Kudler_Review

Abstract The purpose of this document is to address issues or problems for Kudler Fine Foods. Upon careful review of Kudler Fine Foods strategic plan, the areas of weaknesses defined by the company are “deal in mainly perishable goods, specialty shops with high pay-roll, small management team with lots of responsibilities, the Del Mar location is not doing as well as expected, and Geographic expansion limitations” (Kudler, 2003). In addition, the threats are “competing gourmet shops, and the economy declining” (Kudler, 2003). First the meaning of the word problem described from my point of view. Second a general analysis of the issues for Kudler as interpreted after reviewing their strategic plan. Last the inception of their website will narrow their concerns. Problem Definition Problems or issues are any obstacle that would prevent an organization from obtaining their vision or goals they aspire to reach. Problems and issues present themselves in many different forms. Generally, problems are weaknesses and threats to the organization. Kudler Fine Food Issues Perishable foods promote quality goods for the consumer; however, an issue of ROI arises due to the nature of the food. This presents a problem for Kudler. “12% of our perishable goods are rotated out of inventory every two or three days, either by being thrown away or donated to local charities” (Kudler, 2003). Because Kudler is a gourmet shop, they employ specialty staff. The staff dictates a higher wage than a normal employee would in a non-specialty shop. The management staff consists of two. Major issues are handled by Kathy, the proprietor, thus when she is unavailable these issues go unaddressed. The Del Mar location failed due to the town size causing it to be shut down in the future. Because Kathy handles all the financials and inventory ordering for all the stores, expansion is limited within a reasonable distance that would allow one person to cover. Competition and the Economy are the only threats to date. In the event another gourmet shop opens, Kudler would no longer be the only choice for the geographical area. In the event of a slow economy, people would change their buying habits and most likely refrain from buying specialty items. Conclusion Although Kudler Fine Foods may have issues, the company has been profitable in the time they have been in business. One failed site does not measure the success of the company. The plan to close the site will present new profitable opportunity. Plans to expand their website will eliminate some issues and create a new customer base that is not geographically limited. The website expansion will incorporate a shopping cart that facilitates the sales of Kudler Fine Foods offerings, and search engine optimization, meta tags, key word phrases, and advertising to build customer traffic to the site. All this should be accomplished incorporating the laws of the state in which the business is born, and following key customer service and good will policies that foster repeat business. Finally, several possible specific business options are available for the company from restaurant, to individual corporate, and even retail outlets. With these detailed changes, Kudler Fine Foods will build a reputation on the Internet that is as exemplary as the reputation it has in its local business areas of Del Mar, Encinitas, and La Jolla. References Kudler Fine Foods Virtual Organization Intranet (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/business/kudler/Admin/StrategicPlan2003.pdf