Manselling

Manselling is a term used to describe a perceived sales tactic where a salesperson, often a man, uses a condescending or overly simplistic approach to explain a product or service to a customer, particularly a woman. The implication is that the salesperson assumes the customer lacks knowledge or understanding and therefore needs basic explanations, often in a patronizing tone. This behavior can be observed in various retail environments, from electronics stores to car dealerships.

The term gained traction as a way to identify and critique sales interactions that feel dismissive or disrespectful. Critics of manselling argue that it can alienate customers, damage trust, and ultimately hinder sales. It is often characterized by "mansplaining," where a man explains something in a condescending manner, assuming the listener has no knowledge of the topic. In the context of sales, this can manifest as over-explaining features, ignoring customer input, or making assumptions about their needs and capabilities based on gender.

While the term specifically mentions "man," the behavior is not exclusive to male salespeople. The core of manselling is the act of patronizing or condescending sales communication, regardless of the gender of the salesperson or customer. The focus is on the impact of the interaction, which is to make the customer feel undervalued or disrespected. Many businesses aim to train their sales staff to avoid such behaviors, promoting respectful and informative customer interactions instead.