Definition

Noun: A selling point is a specific feature, quality, or aspect of a product, service, or idea that is highlighted to make it seem attractive and desirable to potential customers or supporters. It is a key factor used to persuade someone to make a purchase or agree with a proposal.

Usage

The term is used primarily in business, marketing, and persuasive contexts to identify and communicate the most compelling reasons for choosing one option over another. It answers the question, "Why should someone buy or choose this?"

Examples

• The car's main selling point is its exceptional fuel efficiency.
• For this smartphone, the high-resolution camera is a major selling point.
• The candidate's experience in foreign policy was a key selling point during the election campaign.
• The apartment has many selling points, including a great location and a modern kitchen.

Advanced Usage

• Unique Selling Point (USP) / Unique Selling Proposition: This is a marketing concept referring to the one feature or benefit that makes a product or service uniquely different from, and better than, the competition.
  • The company's unique selling point is its 24/7 customer support, which no other competitor offers.
• The concept can be applied metaphorically beyond commerce.
  • In his job application, his fluency in three languages was a significant selling point.

Variants and Related Words

• Sell (verb): To exchange a product or service for money; to persuade someone of the merits of something.
• Seller (noun): A person or organization that sells something.

Synonyms

• Advantage
• Strong point
• Asset
• Merit
• Benefit
• Attraction

Antonyms

• Drawback
• Disadvantage
• Weak point
• Liability

Related Phrases

• To have (something) as a selling point: To feature a particular attractive quality.
  • The new software has ease of use as a major selling point.
• To be a big selling point: To be a very influential or attractive feature.
  • The free warranty was a big selling point for many customers.

Noun

1. a characteristic of something that is up for sale that makes it attractive to potential customers