The primary purpose of sales promotions is to create short-term increases in sales through consumer incentives.

• A. To build long-term brand equity
• B. To reduce manufacturing costs
• C. To create short-term increases in sales through consumer incentives
• D. To recruit new franchisees

Answer: (C)

Sales promotions are tactical moves that aim to trigger quick purchasing decisions by giving consumers tangible incentives. The main goal is a short-term lift in sales and trial, often tied to limited-time offers or special rewards. This creates immediate value for customers and can spur rapid demand spikes, move inventory, and encourage first-time purchases. While promotions can support branding over time, building long-term brand equity comes from advertising, product quality, and consistent messaging, not from short-term incentives. They aren’t primarily about reducing manufacturing costs or recruiting franchisees, which are separate objectives. So this approach is best because it directly targets a temporary increase in sales through consumer incentives.