PRODUCTS ‘MADE BY MISTAKE' SELL MORE

Summary from the TLDR Marketing newsletter

Accidental product flaws can become a marketing asset when a brand presents them as unique instead of hiding them. Across seven experiments, people were 27.3% more likely to buy a product with an accidental flaw and were willing to pay up to 71.8% more in some cases. This approach works best for established brands that sell products for enjoyment rather than function because uniqueness increases appeal in those categories. Pairing the mistake with a clear explanation and a limited-time promotion can help turn excess inventory into higher demand.