Final answer:
The mention of a free toy in a cereal box is a form of product incentive, which is a part of a company's overall marketing strategy to entice purchases and improve consumer appeal.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a cereal's packaging includes mention of a free toy placed inside the cereal box, this is an example of a product incentive. A product incentive is a marketing tool that aims to increase the appeal of the product by offering additional value to the consumer, thereby encouraging a purchase. It's part of a broader marketing strategy that can involve various tactics to attract customers and build brand loyalty. Similar to offering a money-back guarantee, which acts as a promise of quality and reduces the risk for the consumer especially in scenarios like mail-order catalogs or online shopping, a free toy in a cereal box is meant to create a more enticing offer for the consumer.