Final answer:
The statement regarding industrial and business-to-business products generally using straight-to-sale in print ads is False. B2B advertising strategies are diverse and have evolved to include various approaches that focus on brand differentiation and relationship building rather than straightforward sales pitches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that industrial and other business-to-business products generally use straight-to-sale in their print ads is False. While direct sales can be part of a business-to-business (B2B) marketing strategy, modern B2B advertising often involves a range of approaches. This could include content marketing, thought leadership, and relationship-building activities. In the competitive landscape ushered in by the market revolution, businesses had to use advertising to differentiate themselves.
The introduction of professional advertising agencies in the 1880s and the explosion of consumer demand meant that straight-to-sale was not the only strategy employed. Advertisements often employed persuasive language, compelling images, and appeals to consumer aspirations to influence purchasing decisions. Claims in advertisements, although checked by regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission, could be exaggerated or ambiguous to capture consumer interest, illustrating the complexity of advertising techniques beyond straight-to-sale.