20 Products That Seemed Great but Became Business Nightmares
Not every innovative product turns out to be a success; some become cautionary tales of failure.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
The journey from concept to market can be full of risks, and not every product meets expectations. This listicle dives into 20 infamous products that initially seemed destined for success but ultimately became monumental failures. From poor marketing strategies to misjudged consumer demand, these examples reveal the pitfalls that even major brands couldn’t escape.
1. Google Glass
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Google Glass, which put augmented reality in your fingers, was supposed to be the future of wearable technology. However, privacy concerns, a $1,500 price tag, and limited utility quickly turned off buyers. As an overhyped failure, its reputation as a “glasshole” solidified its doom.
2. Crystal Pepsi
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Pepsi’s attempt to create a clear cola confused consumers rather than excite them. While marketed as pure and caffeine-free, it failed to meet taste expectations. The quirky novelty fizzled out within a year of its release.
3. Segway PT
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Billed as a transportation revolution, the Segway PT never took off as planned. High costs and its bulky design made it impractical for most users. Instead of replacing cars, it became an overpriced toy for niche markets.
4. Juicero
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Juicero’s Wi-Fi-enabled juicer required proprietary juice packs that cost more than fresh produce. The product faced ridicule when it was discovered users could squeeze the packs by hand. It became a symbol of Silicon Valley’s excess before shutting down in 2017.
5. New Coke
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When Coca-Cola altered its beloved formula in 1985, consumers revolted. The backlash was so intense that months later, Coca-Cola was forced to reintroduce “Coca-Cola Classic.” New Coke became a textbook example of ignoring customer loyalty.
6. Microsoft Zune
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Microsoft’s attempt to dethrone the iPod fell flat despite its robust features. Poor marketing and limited brand appeal couldn’t compete with Apple’s dominance. Zune’s demise serves as a reminder of timing and brand positioning in tech.
7. Hoverboards
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Initially a viral sensation, hoverboards faced backlash over safety issues and battery fires. Numerous recalls and legal problems caused the trend to fade as quickly as it began. What seemed futuristic became a fleeting fad.
8. Betamax
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Despite superior quality, Sony’s Betamax video format lost the home video war to VHS. The limited recording time and high prices alienated consumers, while VHS thrived on practicality. Betamax faded into obscurity as a niche product.
9. Fire Phone
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Amazon’s Fire Phone debuted with big ambitions but lacked compelling features that rivaled iPhones and Android devices. Its clunky software and lack of app support doomed it almost immediately. Even a heavy price cut couldn’t save it from extinction.
10. Theranos Devices
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Theranos promised groundbreaking blood-testing technology that required only a single drop of blood. However, its devices never worked as advertised, leading to lawsuits and criminal charges. The scandal remains one of the biggest fraud cases in biotech history.
11. DeLorean DMC-12
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The futuristic car gained fame through “Back to the Future” but failed as a commercial vehicle. Its heavy stainless-steel body, high price, and underpowered engine drove customers away. The company declared bankruptcy after only a few years.
12. Nokia N-Gage
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The N-Gage, a hybrid phone and gaming console, aimed to merge two markets but succeeded in neither. Its awkward design and lack of compelling games left it behind. Thus, it remains a curiosity in the annals of failed tech experiments.
13. Harley-Davidson Perfume
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The iconic motorcycle brand tried expanding into fragrances, but its rugged image clashed with the product. Customers didn’t see the appeal of smelling like a biker, leading to a quick discontinuation. The misstep taught brands to stay true to their identity.
14. HD DVD
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In the battle against Blu-ray, HD DVDs couldn’t keep up despite their early success. Limited studio support and consumer confusion over formats handed Blu-ray the victory. HD DVD vanished, leaving Blu-ray to dominate home media.
15. Google Wave
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Google Wave promised to combine email, messaging, and document sharing to reinvent communication. However, its overly complex interface and lack of clear purpose confused users. Google shelved the project within a year of launch.
16. Colgate Kitchen Entrees
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Colgate ventured into frozen dinners, hoping to capitalize on its brand recognition. However, associating toothpaste with food repelled consumers. The bizarre experiment was a textbook case of branding gone wrong.
17. Apple Newton
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Although the Newton, Apple’s first PDA, was revolutionary, it had several drawbacks, such as inadequate handwriting detection. Its implementation was further hampered by high costs and little demand. Although it did not succeed as a stand-alone product, it did pave the way for subsequent advancements.
18. Kodak Digital Cameras
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Despite inventing the first digital camera, Kodak hesitated to embrace the shift away from film. Their half-hearted attempts to adapt came too late, as competitors took over the market. Kodak’s failure to evolve contributed to its dramatic decline.
19. CueCat
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This bizarre barcode scanner was meant to connect users to websites via magazines and catalogs. However, its clunky design and lack of practical use made it irrelevant in the age of search engines. The product disappeared as quickly as it arrived.
20. Rejuvenique Facial Mask
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Marketed as an electrical facial-toning device, Rejuvenique looked more like a horror movie prop than a beauty product. Its unsettling design and questionable effectiveness scared off potential buyers. It’s now remembered as a hilariously misguided attempt at skincare innovation.