How can sales promotions help with product life cycles?

• A. It increases long-term brand equity.
• B. It increases overall marketing budget.
• C. By extending the life of declining products through added incentives.
• D. It guarantees a market leader position.

Answer: (C)

Sales promotions are a tool to manage a product’s life cycle by stimulating demand when interest is fading. By offering added incentives—discounts, coupons, bundles, limited-time offers, or samples—the product becomes more attractive to buyers who might otherwise wait or switch to alternatives. This can slow the decline, extend the product’s market presence, and help move existing stock, effectively giving the product more life in the market.

Long-term brand equity comes from sustained value and relationships, not just short-term promotions. Promotions don’t inherently increase overall marketing budget, and they don’t guarantee that a firm will become a market leader. The best fit is the idea of extending the life of declining products through added incentives.