EMERGENCY RESUBMITAL
TO: Sanders’ & Family CEO/President
FROM: Thomas Brown
Sanders’ & Family Department Store
Department Store Regional Manger
DATE: October 7, 2013
SUBJECT: Recommended Purchasing Book Bags for School Donation
At the August 2013 board meeting, the group agreed to review different types of book bags for our company wide purchase due to the anonymous charitable donations that we give. Group members believed that new book bags would excite students and eliminate and “in style” problems and issues between students. You asked that I provide my recommendation by the end of September so that a decision for purchase could be made.
This recommendation report suggests the book bag that will meet our needs when we chose to donate to various schools. After days of research I have narrowed it down to the two best book bags according to commonly known criteria of the following: 1. Size, 2. Safety, 3. Durability, 4. Cost
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that we utilize the Original Book Pack by L.L. Bean. The book bag is similar to the size of a standard back pack but with more room created by compartments and layering inside the book bag. The book pack has built in 3m
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reflective strips sewn into the shoulder straps and the outward facing side of the book bag for safety. L.L. Bean consumer reviews cite the bags lasting for years and still looking like new. L.L. Bean backs all of their bags with a lifetime warranty should anything go wrong. Their cost is around 28 dollars, an extra six dollars will get the students name embroider to eliminate confusion.
SCOPE
Group members noted that the choice of book bags will eliminate any perceived “higher status” and establish a standard and teach structure to elementary age children to carry with them in life. The group noted that size is important as to not interfere with the movement of students which corresponds with paramount safety. With the charitable donation being a large amount not continual the group expressed getting the most for the money. This is reflected in both the durability and the price of the new book bags. This report will compare the L.L. Bean Book Pack and the Jansport Book Bag in relation to size, safety, durability, and cost.
Size and Safety
When it comes to the L.L Bean Book Pack, group members noted that size and safety were paramount. The book bag is no larger than the standard back pack, yet accommodates more storage for our higher grade students. This will alleviate
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smaller students carrying larger bulky back packs and reduce the risk of falling and collisions. The L.L. Bean book bag also has built in reflectors that enhance a student’s safety in dusk and dawn situations. The reflective markings can clearly be seen in the darkest night.
Jansport book bag. The Jansport book bag is slightly larger than the L.L Bean and offers less space. The Jansport also lacks the reflective strips to enhance the student’s safety. With less storage accommodation and no reflective markings the Jansport book bag may cause practicality and safety concerns.
Conclusion. The L.L. Bean offers less overall size with enhanced interior space and safety reflectors are standard.
Durability and Cost
L.L Bean Book Pack. Group members expressed their concern for the use of such a rare donation and getting the most for the money. The L.L. Bean book pack comes with a lifetime warranty and costs 28 dollars, and for six more the students name can be embroidered to eliminate confusion. Consumer reviews state L.L. Bean bag still looking new after years of use.
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Jansport book bag. The Jansport book bag comes with a lifetime limited warranty and costs 28 dollars with no option to embroider. Consumer reviews state Jansport is durable but looks faded and worn after first year or two.
Conclusion. We strive to support our community the best way that we can and continue to aid in providing items needed for our youths to attend school. Therefore, we have chosen to provide the schools in our district with the L.L. Bean book bags that comes with a lifetime warranty and can be personalized. It will continue to look new past the first year.
