Product life cycle
Bhawna Sharma Sr. Lecturer, Amity
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE
The Product Life Cycle ( PLC ) is an important concept in marketing that provides insights into a products competitive dynamics.
Product Life Cycle
Sales and Profits ($) Sales
Profits Time Product Development Losses/ Investments ($) Introduction Growth Maturity Decline
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE
Reasons for change in behavior of PLC :
--Changes in the consumer needs and preferences --Advancing Technology --Competition, Government Policies etc. --Changes in number of potential buyers
Stages in PLC :
Introduction, Growth, Maturity, And Decline.
Introduction Stage of the PLC
Sales
Costs Profits
Marketing Objectives Low sales High cost per customer Negative Create product awareness and trial Offer a basic product Use cost-plus Build selective distribution Build product awareness among early adopters and dealers
Product Price Distribution Advertising
Growth Stage of the PLC
Sales Costs Profits
Marketing Objectives
Rapidly rising sales Average cost per customer Rising profits Maximize market share Offer product extensions, service, warranty
Product Price Distribution Advertising
Price to penetrate market
Build intensive distribution Build awareness and interest in the mass market
Maturity Stage of the PLC
Sales Costs Profits
Marketing Objectives
Peak sales Low cost per customer High profits Maximize profit while defending market share Diversify brand and models
Product Price Distribution Advertising
Price to match or best competitors
Build more intensive distribution Stress brand differences and benefits
Decline Stage of the PLC
Sales Costs Profits
Marketing Objectives
Declining sales Low cost per customer Declining profits Reduce expenditure and nourish the brand Phase out weak items
Product Price Distribution Advertising
Cut price
Go selective: phase out unprofitable outlets Reduce to level needed to retain hard-core loyal customers
Relationship between Advertising and the Product Life Cycle
Competitive
Comparative
Pioneering
Management of the Cycle
Pricing, Distribution & Product characteristics also tend to change with change in stage of Product life Cycle.
Extending the PLC
Extending the PLC
Product Life Cycle can be extended in various ways depending on the product. A branded good can enjoy continuous growth, such as Microsoft, because the product is being constantly improved & advertised, & maintains a strong brand loyalty
Extending the PLC
EXTENSION STRATEGIES extend the life of the product before it goes into decline. Marketers use various techniques to improve sales.
Extending the PLC
ADVERTISING- Try to gain a new audience or remind the current audience. PRICE REDUCTIONMore attractive to customers. ADDING VALUE- Add new features to the current product. EXPLORE NEW MARKETS- Try selling in different countries. NEW PACKAGING- Brightening up old packaging, or subtle changes.
Extending the PLC
In case of Pharmaceutical products, a product can be repositioned in a different segment of the market, where the products formulation can be altered, without changing brand name, & then a different section of customers can be targeted. PLC can also be extended by finding out newer uses for the product. These uses can extend the Growth stage further before going into the Maturity stage.