Long-tail assortment

A long-tail assortment contains many individually low-volume items whose combined demand can be meaningful. It contrasts with relying mainly on a few bestsellers. The original long-tail argument concerns reaching dispersed niche demand, not a promise that every slow-selling item becomes profitable.[1]

Physical goods still incur storage, discovery and management costs. A replacement-parts specialist may benefit from a long tail, but should assess which items deserve stocked inventory and which are better supplied to order.