Obsolete - Definition and Overview

Obsolescence is when a person or object is no longer wanted even though it is still in good working order.

Types of obsolescence

Technical or functional obsolescence

• When a new, more functional product or technology supercedes the old (example: telegraph -> telephone)
• The product becomes useless due to changes in other products. For example, buggy whips became obsolete when people started traveling in cars instead of buggies.
• Spare parts are made expensive in order to make puchasing a new item a more attractive option.
• Use of poor quality materials to shorten the product lifetime.

Planned obsolescence

When marketers deliberately introduce obsolescence into their product strategy. The marketer's objective is to generate long-term sales volume by reducing the time between repeat purchases. In a highly competitive industry, this can be a risky strategy because consumers may buy from competing producers. There are also ethical considerations. See planned obsolescence.

Style obsolescence

• When a product is no longer wanted because it is not in the 'style' that is popular at that particular time. Products that are stylistically obsolete are often not functionally obsolete. A common example is 'acid-wash' jeans.
• Because of the "fashion cycle", stylistically obsolete products may eventually regain popularity and cease to be obsolete.

Postponement obsolescence

• Technological improvements are not introduced even though they could be.