation to sell quickly. It can have a negative connotation if perceived as undervaluing an item.
|
| discount |
Generally used to indicate a reduction in the usual price of something for a promotional period or to clear stock. It has a positive connotation when used in marketing to attract buyers.
|
Examples of usage
- Many retailers resort to underselling during the holiday season to boost sales.
- The company was underselling their new product, resulting in lower profit margins.
- Underselling may lead to a temporary increase in sales, but it can hurt the brand's overall reputation.
- The practice of underselling can create a price war among competitors.
- Small businesses often struggle with the balance between pricing competitively and underselling.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Business
- In marketing, companies might undersell products to enter a new market and attract customers away from competitors.
- Underselling doesn't always mean lower profit; businesses can benefit from higher sales volume despite lower pricing.
- Some brands intentionally undersell to create an image of value, enhancing consumer perception of affordability.
Psychology
- Buyers often perceive undersold items as a great deal, triggering a positive emotional response and encouraging purchases.
- Consumers may develop a sense of loyalty to brands that consistently provide perceived value through lower prices.
- The psychology of pricing suggests that how something is sold affects consumer behavior, with lower prices often increasing demand.
Pop Culture
- In various movies, characters use underselling as a tactic to outsmart competitors, emphasizing cleverness in negotiations.
- Shows about entrepreneurs often depict the strategy of underselling as a controversial but effective way to gain market share.
- Reality TV competitions sometimes include challenges where participants must undersell to win over judges or audiences.
Economics
- The practice of underselling can lead to price wars, where businesses continuously lower prices to outdo each other.
- Economists examine how underselling impacts market stability and competition, influencing supply and demand dynamics.
- Understanding underselling helps analysts predict market trends, as it can lead to changes in consumer behavior and preferences.
Origin of 'undersell'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'under', meaning below or beneath, with 'sell', referring to the exchange of goods for money.
- The use of 'undersell' dates back to the late 20th century, illustrating market dynamics in commerce.
- The prefix 'under-' often indicates something that is lesser in quantity or quality, a common theme in many English words.
The term 'undersell' originated in the late 18th century, combining 'under' (indicating deficiency or inadequacy) and 'sell' (to exchange goods for money). The concept of underselling has been prevalent in various industries, especially in retail, where companies use pricing strategies to attract customers. Over time, underselling has evolved to include not only pricing tactics but also marketing and promotional techniques aimed at increasing sales volume. The history of underselling reflects the dynamic nature of consumer behavior and market competition.
See also: bestseller, oversell, sell, sellable, seller, sellers, selling, underselling.