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Free gifts don’t always help sell products

Products that trigger emotions sell better when offered with a free, unknown promotional gift compared to non-emotive, cognitive things such as household items, a new study has revealed.

The research showed that people are more likely to buy make-up when it comes with a surprise promotional giveaway. But if the product is a household item, people prefer to know what added extra is included in the purchase.

It found that when products such as blenders are sold with an unknown free gift, people are 50 per cent less likely to buy it than if they know what is included with the purchase.

The researchers believe the findings will help businesses make better use of promotional items like gifts and coupons.

Read more at University of Miami

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