5 Sales Promotion Tactics That Actually Work in a Cost-of-Living Crunch

When belts tighten, buying slows - but that doesn't mean sales have to!

To cut through cautious spending and keep revenue moving, B2C and B2B brands need smart, high-impact promotions that offer real value.

Here are 5 tried-and-tested tactics to incentivise purchases and build loyalty when every dollar counts:

Competitions & Giveaways

B2C: Spend $50 for a chance to Win a $2,000 shopping spree

B2B: Win a $1,000 strategy session or a 24 month software subscription

Why they work: High-value prizes capture attention, boost engagement, and can double as lead-generation tools.

Bundle Deals & Value Adds

B2C: Buy 2, Get 1 Free on fashion items or Tech Combo: Any 3 Accessories for $30

B2B: Buy a printer, get free toner or Buy 3 Tyres, get 1 free

Why they work: Bundles increase average spend by adding perceived value - great for moving inventory or increasing order sizes.

Loyalty Rewards that Stick

B2C: Earn 2 points per $1 spend

B2B: Earn $50 account credit for every $500 spent

Why they work: Incentivises repeat purchases and builds longer-term relationships - crucial when margins are tight.

Flash Sales & Limited-Time Offers

B2C: 30% Off ALL Shoes + Free delivery - Today Only!

B2B: 30% off your first online building supplies order - offer ends 6pm today!

Why they work: Urgency drives quick decisions. Perfect for clearing stock or attracting new clients fast.

Cashback & Rebate Offers

B2C: Spend $500, get $50 Cashback

B2B: 5% rebate on orders over $1,000 this quarter

Why they work: Everyone loves getting money back in their pocket or purse. A Cashback often feels more rewarding than a straight discount - and gets customers spending more to earn it.

These tactics strike the perfect balance of value + urgency, helping you stay competitive when spending slows.

Need help building a tailored promotion with cut through?

Contact Peter McKinnon 03 9646 5644 / peter@samsales.com.au