Final answer:
A sales associate should inform the customer that the item is not part of the current sale promotion and suggest alternatives, such as applying for a store credit card.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sales associate should respond to a customer who asks for a lower price for an item that is not on sale by telling the customer that the merchandise is not included in the current sale promotion. The associate can suggest that the customer apply for a store credit card, which may offer benefits such as discounts or rewards. By suggesting alternative options, the associate shows that they are willing to help the customer find a solution while still maintaining the integrity of the store's pricing policy.