6 Ways to Resist Upsells and Save Money

You probably encounter upselling with almost every purchase you make. You know, when a salesperson or waiter tries to get you to upgrade your purchase or buy something extra on top of what you're already buying. It's an effective sales tactic because you’re already in a mindset to make a purchase. The salesperson just has to convince you to spend a little more. If you want to avoid upsells and save money, here are a few tips to resist the sales pitches.

Have a clear idea of what you want. Salespeople are better able to upsell you when you don’t know what you want (or don't want) to purchase. Research your purchase ahead of time so you have a clear idea of what you're going to buy. That way, you can’t be talked into buying more than what you were prepared to.

Know your coverage. Your credit card may come with perks like extended warranty, purchase protection, and car rental insurance that give you the confidence to decline these services when a salesperson offers them to you. When you make a big purchase, use a credit card that will give you extra benefits and be familiar with these benefits so you can decline the upsell knowing you’re covered elsewhere.

Have a budget and stick to it. BeWfore you shop, have a specific amount that you want to spend and decline upsells that put you over your budget. If you’ve managed to save money on your purchase, that doesn’t mean you should spend it on add-ons. You could put the money in savings or put it towards another goal.

Be poised to say “no” to any upsell, no matter the amount. Declining a more expensive upsell is a no-brainer for most customers. That’s why many businesses upsell a lower-priced item when you’re making an expensive purchase. You think, “What’s a few more bucks?” and give in. Train your mind to buy only what you've set out to buy.

Don’t let fear guide you. Many upsells play on your fear that something bad will happen and you’ll be left unprotected. For example, in the case of electronics, a salesperson will tap into your fear that you'll have to cover the cost of a product failure if you're out of warranty. This is why it's important to research and select quality products with a low risk of failure.

Shop online. Upsells do exist when you shop online, but it’s often easier to uncheck a box or click away from a sales ad than it is to turn down a salesperson. Shopping online can also make it easier to score better deals, compare prices, and narrow down your selection. And if you do want add-on products or services, you can take your time, research, and choose without the extra pressure.