Most goods and services follow a similar sales trend over time. This is called the product life cycle.
1. Introduction The product is launched. Sales are low, so the business may do lots of advertising or offer a low introductory price to build awareness and encourage customers to try it out.
2. Growth Sales rise quickly as more customers try the product and the brand becomes well known. 3. Maturity Sales reach their peak. The business defends its market share against competitors. 4. Saturation There is greater competition in the market. Sales will level off and then begin to fall. 5. Decline
Sales drop and the product is taken off the market. Any remaining stock may be sold off at a low price to clear it.