Learn English – How to express an unwanted purchase

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I need a verb or an expression to convey the idea of being sold something unwanted or unneeded. Like when you go to a shop to buy , let's say, a shirt, and they somehow are able to sell you also a sweater (something you didn't ask for and you don't actually need).

As in:
– I needed to buy only a shirt but they …… also a sweater.

Is it appropriate, for instance, to say that they dumped the blouse on me. ?

N.B. Please note that I am not a native speaker and though the expression may come natural to natives, it does not to me. In my research I could find only to dump something on someone but I am not sure if it may fit my context. Thanks

Best Answer

The words "upsell" and "cross-sell" are both defined below. While upsell is used more frequently, cross-sell may more accurately fit your sample sentence and be applied here.

Upsell - verb

to try to persuade a customer to buy a more expensive item or to buy a related additional product at a discount

They're always trying to upsell you on that jumbo popcorn bucket at the movies.

Cross-sell - verb

  1. to sell or try to sell (similar or related products or services) to an existing customer
  2. to suggest that customers buy additional, complementary, or related accessories or products during or just after their primary purchase

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/upsell

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