9 Worst Product Failures and Flops From the Past 5 Years

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

The problem: product defect

In late 2017, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 had one of the most dangerous debuts ever. After its release, consumers reported that the smartphone’s batteries were spontaneously catching fire. This led to massive recalls, and millions, if not billions, in lost revenue. Fortunately, Samsung redeemed itself with future models. Fin24 Tech reported, “It is safe to assume the Note 7 won’t affect sales of the S8 – a truly well-crafted device.”

2. Google Glass

The problem: didn’t live up to consumer expectations

Google has created a lot of experimental tech, and plenty of it has found practical use. Google Glass was one of the most hyped products from Google headquarters; millions of people were psyched to try it. Unfortunately, it just didn’t really work out. We’ll see similar technology hit the market in the future. But Google Glass may have been ahead of its time.

3. 3D television

The problems: high price and mediocre performance

Third time’s the charm, right? Not in the case of 3D TV, which several companies have tried and failed each and every time. It’s not even a new technology. It’s actually something that’s been brought to the market a couple times before the most recent wave of products. People just don’t seem to want it.

Interestingly enough, it looks like virtual reality is catching on, so we might end up skipping 3D TV completely and going to headsets within a few years. That’s assuming Oculus Rift doesn’t wind up on a list of product failures in the future, of course.

4. Trump University

The problem: false advertising

Trump University was founded in 2005 as a for-profit education company to teach people to make money in the real estate industry. However, dissatisfied students sued the now-defunct business, alleging it used deceptive sales and marketing practices to defraud students. In April 2018, Trump University settled the lawsuit for $25 million.

5. Nike FuelBand

The problem: crowded market

The world is saturated with fitness devices, and that includes all the Fitbits, Apple Watches, and Garmins of the world. Nike also waded into the fray with its FuelBand, actually pioneering the concept to a degree. The FuelBand lasted a while but was put to bed after four years in 2014. The fitness tracker space proved to be too crowded, ultimately leading to the FuelBand’s death.

6. Watermelon Oreo

The problem: a bad flavor combination

A stroll down the cookie aisle at your local grocer will reveal Oreo and Chips Ahoy flavors you’d never expect, including Swedish Fish and birthday cake. Some are reasonable, but nothing will be quite as weird as the limited-edition Watermelon Oreo.

7. Apple Watch

Calling the Apple Watch a failure is a bit unfair. Many people like the smartwatches, and the company just unveiled the next generation. The Apple Watch didn’t sell well, however, and consumers still aren’t completely on board with a smartwatch that requires a smartphone. The jury’s still out on this one.

8. United Airlines

The problem: a poorly handled PR nightmare

This isn’t a product, per se, but it is a service. United Airlines deserves a spot on this list for violently hauling a 69-year-old man off one of its flights to make room for company employees. The incident was caught on camera, and United suffered one of the biggest PR fails of all time. It’s been hard for travelers to forget the images of a bloodied, concussed man being dragged off of a plane by police officers anytime soon.

9. 47 Ronin

The problems: confusing script, production disparities, and bad marketing

The 2013 movie starred Keanu Reeves and became one of the biggest Hollywood busts ever. According to Variety, 47 Ronin was supposed to be a sort of Lord of the Rings in 1700s Asia. With a budget of $175 million (not counting promo costs), the script was rewritten many times and the release date was pushed back twice. It finished sixth on opening weekend and grossed only $20 million in its first five days.

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