Think it through. Make sure that you have adequate research on the market. Planning and timing are the two steps that you should not neglect. Try to be specific about your product’s features. Do not rush the process. Offer something new and exciting. Flavor Preference: Some consumers found the Cheetos flavor extracts to be an acquired taste for a lip balm. While novelty enthusiasts appreciated the unique experience, others expressed a preference for traditional lip balm flavors.

Before Netflix became the media streaming giant we know today, it was exclusively a deliver-by-mail DVD rental service. In an ill-conceived strategy, CEO Reed Hastings announced in September 2011 the company's plan to spin off its DVD rental service into a separate company, known as Qwikster. The move, which was meant to allow Netflix to focus more on its streaming services, would have cost consumers about 60% more if they wished to continue to have access to both services. Unpopular with customers and widely criticized, Hastings scrapped the plan less than a month after it was announced. Targeting the Adventurous Spirits: Cheetos Lip Balm strategically targeted novelty enthusiasts seeking an escape from the mundane. The product celebrated the spirit of adventure and playfulness, appealing to individuals eager to embrace unconventional lip care. By catering to this segment, Cheetos Lip Balm found its niche within a niche, establishing a devoted following among the adventurous hearts. Many of the products on this list could have been perfectly viable, possibly even a hit, if they had been introduced at a different time. Sega’s Dreamcast was the first major console to introduce global network connectivity, but this was before every home had a stable connection fast enough to make the Dreamcast viable at the time. Of course, many of the products on this list were simply poorly designed or faulty — at times downright dangerous. Such was the case with Mattel’s line of seriously flawed Hot Wheels and Barbie computers, or the Galaxy Note 7, plagued by battery fires that caused the phone to be banned on airplanes, recalled, and eventually discontinued. Product Innovations: Rival brands constantly introduce new lip balm variants with unique features and benefits. The absence of continuous innovation might have made Cheetos Lip Balm appear less enticing to consumers seeking novel products.Social Media Buzz: The online buzz generated by Cheetos Lip Balm contributed to its popularity. Consumers embraced the product on social media platforms, sharing their experiences and participating in conversations that further fueled the product’s visibility. Another great product in the top 10 failed products is Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Soon after it was launched, everyone was talking about the explosive episodes of this phone.

In a nutshell, Cheetos Lip Balm failed due to a combination of missteps in product development, branding, and marketing. Despite the initial excitement surrounding its launch, the product faced several hurdles that ultimately hindered its success in the competitive lip balm market. From questionable market research to ineffective branding strategies, each aspect played a role in sealing the fate of this peculiar product. Pricing Perception: A subset of consumers raised concerns about the premium pricing of Cheetos Lip Balm. The novelty and branding justified the higher price point for some, but others felt that the product’s value proposition did not align with the pricing.Tapping into Offline Channels: While the brand excelled in digital marketing, an opportunity to tap into offline channels such as retail partnerships and experiential marketing events may have expanded its reach to consumers who prefer in-person interactions and experiences. In the world of product launches, external factors and timing can be decisive elements that either fuel success or contribute to failure. Cheetos Lip Balm’s performance was not immune to the influence of external factors, such as market trends and global events, which may have impacted its trajectory in the competitive market. In the first year, it is stated that 20% of small businesses fail. In the second year, 30% of small businesses fail, and after half a decade, 50% of small businesses fail. Inevitably 70% of small businesses go down after a full decade. ( Fundera) The next one on the list of 10 products that have failed is Google Plus, better known as G+, a social media platform launched by Google. It aimed at transforming the way people communicate online. Natural and Organic Products: As consumers gravitated towards more natural and organic options, the demand for lip balms with all-natural ingredients surged. Cheetos Lip Balm’s formulation and use of flavorings might not have aligned with the growing desire for pure and organic ingredients.

Quality Ingredients: The inclusion of shea butter and vitamin E in the formulation garnered positive remarks from consumers who appreciated the practical benefits of effective lip nourishment. Localized Campaigns: While the product’s novelty had global appeal, localized marketing campaigns tailored to specific regions and cultural nuances could have further bolstered its popularity in different markets.Though Life Savers soda tested well in focus groups, it failed to gain traction with the broader consumer market. Many attribute the soft drink’s failure to the prevailing perception that it was liquid candy. The soda was available in some of the candy’s popular fruit flavors, including pineapple, orange punch, grape punch, and lime punch. Life Savers did not release a mint-flavored soda, however.

Burt’s Bees: Known for its natural formulations, Burt’s Bees resonated with eco-conscious consumers seeking gentle and environmentally friendly lip care solutions. While Cheetos Lip Balm enjoyed a surge in attention and initial sales, its journey was not without challenges. As with any novel concept, the risk of polarization lingered. Some hailed it as a refreshing and inventive product, while others remained skeptical about the blend of cheesy indulgence and lip care. The target audience, while distinctive, proved to be a niche within a niche, leading to a limited market share. In most cases, when the timing is wrong, the product might not get the attention it needsto survive. Therefore, it is crucialto consider the time factor before launch. Poor Planning & Poor Execution of Marketing Plan Now let’s take a look at some examples and try to connect these reasons with failures. 10 Examples of Recent and Classic Product FailsWhile the personal digital assistant would become a popular consumer electronics product in the late 1990s, the first PDA was one of the biggest product flops of all time. One year after Apple CEO John Sculley coined the term “PDA” in 1992, the company released the Newton MessagePad. While the device incorporated innovative technology such as a pen-based touch screen and the ability to sync with software on a personal computer, Apple sold only 50,000 units of the product in its first four months on the market. The Newton product line was discontinued in 1998. Missed Sales Opportunities: Due to supply chain constraints, the brand missed out on potential sales during peak demand periods. The inability to meet consumer demand during these times may have resulted in lost revenue and missed opportunities for brand growth. Introduced in 2007 as a follow-up to Windows XP, the Windows Vista operating system was everything its popular predecessor was not – in all the wrong ways. Panned by customers and IT professionals alike, Vista reduced PC performance and caused a number of internet problems for users. As a result, Dell began offering Windows XP again on new laptops a few short months after Vista was introduced. Windows announced this month that it would no longer provide support for Vista, driving the final nail into the operating system’s coffin. With the help of this strategy, P&G was able to save Febreze from getting dusty behind the shelves. As a result, Febreze became one of the best examples demonstrating how market research and a correct replanning of your campaign can be a game-changer. Looking ahead, Cheetos Lip Balm’s marketing team can build on the success of their current campaigns and explore additional strategies to keep the momentum going: