Final answer:
The correct answer is A.
The most important step a sales associate should take before demonstrating a product is to inspect it thoroughly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important step a sales associate should take to ensure that a product is working before demonstrating it to a customer is to A. Inspect the product thoroughly.
Inspecting the product thoroughly allows the sales associate to identify any defects or malfunctions that may hinder the product's performance during the demonstration. By inspecting the product, the sales associate can ensure that it is in proper working condition and ready to be demonstrated to the customer.
For example, if a sales associate is demonstrating a laptop to a customer, they would need to inspect the laptop for any physical damages, check if all the ports and buttons are working, and ensure that the battery is charged. This step helps avoid any embarrassing situations where the product fails to function properly during the demonstration.