How to Discontinue a Product

entrepreneurship product

Sat Apr 18 15:36:09 -0700 2009

Google does a nice job delicately phrasing that they are phasing out their Notebook product.

This is a tough problem that all entrepreneurs will face sooner or later: how to let users of a product know that features or whole products are being cut. It’s (theoretically) for the greater good: to put the company’s resources toward products or features that are more valuaable overall. But it doesn’t change the pain and sadness felt by those that use and enjoy whatever is on the chopping block.

The trick is letting people down gently, and with a clear exit path. Google’s suggestion of alternate products which can fill the same need is a good approach.