There’s a very effective marketing tactic that’s called different names but it boils down to offering customers additional items to complement their primary purchase.

McDonald’s is known for the “Do you want fries with that” tactic.

Amazon has the “Customers who bought this…also bought this”.

Out and about yesterday, I came across two examples that illustrate this tactic and might give you some ideas about how to apply it in marketing in your own business.

Firstly, I bought a new Netbook computer (an “MSI Wind U100″ since you ask!).

The lady who I was speaking with me asked if I wanted anything else to go with the Netbook.

I confess, I hadn’t really thought about it.

So, she suggested an external optical drive that I ended up buying.

And the reality is that I do need that drive and it will make using my Netbook a lot easier.

Next, I was buying a gift for my mother, some “Angel” perfume.

Just so happens, there’s a promotion going on where you get a gift if you buy two items or more.

So, I ended up spending another $45.

Of course, it’s for my mother so I don’t begrudge it at all and I think she’ll be thrilled with what I’ve bought.

Oh…there’s one more example, I have to confess.

Feeling somewhat famished after rushing around shopping…

…I couldn’t resist popping into Mickey D’s…

…where of course I ended up having a “value meal”!

So, think about how you can help your clients…

…and yourself…

…with this proven marketing tactic.