Hello! I'm Samuel Chapman. 

I'm on a mission to show you that every product based business can flourish and grow, no matter the challenges. Regardless what you sell, or whether you have a physical or online location.

With the right knowledge, tools, and a bit of inspiration, you can achieve amazing results.

Why Do Some Product Businesses Thrive While So Many Fail?

The truth is, not all product businesses are created equal. Some have astonishingly low failure rates because they follow a proven model that sets them up for long-term success. If you’re thinking about starting or scaling your product business, understanding these models could make all the difference.

In this blog post, I’ll break down four of the most successful product business models that have stood the test of time. Plus, stick around until the end because I’ll share one powerful action step you can take today to increase your chances of long-term success.

Why Do Some Product Businesses Have a High Success Rate While Others Struggle?

The most successful product businesses don’t just sell random products, they leverage models that:

✅ Solve an ongoing need.
✅ Have built-in demand.
✅ Encourage repeat purchases.
✅ Offer a clear customer journey.

After analysing hundreds of thriving product businesses, I’ve identified four business models with incredibly low failure rates that you can use in your business today.

1. The Subscription-Based Model: "The Never Run Out" Business

Subscription businesses thrive because they provide ongoing convenience. Customers sign up once and keep paying every month, making revenue more predictable and reducing the need for constant marketing to retain customers.

Examples of Successful Subscription-Based Businesses:

• HelloFresh – Delivers fresh meal kits weekly.

• Dollar Shave Club – Automatically sends razors so customers never run out.

• Birchbox – Beauty subscription box with new products each month.

Why This Model Works:

• Customers appreciate the “set-it-and-forget-it” convenience.

• Generates predictable, recurring revenue.

• Encourages long-term customer retention.

How to Apply This Model to Your Business:

• If you sell skincare, offer a monthly skincare subscription box featuring bestsellers.

• If you sell handmade candles, create a seasonal candle subscription where customers receive a new scent every month.

• If you sell coffee, launch a coffee club where members receive their favourite blend on a recurring basis.

2. The Consumable & Repeat Purchase Model: "Use & Replace"

Businesses that sell products people need to repurchase regularly have a significantly lower failure rate because they have built-in demand.

Examples of Successful Businesses Using This Model:

• Olaplex Haircare – Customers repurchase after seeing results.

• Fenty Beauty – Foundation, skincare, and cosmetics create a cycle of reordering.

• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brands – Customers need refills frequently.

Why This Model Works:

• Customers come back automatically, reducing the need for constant re-selling.

• Particularly effective for skincare, cosmetics, food, supplements, and household goods.

How to Apply This Model to Your Business:

• Identify a product that customers frequently repurchase.

• Create a bundle or subscription to encourage loyalty.

• Offer auto-renew options for convenience.

3. The Personalised & Custom Product Model: "One-of-a-Kind Business"

People love unique, customised products made just for them, making this an increasingly popular and profitable business model in 2025.

Examples of Businesses Thriving with This Model:

• Etsy Sellers – Custom jewellery, clothing, and home decor.

• Nike By You – Customers design their own sneakers.

• Function of Beauty – Personalised haircare based on individual preferences.

Why This Model Works:

• Creates strong emotional connections with customers.

• Harder for competitors to copy because each product is unique.

• Customers are willing to pay premium prices for personalised items.

How to Apply This Model to Your Business:

• If you sell jewellery, offer custom engraving or colour choices.

• If you sell stationery, allow name personalisation.

• If you sell fashion, provide made-to-order sizing.

4. The High-Perceived Value, Low-Cost Production Model: "Premium Without the High Cost"

One of the smartest ways to succeed in e-commerce is by selling products that feel premium but don’t cost a fortune to produce. This allows for higher profit margins and a stronger brand presence.

Examples of Businesses Thriving with This Model:

• Luxury Home Fragrances & Scented Candles – High emotional appeal, low production cost.

• Jewellery Brands – Premium aesthetics with affordable materials (e.g., gold-plated instead of solid gold).

• Leather Goods & Accessories – Luxury-feel products like wallets and keychains that cost less to manufacture.

Why This Model Works:

• Customers feel like they’re getting luxury at an affordable price.

• Higher profit margins mean more room to invest in marketing and branding.

• Works particularly well for giftable, lifestyle, and home decor products.

How to Apply This Model to Your Business:

• Elevate your packaging to enhance the perceived value.

• Craft a luxury-inspired brand story to differentiate your product.

• Source high-quality yet cost-effective materials to improve profit margins.

Take Action: Apply These Models to Your Business

I don’t want you to just read this blog post, I want you to act on it. Here’s what to do right now:

✅ Step 1: Pick ONE of these four models that fits your product business.
✅ Step 2: Brainstorm one way to improve your existing offer using that model.
✅ Step 3: Start small, test it with your customers this week.

If you’re serious about making your product business fail-proof, send me a DM on Instagram (@productcoachsam) with the word ‘VIP,’ and I’ll send you details on how you can work closely with me to attract more customers, make more sales, and build confidence in your business decisions.

Got questions or want to chat?

If this post resonated with you, please share it with someone who could benefit from hitting reset and setting intentional goals for their business.

I’m on a mission this year to help as many small business owners as possible have their brightest year yet, and I can only do that with your support.

Drop me a message on Instagram @productcoachsam. I’m here to help you succeed!

Samuel Chapman