Do Companies Like Peloton Ever Learn After A Product Recall?

In the past few years, exercise equipment maker Peloton relied on an aggressive and clever marketing strategy that persuaded many people to purchase its products. Along the way, the COVID-19 pandemic fueled more sales as an increasing number of people skipped their on-site gym workout routines only to stay home with their dependable Peloton treadmills.

However, along the way Peloton suddenly found itself in a crisis, scrambling to explain what was wrong with some of its products because an infant died, and an estimated 70 people were injured while using them. It was a quandary faced by any company that has introduced a defective product in the market. And, after weeks of encouragement to recall two types of treadmills, Peloton finally did in early May.

Negligence and Responsibility

Whenever a company finds itself in the crosshairs regarding the safety of its products, it must explain what happened. And just as in Peloton’s situation, such companies discover – often simultaneously with the public — that their products failed specific safety standards and consumers have been hurt or even died. Negligence is at the root when a defective product hits the market. And someone is responsible.

After some hesitation, New York-based Peloton on May 5 finally announced its recall of the company’s Treat and Treat+ treadmills. However, the company’s declaration came nearly a month after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a video of a young child getting trapped on a Peloton treadmill while playing on it.

Companies like Peloton worry about their reputations. But what about worrying about the public? These are the very people who played a major part in the success of their products. Not only have consumers got a bum deal, but they also pay for defective products in ways that they never should.