At what stage does a product typically start to decline?

The decline stage is characterized by a noticeable decrease in sales and profitability for a product. This phase usually follows the maturity stage, where the product has reached its highest level of market penetration and consumer acceptance. As competition increases, market saturation occurs, and consumer preferences may shift toward newer products or alternatives, leading to a decline in demand.

During the decline stage, businesses often reassess their product lines, potentially considering discontinuation or revitalization strategies to address the diminishing market interest. It's essential to understand that while a product may start its lifecycle with robust sales in the introduction and growth stages, it eventually faces hurdles in the maturity phase, ultimately transitioning into the decline stage when it can no longer sustain its previous sales levels.