Consumers make three types of purchase: trial purchases, repeat purchases and long-term commitment purchases. When a consumer purchases a product (or brand) for the first time and
buys a smaller quantity than usual, this purchase would be considered a trial. Thus, a trial is
the exploratory phase of purchase behaviour in which consumers attempt to evaluate a product
through direct use. For instance, when consumers purchase a new brand of laundry detergent
about which they may be uncertain, they are likely to purchase smaller trial quantities than if
it were a familiar brand. Consumers can also be encouraged to try a new product through such
promotional tactics as free samples and/or sale prices