Exploring the Legal Definition of Harvesting Strategy

Definition & Meaning

A harvesting strategy is a management approach used by businesses to reduce investments in a specific product, product line, or division. This strategy aims to cut costs or enhance cash flow by gradually eliminating marketing expenditures. The product continues to be sold based on its existing reputation and customer goodwill until sales revenue drops below a certain threshold. The concept was notably introduced by the Boston Consulting Group and is often applied to products that are in the declining phase of their life cycle.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A company that produces a line of electronic gadgets notices declining sales. They decide to implement a harvesting strategy by stopping all advertising and promotions for these products, relying instead on existing customer loyalty to maintain sales until the product is phased out.

Example 2: A food manufacturer has a product that is no longer popular. They choose to reduce costs by halting production and marketing, allowing the remaining stock to sell off based on its established reputation. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Divestiture The process of selling off a portion of a business. Divestiture involves selling assets, while harvesting focuses on reducing investment without immediate sale.
Liquidation The process of winding down a business by selling its assets. Liquidation typically means closing a business, while harvesting may not involve shutting down operations.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering a harvesting strategy for your business, start by assessing your product lines and determining which ones may benefit from reduced investment. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you draft necessary documents or contracts. If your situation is complex, it may be wise to consult a legal professional for tailored advice.

Quick facts

  • Commonly used in corporate restructuring
  • Aims to improve cash flow and reduce costs
  • Does not require immediate sale of products

Key takeaways