Controlled test marketing

One of the methods of consumer goods market testing in which a research firm on behalf of the test marketing company manages a panel of stores that will carry new products for a fee. The company with the new product specifies the number of stores and geographic locations it wants to test. The research firm delivers the new product to the participating stores and control shelf positions, and point-of-purchase promotions, and pricing. Sales results can be measured through electronic scanners at the checkout points. The company can also evaluate the impact of local advertising and promotions during the test.