Consumer Sales Promotions

We know from our lecture that the function of consumer sales promotions is to increase the sales of the firm's products. This is accomplished by increasing the product's exposure to the public. The desirability of the product to consumers is also increased by sales promotions, with the ultimate goal being an increase in demand for the product.

Conduct research and find examples of each of the following consumer sales promotions and answer the following questions in 300-400 word response:

• Coupons are a common tool of integrated marketing communication (IMC). How have coupons influenced your purchase of a product or service? What are the features of the coupon that were most influential in your purchase decision?
• Many firms use contests or sweepstakes to promote their product. How does a contest or a sweepstake impact or influence your decision to purchase? Did you win any of the prizes as a result? Did this influence your view of the product? Why or why not?
• Samples are often given out at supermarkets or can be sent through the mail. Has tasting a sample resulted in your buying the product? If so, did you become brand loyal to the product? If not, why not? What is your opinion on the sample’s effectiveness as a promotional tool?