TLDR Founders · STRATEGIES & TACTICS

PRODUCT PURGATORY: WHEN THEY LOVE IT BUT DON'T BUY

longform.asmartbear.com9 min read

Summary from the TLDR Founders newsletter

Why do customers praise your product but never purchase? This frustrating gap between enthusiasm and action signals "product purgatory"—your solution may be valuable but lacks urgency. The insightful "Magic-Wand Test" reveals whether your product fails due to perceived value or activation hurdles. If prospects would take it fully implemented for free yet still won't buy, your challenge isn't the product but its priority level (usually #7 on their list). The solution isn't to add features, but to narrow your focus to customers facing immediate catalysts like regulatory deadlines or leadership mandates where urgency drives decisions.