closing
KLOH-zing
/ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
The final step in a sales process where the deal is confirmed and the customer makes a commitment to buy.
Closing is often considered the most stressful part of sales, requiring a balance of assertiveness and tact to get the final 'yes'.
The story behind the word. From the idea of 'shutting' a door or a box. In business, when you 'close' a deal, you are shutting the window of negotiation and locking in the agreement.
Word relationships
- finalizing: Finalizing is general; closing is the specific sales term for securing the commitment.
- sealing: Sealing (as in 'sealing the deal') is a more idiomatic way of saying closing.
- opening: Opening is the start of the sales conversation; closing is the end.
Commonly confused with
- conclusion: A conclusion is an end to a story or argument; a closing is a specific business transaction.
Word family
- close (verb): To bring to an end or finish a deal.
- closer (noun): A salesperson who is particularly good at finalizing deals.
Collocations
- closing the deal
- closing ratio
- closing technique
- hard closing
Example sentences
- "A-B-C. A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing." The most famous mantra in sales history.
- "His closing technique was subtle; he made the customer feel like they had already decided to buy." Describing a successful sales technique.
Memory hook
Think of 'Closing the door' on the competition. Once the deal is closed, no one else can get in. Shut the deal tight.
When not to use
Do not use 'closing' to describe the entire sales process; it is specifically the very end.
Fun facts
- In real estate, 'closing' refers to the specific meeting where the title of the property is transferred and the money is paid.
Explore more words
clinch, make a decision, ratify, fulfillment, negotiation, wrap up
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