______ promotions are special incentives or programs that encourage consumers to purchase a product or service and may include coupons, rebates, contests, free samples, or point-of-purchase displays.

• A. Trade promotions
• B. Seasonal promotions
• C. Promotional giveaways
• D. Sales promotions

Answer: (D)

Sales promotions are incentives aimed at the consumer to stimulate immediate purchase or trial, which is exactly what coupons, rebates, contests, free samples, and point-of-purchase displays are designed to do. These tactics create value or urgency at the moment of purchase, encouraging shoppers to buy now rather than later. Trade promotions target retailers and distributors, not end customers; seasonal promotions are promotions tied to a specific time period; promotional giveaways can be part of promotions but don’t define the broad category. The described mix centers on motivating end customers to buy, so it fits sales promotions.