7.11Customer Bad News:
Putting the Brakes on Bakery Deliveries (Objs. 1–4) As the ownerof La Boulangerie Bakery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you have adevoted clientele savoring your delicacies. Your salty caramelcupcakes offer an irresistible salty-sweet flavor combination usingfleur de sel crystals hand harvested from the pristine seas offBrittany, France. These salt granules complement the sweet butterycaramel that flavors both the cake and frosting. Although yourcupcakes are a trendy hit, you also feature delicious cakes,squares, cookies, croissants, and bread. Your bakery has amedium-sized storefront; however, most of your business comes fromsupplying local restaurants and coffee shops with your tantalizingtreats. You own two trucks that make deliveries to customersthroughout the Baton Rouge metropolitan area. Although LaBoulangerie is financially successful, rising costs have severelyundercut your profits over the past few months. You know that youare not the only business owner dealing with rising prices. Many ofyour suppliers have raised their prices over the past year.Specifically, the higher prices of wheat and sugar have resulted ina drastic increase in your production costs. Previously, you didnot charge for deliveries made to your wholesale clients. However,you now feel that you have no choice but to add a delivery chargefor each order to cover your increased costs and the rising priceof gas.
Your Task. As the owner of La Boulangerie Bakery, write a letterto your wholesale clients in which you announce a $20 charge perdelivery. Try to think of a special offer to soften the blow.Address the first letter to Mr. Emil Broussard, Café Broussard,2013 West Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70820.
