Which of the following is NOT a stage of the consumer buying process?

The stages of the consumer buying process are widely recognized and include problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior. Each of these stages reflects critical steps that consumers go through when making purchasing decisions.

Problem recognition is the initial stage where a consumer identifies a need or a problem that requires a solution. Following this, the information search stage involves consumers searching for information that will help them in their decision-making process. Evaluation of alternatives is when consumers assess the different options available to them before making a decision. Finally, post-purchase behavior refers to the evaluation of the product after purchase, which influences future buying behavior.

Promotion effectiveness, while it plays a role in influencing consumer decisions, does not specifically pertain to any stage of the consumer buying process itself. It may be involved in various stages as a tactic to convert consumers, but it is not a formal stage within the process of buying. Hence, recognizing that promotion effectiveness is an external marketing strategy rather than a direct step in the consumer's buying journey solidifies why it is not a stage of the consumer buying process.