What is defined as the unethical practice of withholding information or telling white lies in sales?

The term that specifically refers to the unethical practice of withholding information or telling white lies in sales is deception. Deception encompasses various forms of dishonesty, including the act of intentionally misleading a customer or client to gain an advantage or sell a product. In a sales context, this could involve exaggerating the benefits of a product, omitting crucial details that could affect a buyer's decision, or not disclosing important information that could influence their understanding of what is being sold.

In professional selling, maintaining trust and transparency is crucial, and engaging in deceptive practices can ultimately damage the relationship with the client and harm the salesperson's reputation. Deception stands in contrast to misrepresentation, which typically implies a specific misstatement rather than a broader range of misleading actions. False advertising is related but is often more specifically focused on misleading claims made in marketing materials rather than in personal sales interactions. A conflict of interest refers to a situation where a seller's personal interests may compromise their responsibility to their client, which is not directly tied to the act of withholding information or lying.