Sharon Steele is opening a new Asian restaurant in her hometown. She recently
contacted one of Saguaro ‘s top salespeople, Simon Green, about purchasing utensils for
her new restaurant. Simon described Saguaro ‘s products, emphasizing the high-quality
materials and processes the company uses. Sharon is looking for ways to lower her
operating costs, so after hearing Simon describe Saguaro ‘s products, she told him that
all she wants are 20,000 unwrapped chop sticks. Sharon told Simon she is willing to
pay $0.09 per chop stick ($.18 per pair).
Required
a. Based on Sharon ‘s offer of $0.09 per chop stick, should Saguaro accept Sharon ‘s
order? Saguaro currently has excess production capacity and can easily accommodate
Sharon ‘s order in the production schedule.
b. Since Sharon wants simple chop sticks, Simon is exploring using a lighter-weight
wood for her order. He has found a suitable product that will cost $.02 per chop stick. If
Saguaro uses this lighter-weight wood for Sharon ‘s order, should the company accept
Sharon ‘s order at a price of $0.09 per chop stick? Saguaro currently has excess
production capacity and can easily accommodate Sharon ‘s order in the production
schedule.
c. After visiting with Sharon, Simon received a fax from one of Spain ‘s top Asian
restaurants. The restaurant ‘s normal utensil supplier suffered some earthquake damage
and is unable to ship the restaurant ‘s order of 20,000 pairs of chop sticks this month.
The restaurant ‘s owner is asking if Saguaro can fill a one-time rush order of 20,000
pairs of chop sticks. The restaurant is willing to pay an 8% price premium to expedite
the order. If Saguaro accepts the order, it will incur $2,250 in export taxes and shipping.
Should Saguaro accept the Spanish restaurant ‘s offer?
d. What qualitative issues should Saguaro consider as it evaluates both Sharon ‘s order
and the Spanish restaurant ‘s order? Are these issues different for the two orders?