Cowgirl Chocolates Case Essay Example for Free

Cowgirl Chocolates Case Essay1. SynopsisThe case of Cowgirl Chocolates is about a small chocolate producer, Cowgirl Chocolates, and the businesses proprietor/ operative Marilyn Lysohir dilemma with how and why her business venture wasnt profitable. Marilyn expresses her love for making award winning hot and spicy chocolates. She also discusses her hold up on different products, their packaging, and her disliking of using distributors. Marilyn doesnt know why she isnt making a profit, and the problem isnt with her chocolates, its her lack of trust for others and her impulsiveness on making the caller-out more of an art than a chocolate company. 2. SWOT AnalysisStrengths* Award-winning chocolates (p.66)* Variety of Chocolates, and other sweets (p.67)* Her and her husband Ross artistic ability (p.66)* Cowgirl Chocolates ad (p.66)Weaknesses* Distribution (p.72 p.77)* Packaging (p.71)* Cowgirl Chocolates outlets and vendors (p.73)* Lack of knowledge analyzing financial reports (p. 76)* Give-a-ways and a surplus in inventory (p. 75-76)Opportunities* Chile Pepper Magazine (p.66)* Holiday customer publicity deals (p 68 p.76)* Military PX stores (p.71)* Local favorite (p. 72)Threats* Seattle Chocolates* Customer demand* Cowgirl Chocolate Ad* Distributor and Packagers fees (p.72-74)* Low sales in original cities (Seattle and San Francisco) (p.73) 3. Overcoming weaknesses with strengthsPage 77 exhibit 4 puts Cowgirl Chocolates financial problems on display. The companys expenses were $31,423 for cost of sales, and an additional $53,447 for total expenses out weighs the companys low revenue, which stood at $30,046 for the year 2000. Exhibit 5 on page 78 also illustrates that Cowgirl is negative $5,051.15 in net profit after(prenominal) taxes.I feel that an easy way to cut some company expenses would to not travel to as many trade shows. I understand Cowgirl is difficult to spread the word about their trophy chocolates, but there are other means in publicizing an d advertising that are cheaper. Cowgirl spent $5,786 for travel, which includes airfare, lodging, meals, and gas.They also spent an additional $6,423 on trade shows, which includes give-a-ways. I know that trade shows are very important and needed for candy companies, but having two artist collaborate on designing the chocolates along with two award-winning products should showcase the brands credibility. That being said, if you know you have something good and your not making money on it, stop spending on unneeded expenses.