Wellness Getaways, Inc.: The Challenge of Setting a Price

Wellness Getaways, Inc. packages cruises to Caribbean islands such as Martinique and the Bahamas. Like con- ventional cruises, the packages are designed to be fun. But the cruise is structured to help participants become healthier by breaking old habits, such as smoking or over- eating.

The Miami-based firm was conceived by Susan Isom, 30, a self-styled innovator and entrepreneur. Prior to this venture, she had spent several years in North Carolina promoting a behavior-modification clinic.

Isom determined that many people were very con- cerned about developing good health habits, yet they seemed unable to break away from their old habits be- cause of the pressures of day-to-day living. She reasoned that they might have a chance for much greater success in a pleasant and socially supportive environment, where good health habits were fostered.

Accordingly, she estab- lished Wellness Getaways, Inc., hired 10 consulting psy- chologists and health specialists to develop a program, and chartered a ship. Seven of Isom's business associates contributed an initial capital outlay totaling more than $600,000. Of this amount, $130,000 went for the initial advertising budget, $20,000 for other administrative ex- penses, and $440,000 for the ship rental and crew.

Mary Porter, an overweight Denver schoolteacher, has signed up to sail on a 10-day cruise to Nassau, departing December 19. She and her shipmates will be paying an average of $3,000 for the voyage. The most desirable staterooms cost $4,400.

Mary learned of the cruise by reading the travel sec- tion of her Sunday newspaper on October 16. On that date, the Pittsford and LaRue Advertising Agency placed promotional notices for the cruise in several major metro- politan newspapers. Mary was fascinated by the idea of combining therapy sessions with swimming, movies, and an elegant atmosphere.

Pittsford and LaRue account executive Carolyn Sukhan originally estimated that 300 people would sign up for the cruise after reading the October 16 ads. But as of November 14, only 200 had done so. Isom faced an important decision.

"Here's the situation as I see it," explained a disturbed Isom. "We've already paid out more than half a million to get this cruise rolling. It's going to cost us roughly $400 per passenger for the 10-day cruise, mostly for food. Pitts- ford and LaRue predicted that 300 people would respond to the advertising campaign, but we've only got 200."

Isom continued, "I see three basic options: (1) we cancel the cruise and take our losses; (2) we run the cruise with the 200 and a few more that will trickle in over the next month; or (3) we shell out some more money on advertising and hope that we can pull in more people. "My preference is that we try to recruit more passengers. There are simply too many empty rooms on that ship. Each one costs us a bundle."

At this point, Sukham said: "I've worked out two possible advertising campaigns for the November 20 papers. The first, the limited campaign, will cost $12,000. I estimate that it will bring in 20 passengers. The more ambitious campaign, which I personally recommend, would cost $30,000. I believe this campaign will bring in a minimum of 40 passengers."

Sukham added, "I realize that our first attempt was somewhat disappointing. But we're dealing here with a new concept, and a follow-up ad might work with many newspaper readers who were curious and interested when they read our first notice."

"One thing is absolutely certain," Sukhan emphasized. "We must act immediately if there's any hope of getting more people on board. The deadline for the Sunday pa- pers is in less than 48 hours. And if our ads don't appear by this weekend, you can forget it. No one signs up in early December for a December 18 sailing date."

Isom interrupted, shaking her head. "I just don't know what to say. I've looked over Carolyn's proposals, and they're excellent. Absolutely first-rate. But our problem, to be blunt, is money. Our funds are tight, and our inves- tors are already nervous. I get more calls each day asking me where the 300 passengers are. It won't be easy to squeeze another $12,000 out of these people. And to ask them for $30,000-well, I just don't know how we're going to be able to justify it."

Questions

1. What is the minimum number of passengers that Well- ness Getaways must sign up by November 20 to break even, with the cruise? (Show your calculations.)

2. Should Wellness Getaways go ahead with the cruise, since 200 passengers had signed up as of November 14?

3. Would it be worthwhile for Wellness Getaways to spend either $12,000 or $30,000 for advertising on November 20? If so, which figure would you recommend?

4. How realistic are Carolyn Sukhan's estimates of 20 more passengers for the $12,000 advertising campaign and 40 more passengers for the $30,000 campaign?

5. Should Wellness Getaways consider cutting its prices for this maiden voyage?

Resource :

Wellness Getaways, Inc.: This case was prepared by Roger A. Kerin and Steven W. Hartley.