Final answer:
Sampling is the ideal promotional technique for situations where a company wants consumers to try its product or service for free. It directly engages the consumer with the product, as opposed to other strategies that use incentives or psychological techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The promotional technique best suited to a situation where a company wants consumers to try its product or service at no cost is sampling. This technique allows consumers to directly experience the product's benefits without any financial commitment, enhancing the likelihood of them purchasing the product afterward. This is especially effective for tangible goods such as a new laundry detergent, where the quality and effectiveness of the product are directly observable upon use.
In contrast, the foot-in-the-door technique is a psychological strategy used in personal selling, which involves getting an agreement to a small initial request and then advancing to a larger request. This is often seen when buying products like smartphones or cars, where agreeing to additional features or services eventually leads to a larger sale.
Sweepstakes, couponing, and free-standing inserts are other forms of promotions but do not directly facilitate product trial. Personal selling can build a relationship and encourage a purchase but may not include a free trial.