Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

What do you call the action of a salesperson attracting customers by making sounds like "try our product today"?


Thanks

[cgage2]

If it was legitimate and in good faith, it would be called a "promotion".
If the product was questionable or the person was being aggressive, then it might be called a "come-on".

[missdaredevil]

Is that used as a verb or a noun?

Thanks

[cgage2]

Both "promotion" and "come-on" are used as nouns. Be aware that "come-on" is a colloquialism. It is not standard English. It is a modern construction like "Okay" or "rip-off".
"Come-on" could not really be used as a verb. However, the verb form of promotion would be:
I promote, I'm promoting, I do promote etc.

[CP]

You can also say that the salesman is touting his wares, puffing his products, giving the crowd his spiel or sales pitch or line. He may or may not be trying to con / trick / fool the customers by praising his goods too highly, or exaggerating their quality, worth, value, durability, etc. While he gives his sales patter / speech, he may try to charm the potential customers, affecting a friendliness / affection / chumminess that he does not really feel. Caveat emptor [let the buyer beware]!
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[bud]

Also, the salesman is hawking his product.