Question Description
These instructional materials are designed to support your success on course assignments and in meeting the objectives for this module.
Watch this video on delivering bad news.
Sam has invited you to lunch at his deli again for further discussion on the progress of his audit. While the two of you are eating pastrami sandwiches, Sam mentions a problem he is having with his trucking vendor and asks you to help with this matter.
South Florida Trucking delivers most of Sam’s inventory of meats. You tell Sam youd be happy to take care of this issue and will handle it gratis. Your offer is a show of goodwill; you are hoping for more business from Sam.
Sam explains the urgency of this issue as he needs the trucking services to keep running. He asks you to contact his accounts payable department for details. This is what you find out.
The accounting records show an Accounts Payable to the trucking company for $1,804. The latest invoice from the trucking company shows an Accounts Receivable from Sam’s Super Deli of $6,011. It seems that a payment for $4,207 that has cleared through Sam’s Super Deli’s bank has not been posted by South Florida Trucking. The Deli, however, has not paid the remainder, $1804, because much of that shipment was ruined as a result of the loss of refrigeration in the truck.
Sam has already contested the $1804 via a phone call he made to the trucking company’s billing department. However, the matter is still not resolved.
See the assignment for specific instructions below: ??
Write a letter to South Florida Trucking that politely, but firmly, explains the billing discrepancies. Note: This assignment is designed for you to show your ability to control your tone. Tone is crucial.
Tell the trucking company that the numbers do not agree; Sam’s contention is that the balance should be zero. Use evidence, e.g., canceled checks, ledger entries, or any other accounting data that would help to support your position. Make sure you tell South Florida Trucking what you (for Sam) want as a resolution.
Put the letter on T&M letterhead for Sams Super Deli. You can use the letterhead you have already created for T&M. You will have to invent the South Florida Trucking information for your inside address. Your letter must be in block format and have headings and high impact format. The introductory paragraph should state the purpose of the letter and preview your headings (sections of the letter).
Keep the letter to one and a half pages, maximum. Keeping the letter short will force you to be concise.