If a sale promotion has a discount threshold and a customer's current total does not qualify, what is an appropriate tactic?

• A. Thank the customer for shopping at the store.
• B. Tell the customer about next week's sale.
• C. Finish the sale as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• D. Suggest an additional item that costs $5 or more.

Answer: (D)

When a sale has a discount threshold that isn’t met, the best move is to propose a relevant add-on that would bring the subtotal to the threshold. This helps the customer get the discount they’re aiming for and increases the overall sale in a natural, value-focused way. Choose an item that complements what they’re already buying and is priced to bridge the gap to the discount, presenting it as a helpful suggestion rather than a pushy sell.

This approach works because it adds immediate value for the customer by unlocking the discount, while also meeting the store’s goal of a higher sale. The other options don’t address the barrier to obtaining the discount: thanking the customer is nice but doesn’t help reach the threshold; mentioning future promotions doesn’t resolve the current obstacle; rushing to finish the sale misses the opportunity to add value.