Test marketing, often referred to as a controlled field experiment, has three broad applications in marketing research. First, test marketing has long been used to pilot test new product introductions or product modifications. This approach tests a product on a small-scale basis with realistic market conditions to determine if the product is likely to be successful in a national launch. Second, test marketing is used to explore different options of marketing mix elements. Different marketing plans, using different variations of marketing mix elements are tested and evaluated relative to the likely success of a particular product. Third, product weaknesses or strengths, or inconsistencies in the marketing strategies are frequently examined in test marketing. In sum, the main objectives of test marketing are to predict sales, identify possible customer reactions, and anticipate adverse consequences of marketing programs. Test marketing measures the sales potential of a product or service and evaluates variables in the marketing mix.