Product life cycle JUNIOR CYCLE

Product life cycle sales MATURITY GROWTH DECLINE Introduction Time SATURATION MATURITY GROWTH DECLINE Introduction Time

1. Introduction Stage – Product is launched into the market. There is low consumer awareness and low sales revenue. The business should focus on marketing to increase awareness of product, business and brand, sales promotion strategies to increase sales Sales are low at this stage and businesses often spend a large amount on designing and promoting their product at this stage through advertising, sales promotions etc In groups, what products can you think of that are at this stage?

2. Growth Stage – if marketing and distribution efforts are successful, sales should rise sharply during this phase. Once consumers tries the product the business seeks to benefit from repeat purchasing and increase market share. Persuasive advertising is often used at this stage In groups, what products can you think of that are at this stage?

3. Maturity Stage – sales are still increasing but at a much slower rate. The product is well established in the market. Most sales are from repeat purchases at this stage instead of new customers. The business must focus on strategies to remain competitive such as reminder advertising, sales promotion etc. Businesses often adapt, modify and try to improve the product. In groups, what products can you think of that are at this stage?

4. Saturation Stage - At this stage there is no room to expand the market for the product. Sales level off. The only way to increase sales is to take custom from its competitors. At this stage the business will focus on reminder advertising and promotional strategies. It will also look at increasing its product portfolio developing replacement products to takeover when the product enters into decline. In groups, what products can you think of that are at this stage? What are they doing? Creating new products? Improving there product etc?

5. Decline Stage: at this stage, the product has outlived its demand. It can be gradual or rapid depending on the nature of the product. The business must decide whether to reinvent the product or replace it with another, expanding its product portfolio. In groups, what products can you think of that are at this stage?

Draw the product life cycle and explain each stage in 2-3 lines.