Consumer Sales Promotion Techniques

Consumer Sales Promotion Techniques  
by Chris Joseph, Demand Media

Consumer promotions are often used to achieve a short-term marketing objective.Consumer sales promotion is a marketing technique that is used to entice customers to purchase a product. The promotions typically last for a set period of time and are used to achieve a specific purpose, such as increasing market share or unveiling a new product. A number of promotional techniques are commonly used by product manufacturers and sellers.

Sampling

Providing free samples is a technique used to introduce new products to the marketplace. Samples give the consumer a chance to see how well they like a product or try something they otherwise would not normally buy. Local bakeries can hand out their new creations at a farmer's market. Manufacturers of scented candles can give away samples at a local gift shop. Sampling is sometimes used as part of a larger marketing campaign that includes local newspaper or radio advertising.

Free Trial

A free trial is a way for a consumer to try a new product while eliminating risk. It may be used when a product is unique to the marketplace, which can make consumers leery of trying it out. This technique is commonly used in television infomercials where the buyer has 30 days to try the product, during which time he can return it for a full refund if he's not satisfied.

Free Gifts

Free gifts entice consumers to make a purchase by including a bonus along with the product. The gift may be included in the outer part of the product packaging to serve as a visual attraction. It may also take the form of a prize inside the package. As an example, a local food company could place cash or gift cards inside random packages of its products.

Contests

Contests offer the customer a chance to win prizes like cash or store merchandise. For example, an electronics retailer could hold a karaoke contest at its store, while using local celebrities as judges. The contestant who is voted the winner would receive a prize such as a piece of audio or video equipment. Being creative helps generate more buzz about the contest, and ultimately, the product you are trying to sell.

Special Pricing

Special pricing is used to offer consumers a lower price for a period of time or to purchase in multiple quantities. For example, a retailer may offer a product that normally costs 50 cents at a price of 3-for-99-cents during the promotional period. Manufacturers often provide funds to the store to subsidize the price reduction.

Sales Promotion Techniques

Sales Promotion Techniques

Steps in Sales Promotion

To increase the sale of the product is to introduce a promotional mix with the following mix.
1. Advertising
2. Personal Selling
3. Direct Marketing
4. Publicity
All are mainly aimed at consumer promotion which is aimed at the consumers.

Consumer Sales Promotion Techniques

1. Cents - off -deal - : The brand will be offered at a lower price. Price reduction percentage will be offered at a lower price. Price reduction percentage will be marked on the package.
2. FSI - : Free standing Insert - : A coupon or booklet inserted into the local newspaper delivery.
3. Money back rebates - : Consumers are offered a part as money back if the receipt and barcode are mailed to the producer.
4. Buy - One - get - One - Free
( BOGOF)
It is a self liquidating promotion.This is a premium sales promotion tactic.
This is a programme where there will be profit if there is corresponding increase in sales.
5. New Media - : This is where websites and mobile phones surrport sales promotion. For example individual codes on the packet helping the consumer to enter the code into their website to see if they had won a prize or not.
6. Direct Marketing - : Products are sold through telemarketing and internet marketing.
7. Advertisement - : Advertisements are used to build long term image for the product. The main form of advertisement will be news papers, television ads, banners and web pages.
8. Sales Force Meeting - : The sales meetings will be conducted periodically to analyze the sales and to find out innovative techniques to increase the sales.
9. Personal Selling - : The products can be effectively increase the sales through personal sellings. Because personal selling gets personal confrontation and immediate response.
10. Exhibitions - : The exhibitions will be conducted in factory outlets and at major cities.
11. Point of Sales Displays - : The products will be displyed as follows to increase the sales.
a. Dangles - : A sign that ways when a consumer walks by it.
b. Dump bin - : A bin full of products dumped in a bin.
c. Glorifies - : A small stage that elevates the products above other products.
d. Wobbler - : A sign of the product that jiggles.
e. Yes Unit - : An extra sales person pull out fact sheet.
f. Competitions - : The consumer who buys the product will get coupon to participate in
competition to win.
12. Publicity - :This very important in sales. The product will be developed through  commercially significant news.Press release and radio presentation will also be conducted to increase the sales.
13. Export Promotion - : The promotion will be by participating in export promotional
conferences and exhibitions and trade fares nationally and internationally.