Besides its high cost, what is the other possible problem that test marketing is likely to face?
a. The actions of competitors countering the test market may contribute to normalizing conditions that the testing firm might expect in the market.
b. The product's success may present a threat to other product extensions recently introduced by the company and thus spread its customers thin.
c. It exposes the new product and its marketing mix to competitors before its introduction. Thus, the element of surprise is lost.
d. Consumers may perceive the sales promotion, pricing, or advertising campaign as overzealous hard sell or even unfair trade practices
Answer: c. It exposes the new product and its marketing mix to competitors before its introduction. Thus, the element of surprise is lost.