Which stage determines the initial response from the market for a product?

The stage that determines the initial response from the market for a product is test marketing. This phase involves introducing the product to a limited audience to gauge their reactions and gather feedback before a full-scale launch. It allows businesses to assess various factors such as pricing, consumer preferences, and potential sales volume.

During test marketing, companies can identify any necessary adjustments to the product or marketing strategy, ensuring that it is well-received upon a broader launch. This stage is crucial as it provides valuable insights that can help refine the product and its marketing approach based on actual consumer responses.

Other stages like prototype development focus on creating a working model of the product, product launch refers to the broader introduction to the entire market, and product screening involves assessing ideas and concepts to eliminate unsuitable ones, all of which do not specifically measure market response directly.