Bad News Message Assignment

Using the details from the scenario presented below, create a message that responds to a customer request. Format your message as an email; make sure you include a subject line.

On the second page of your document, please describe in one paragraph why email is a better medium than other channels, such as a phone call, text, or letter.

Your message goal is to inform the customer of your decision. Although the information may disappoint the customer, your message should help her to understand your rationale, believe you are reasonable, explain possible options, and feel good about you and herself.

Message Scenario

You manage a catering business. Two weeks ago, you met with Ellen Jones to discuss the catering details for a cocktail reception that will celebrate her parents$50$th wedding anniversary. The party is in one week.

Ms$.$ Jones$$ maximum budget for the party is $$2,500,$ and she signed a contract that outlined a price of $$25$ per person for up to $100$ guests. The contract provided for food and beverage stations, including a sushi bar, crudit$$s$,$ hot hors d$$oeuvres$,$ and a large cake.

You special order the sushi from an out$-$of$-$town supplier to be shipped in time for the event. The remaining items are available locally and can be prepared a day in advance.

Today, Ms$.$ Jones sends you an email containing bad news. Her mother decided most of the family will not like sushi. She wants to replace the sushi station with a chocolate fountain. Additionally, she wants to increase the guest count to $120.$

Your heart sinks when you read the message. With these changes, you will no longer be able to keep the price within Ms$.$ Jones$$ budget. Not only will you have to pay a $$200$ cancellation fee to the sushi vendor, but you also have to rent the chocolate fountain and buy the chocolate, dipping foods, and skewers$$all of which will cost $$300$ more than the sushi it is replacing. In addition, accommodating $20$ additional guests will cost $$500.$ These changes bring the final cost of catering to $$3,500.$