What marketing method involves placing a new product in selected stores to test customer response under real-life selling conditions?

The marketing method that involves placing a new product in selected stores to test customer response under real-life selling conditions is known as field trial. This approach allows companies to gather invaluable data about how a product performs in the marketplace before a full-scale launch. By introducing the product in a limited geographical area or in specific stores, businesses can observe customer interactions, gather feedback, and assess overall sales performance in a natural shopping environment.

Field trials are crucial because they enable marketers to make informed decisions based on actual consumer behavior, rather than relying solely on theoretical data or predictions. This method can highlight unforeseen issues with the product or marketing strategies that might not have been apparent during earlier phases of development.

While test marketing may sound similar and involves a broader scope—often including various marketing strategies—field trials focus specifically on the product itself in real selling conditions. Market testing generally refers to broader research efforts on a concept or idea before it becomes a product, and focus groups specifically deal with qualitative feedback from selected individuals rather than real-time sales data. Thus, field trials provide a unique and practical context for evaluating new products directly in the market.