What is the product life cycle?
Product Life Cycle is the stages a product goes through from its introduction to the market until it is removed. It is divided into four stages: Introduction, Growth, Maturity and Decline. Understanding the life cycle of a product helps marketers plan their strategies to maximize profit.
Product Life Cycle
Product Introduction: The first stage of the product life cycle when a product is launched in the market and made available for sale. Product Growth: The second stage of the product life cycle when sales of the product increase and profits begin to grow. Product Maturity: The third stage of the product life cycle when sales of the product begin to slow down and profits start to decline.
Concepts:
What stage of the product life cycle do you think is most important?
- Development
- Introduction
- Growth
- Maturity
- Decline
The Product Life Cycle theory was first introduced by the American economist Raymond Vernon in 1966. Product Life Cycle is a business analysis tool used to forecast the future of a product, service or brand. Product Life Cycle stages do not have to be equal in duration - some can be shorter or longer than others.
Did you know?
What is the difference between the product life cycle in a developed country versus a developing country?
What strategies can companies use to extend the life cycle of their products?
What challenges have you faced in the life cycle of a product you have used or been involved with?
What benefits have you seen in a product that has gone through the full life cycle?