Learn in the textbookDiverse Marketing Methods and Promotion
DefinitionSales promotion (販売促進) uses perks such as discounts, coupons, free samples and premiums to push customers to buy on the spot.
ExplanationIt is shortened to 販促 in Japanese and called sales promotion (SP) in English, and it takes effect quickly. Japanese also uses 販売促進 as the translation of Promotion in the 4Ps, covering all promotion including advertising, so the context decides which meaning is intended.
AnalogyLike a free-tasting stand in a store, it gives a hesitant shopper the final nudge.
Memory hookThe kanji in 促進 mean "urge forward": it moves the shopper one step past the hesitation to buy.