Showstoppers refer to
a a situation when a competitor’s product suddenly beats a firm’s new product to the marketplace.
b unexpected alternative uses for a product that result in a sudden increase in sales.
c a sudden loss of financial backing even though the item is in production.
d creative or innovative members of a marketing team.
e factors that might doom a product in the marketplace.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
e) Factors that might doom a product in the marketplace.
Explanation
A showstopper refers to an issue or factor that could significantly hinder or completely prevent the success of a product in the marketplace. These are major obstacles that can arise at any stage of product development, marketing, or sales and may lead to the failure of a product launch.
Key Causes of Showstoppers:
- Technical Failures: If a product has major design flaws, quality issues, or does not function as intended, it can lose credibility and fail in the market.
- Regulatory and Legal Barriers: Products that do not comply with safety standards, environmental regulations, or intellectual property laws can face bans or lawsuits.
- Lack of Market Demand: A product that does not meet customer needs, is priced too high, or lacks a unique value proposition may fail to gain traction.
- Competitive Pressure: If a competitor launches a superior product at the same time or offers better features, it can make the new product irrelevant.
- Negative Public Perception: Poor customer reviews, safety concerns, or bad marketing can damage a product’s reputation and reduce sales.
- Financial Constraints: If a company runs out of funds during production or marketing, it may not be able to bring the product to market successfully.
Showstoppers are critical risks that companies must identify and address early in the product development process to avoid failure. Businesses conduct market research, prototype testing, and competitive analysis to mitigate such risks. If a showstopper is identified too late, it can lead to wasted investments and reputational damage.
Here is an illustration of the concept of “showstoppers” in product development, visually representing the major obstacles that can hinder a product launch.