Which sequence correctly lists the standard stages of the product life cycle?

• A. Intro, Growth, Maturity, Decline.
• B. Growth, Introduction, Decline, Maturity.
• C. Intro, Decline, Growth, Maturity.
• D. Intro, Growth, Maturity, Decline.

Answer: (D)

Products move through stages as they enter the market and gain traction: Introduction starts when the product is launched and awareness is building, so sales are modest. Growth follows as more customers learn about it and demand accelerates, often lifting profits as production scales up. Maturity then arrives when the market becomes saturated, sales peak, and competition squeezes margins. Finally, Decline occurs as new options or shifts in preferences reduce demand. This flow—Introduction, Growth, Maturity, Decline—fits the natural progression of how products are adopted and eventually phased out. Other sequences would place demand or awareness out of order (for example, Growth before Introduction or Decline before Maturity), which doesn’t align with how a product progresses in the market.