301 vs 500 Errors for discontinued products

[MentorDigital]

I have a client that has a around 15 "products" (they are pages containing details of the products rather than e-Commerce products) that have been discontinued. The client has suggested 301s but unless the alternative products are replacement products am I correct that we should be using a 500 error?

[DeanAndrews]

Moz's HTTP Status Codes infographic is a great explanation of status codes. Personally I would 301 them to another page at best a similar product or blog post relating to the service/product at worst another page. 500 error doesn't help anyone either the visitors, links or search engines it just shouts 'server failed to complete the request'

[MentorDigital]

I do fully understand the link juice issue but is it not confusing to the user to be taken to content they didn't request without explanation? Perhaps I am thinking that the a descriptive 404 might be more useful.

The client is currently suggesting redirecting to the homepage from these pages which doesn't bear that much relevance, in this instance are 301s still the best option?

Thank you for your help!

[Fuel]

Hi Holland!

I would also suggest a 301 redirect. The product is discontinued and is therefore permanently gone. While the product that they are looking for might not be there, directing them to the closest related thing would be the best course of action for all parties involved(users and search engines),  whether that be a closely related product or a product category page, etc.

[19prince]

Why not leave the product up (200). Make it clear these items are no longer for sale. For example, pull the 'add to cart' button and use language to cross-sell another product.