Final answer:
A sales associate at Circuit City providing his contact information for assistance with a VCR setup exemplifies proactive marketing, which aims to enhance customer satisfaction and foster repeat business.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sales associate at Circuit City giving his card and offering help if there are problems setting up a new VCR is an example of proactive marketing. This type of marketing strategy involves taking initiative and offering assistance before the customer asks for it. By doing so, the sales associate hopes to increase customer satisfaction and build a relationship that could lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. The scenario described, where a sales associate at Circuit City provides a card and encourages the customer to call if they encounter difficulties programming a new VCR, illustrates an example of proactive marketing. Option E, "proactive," best characterizes this approach. Proactive marketing involves anticipating the needs and concerns of customers before they arise, taking preemptive actions to address potential issues, and actively engaging with customers to provide solutions or assistance. In this case, the sales associate is being proactive by offering support in advance, indicating a willingness to assist with any programming challenges the customer might encounter.
By providing a direct point of contact through the business card, the associate is taking a proactive step to ensure a positive customer experience and satisfaction. This approach contrasts with reactive marketing (Option A), which involves responding to customer issues or concerns after they arise, and basic marketing (Option B), which typically involves straightforward promotional activities. Partnership marketing (Option C) and accountable marketing (Option D) may involve collaboration or responsibility but don't specifically capture the proactive nature of anticipating and addressing customer needs before they become problems. In conclusion, the sales associate's action of providing a card and encouraging proactive communication aligns with proactive marketing, making option E the most suitable choice.