Sell

Sell is a verb meaning to give something in exchange for money or other compensation; to transfer ownership of goods or services to another party in return for payment. In economic terms, a sale is a transaction that transfers title and risk from seller to buyer. Goods, services, and digital products can be sold. Common contexts include consumer retail, business-to-business commerce, and online marketplaces.

The word derives from Old English sellan and is cognate with similar terms in other Germanic languages used for commerce. The concept encompasses transactions involving transfer of ownership in exchange for payment, whether for physical goods, services, or digital assets, and applies across consumer, industrial, and intermediary contexts.

Typical selling processes include identifying needs, presenting value, addressing objections, negotiating terms, completing a contract, delivering the item or service, and receiving payment. The seller generally bears risk until delivery and often is responsible for post-sale obligations, such as warranties or support. Ownership may transfer at delivery, payment, or according to contract terms.

Sales channels vary widely: direct sales, retail, wholesale, marketplaces, and online platforms. Pricing approaches include cost-plus, value-based, and competitive strategies. Sales efforts rely on marketing, relationship-building, and sometimes formal procurement. In business-to-business settings, longer sales cycles and complex negotiations are common.

Legal frameworks govern sales through contract law and consumer protection rules, including warranties, returns, and liability. Sales organizations track performance with metrics such as revenue, gross margin, conversion rate, average deal size, and customer lifetime value.