Reading this and how unprofitable the offer was it almost seems like they (i.e., executives) intentionally tanked the company. The inspiration for Ted Lasso? :)

"The math was concerning: On the sale of a £119 vacuum cleaner, Hoover made a profit of £30. The two free fights that came with it were worth at least £600. This meant that each customer who followed through with the promotion cost Hoover £570."