In Chinese culture, a 甩卖 (shuǎimài) is an event. It carries a specific, slightly chaotic, and exciting energy. You'll see large, hand-painted signs in bold red or yellow characters, often accompanied by a loudspeaker blaring “最后三天, 全场甩卖!” (Last three days, store-wide clearance!). It's a raw, public, and very direct form of commerce. While a Western “clearance sale” can sometimes be a quiet, organized section at the back of a department store, a 甩卖 often feels more like a bustling market scene. It taps into the cultural appreciation for finding a good bargain (便宜, piányi) and the excitement of a limited-time opportunity. It’s less of a curated corporate marketing strategy and more of a direct, “everything must go” plea from the seller to the buyer. This term is rarely used by high-end or luxury brands, as it implies a certain level of desperation that could damage their brand image.
You will encounter 甩卖 in various situations, both online and offline.
A common mistake for learners is to use 甩卖 for any kind of discount. It's crucial to distinguish it from its more common cousins, 打折 (dǎzhé) and 促销 (cùxiāo).
In short, think of the hierarchy of urgency: 促销 (a planned marketing push) → 打折 (a standard discount) → 甩卖 (an urgent “everything must go” clearance).