What term is used for a special allowance or discount given to customers to encourage purchases?

The term that accurately describes a special allowance or discount given to customers to encourage purchases is "rebate." A rebate typically involves a partial refund provided after the purchase has been made or a specific discount presented at the time of the sale. This financial incentive is designed to motivate customers to make a purchase by reducing the effective cost of the product or service.

In the context of sales strategies, rebates are often used to stimulate demand, clear out inventory, or encourage customer loyalty. They can create a sense of urgency, prompting customers to buy sooner rather than later to take advantage of the savings.

While incentives, coupons, and kickbacks can also influence purchasing behavior, they do not all function in the same manner as a rebate. Incentives encompass a broader range of rewards designed to compel action, while coupons typically provide a direct discount at the point of sale but do not involve a post-purchase refund. Kickbacks generally relate to illicit payments made to influence a purchase decision rather than structured discounts intended to motivate legitimate consumer buying behavior.