How do know when to sunset your product and invest in a minimum replacement product?

Deciding whether to sunset a product or invest in a Minimum Replacement Product (MRP) can be a difficult decision for any company. There are several factors to consider when making this decision:

1. Market demand: The first thing a company should consider is the current and future market demand for the product. If the product is no longer in demand or if there is a decline in sales, it may be time to consider sunsetting the product. On the other hand, if the product still has a strong demand, it may be worth investing in an MRP to update the product and extend its life cycle.

2. Competition: The level of competition in the market is another factor to consider. If there are many competitors offering similar products, it may be difficult to maintain market share with the existing product. In this case, an MRP may be necessary to keep up with the competition. However, if the product has a unique selling proposition and a loyal customer base, sunsetting the product may not be necessary.

3. Cost: The cost of developing and launching a new product versus investing in an MRP is another consideration. Developing a new product from scratch can be expensive and time-consuming. In contrast, investing in an MRP can be a more cost-effective way to update the product while still retaining its existing customer base.

4. Customer feedback: Customer feedback is critical when deciding whether to sunset a product or invest in an MRP. Feedback can provide insights into what customers like and dislike about the existing product and what improvements they would like to see. If the feedback suggests that customers are not satisfied with the existing product and are looking for something new, then sunsetting the product may be the best option. On the other hand, if customers are generally happy with the product but would like to see some updates, investing in an MRP may be the way to go.

In summary, the decision to sunset a product or invest in an MRP depends on several factors, including market demand, competition, cost, and customer feedback. Companies should carefully consider each of these factors before making a decision.

If the existing product has a loyal customer base and a unique selling proposition, investing in an MRP may be the best way to extend the product’s life cycle. However, if market demand is low, competition is high, and customers are not satisfied with the product, it may be time to consider sunsetting the product and starting from scratch.

📌 How Full Sail Helps Companies Make the Right Call

With deep expertise in product lifecycle strategy, Full Sail provides:

✅ Executive decision frameworks for evaluating MVP, MRP, or full sunsetting.

✅ Data-backed recommendations to minimize risk and maximize ROI.

✅ Transition roadmaps to ensure minimal disruption and customer retention.

📈 The Bottom Line: The wrong choice can waste millions or kill a valuable product too soon. The right choice can extend product longevity, drive innovation, and create new revenue streams.

“Is your product a liability—or an opportunity for transformation? Let’s talk about how Full Sail helps businesses make smarter sunset vs. investment decisions.”