What was the most unsuccessful product in the history of marketing?

Answer 1

There are two examples that jump to mind. One is the re-branding of NBC Television. They spent absolute GOBS of money re-designing and rolling out their logo. it was an unmitigated disaster. It took them many months of damage control to allow them to return to the famous rainbow colored peacock (albeit slightly re-designed and refreshed). Another example, though it's also an example of a success is the Tylenol scare in the 70's. Unless you're over 50, you probably don't even realize that the little glued-on piece of paper on a medicine bottle, and/or the little plastic zip ring around the cap are the result of this nightmare. There was a nutcase person putting poison into Tylenol bottles, which, at the time, had no secured closure, even the box. It was easy as pie to open the box and the cap, and put in some poison. The entire industry jumped into action, and introduced the various sealing methods. Also simply glued the box shut, and a non-restick piece of printed tape over the box lids.