Background of the Business
Over the last bygone years the business industry has been benefitted with the vast scope of social and digital media. According to Cuneen & Tobar (2017, pp. 121-133), as compared to the earlier times, the modern generation largely depends on the virtual world. It is noted that the expansion of these mediums have completely changed marketing and growth of a company within and outside a nation as well. In addition to its widespread reach, the rise of e-commerce acts as balance between the sellers and the purchasers (Barling, 2013, pp. 118-128). Additionally, setting up an internet medium in an organization for carrying out operations has various pre-requisite. E-commerce along with facilitating selling of goods also caters to transmitting information or money electronically (Ditizio, 2016, pp. 13-27). The multi-dimensional channels connect businesses to their target customers and to other firms as well (Welfare, 2015, p. 63).
On the other hand, like any other business tool, e-commerce also has its own set of advantages and limitations. The growing economy has offered entrepreneurs with a vast opportunity for growth (Brown et al., 2017, p. 42). It is noted that setting up an e-commerce site in a firm involves a number of risks. It is only with building of proper plans, controlling and coordinating them with organizational objectives that leads to success. As stated by Ramcharran (2013, pp. 46-60), entrepreneurs tend to recognize the growing population and technological developments as a scope for development. In order to secure a position in the market, managers highlight the need for innovation within their companies.
This particular project is based on a new company named Sport Universal and its motive to develop an e-commerce. Being a newly formed organization, the management of the firm has tended to expand business by setting up a modified e-commerce platform. Further, several aspects like background of the business, competitive review, and an analysis of the market is taken into consideration. In order to develop the e-commerce platform, marketing, management, and financial plans are developed as well. Lastly, being faced with various risks, a contingency strategy is built up.
Sport Universal is recognized to be among the most famous companies that specialize in sport products and accessories. In addition to performance apparels, the company will sell team uniforms. It is noted that the firm apart from producing and selling sport goods to the people, also takes part in charity. The company shall donate about 4.4% of its earning on a single purchase to a non-profit organization. Further, the management of Sport Universal recognizes sports as a tool to build up inspiration and thereby develop societies. Like the successful enterprises in the industry, the company along with its widespread product diversity will successfully construct a fusion of performance and obsession (Rothenberg, 2015, pp. 312-317).
Industry and Competitive Analysis
According to Fried & Mumcu (2016, p. 76) there exits public and privately owned companies in the sector. Sport Universal is known to be a privately owned enterprise. It is a company that not only will focus on earning an increased amount of revenue, but also believe in giving back as a way of social welfare. Concerning the products, the firm has three separate departments, which can be differentiated into the following:
- Team Shop:
- Men`s Lacrosse
- Women`s Lacrosse
- Men`s Soccer
- Women`s Soccer
- Men`s Basketball
- Women`s Basketball
- Men`s and Women`s Team wear
- Men`s Section:
- Sportswear
- Of Dust and Football
- Gear and Accessories
- Women`s Section:
- Sportswear
- Of Dust and Football
- Gear and Accessories
Being situated in the USA, Sport Universal products will be expertly designed and manufactured in New York City. Further, the use of moisture wicking polyester mesh and high quality materials also adds up as uniqueness to the goods and will also help to attract customers (Bikkembergs, Willame & Bikkembergs, 2013, pp. 141-149). Unlike the team shop where products are sold in a bulk, the men and women section allows purchase of a single piece. It is noted that the company offers its customers to donate to a cause of their choice from within the price of the good. As per Vogel (2015, pp. 512-520), the organization`s movement to Play for Greatness is also considered to be an unique idea that has greatly benefitted business and the society at the same time. On the other hand, the development of alliances acts as a backbone to organizations in the sport industry (Billings & Ruihley, 2013, pp. 210-219). Sport Universal will not only form a partnership with the street-football-world, but also shall joined hands with international artists and football stars to provide an exclusive range of goods to its customers.
Principal Competitors
Being located in the sports industry, Sport Universal like any other new organization will be confronted with a high degree of rivalry (Pedersen, Thibault & Parks, 2014, pp. 31-45).Bottom of Form It is noted that setting up a modified e-commerce platform for business will also result in an enhancement of rivalry. According to Rines (2017, p. 90), all most every firm in the industry has its individual website that connects to the people across the globe. As pre Beech & Chadwick (2013, p. 190), the major organizations that pose a threat to the initiative of Sport Universal are as follows:
- Adidas
- ASICS
- Nike, Inc.
- Reebok
- Under Armour
- Converse
- Maverik Lacrosse
- Puma SE
- AND1
- Brine
Strength and Weakness of Competitors
Based on the list of competitors, their various strengths and weaknesses can be analyzed as follows:
Competitor Facts |
|
Strengths |
Weakness |
1. Increased global reach |
1. Costly products |
2. Diversified range of goods |
2. Similar product available in the market |
3. Well defined promotional strategies |
3. Presence of replica goods |
4. Stronghold goodwill |
4. Focus on profit maximisation |
5. High customer satisfaction |
5. Degraded flexibility |
6. Sponsors reputed teams and events |
6. Poor adaptability to changing external conditions |
Table: Strengths and Weakness of Competitors
(Source: Ratten & Ferreira, 2017, p. 411)
In order to ensure growth among over the internet and also within the people of the world, the management team of Sport Universal will need to focus on building up a strong competitive edge. As compared to its rivals, the firm over the years has been focused on its idea to spread social awareness among the people by involving them to play (Van & White, 2015, p. 165). On the other hand, the reasonably priced goods also act a positive aspect in this case. Furthermore, the following will be followed by the firm to ensure a success of its e-commerce plan:
- Focussing on brand strategy by developing a unique mission
- Enhancing customer friendly packaging of goods
- Providing zero charge door step delivery
- Offering periodical online discounts
- Asking for feedback
- Providing free gifts on purchase above $1000.
Target and Potential Market
Competitive Positioning
The target market for Sport Universal`s e-commerce set up can be divided into the following sport categories:
Sport Categories |
Total Population |
Age Groups |
Baseball |
17.6 million |
7-11 years = 4.5 million 12-17 years = 5.1 million |
Softball |
15.8 million |
7-11 years = 2.9 million 12-17 years = 3.9 million |
Volleyball |
12.5 million |
7-11 years = 1.5 million 12-17 years = 4.0 million |
Basketball |
32.1 million |
7-11 years = 6.9 million 12-17 years = 8.3 million |
Football |
22.1 million |
Tackle Football = 9.1 million Touch Football = 13 million |
Other Sports |
198.4 million |
Table: Target Market of Sport Universal
(Source: As created by author)
It is noted that Sport Universal shall enjoy a sustainable market potential with stability of the website, strengthening of competitive edge and further growth of target groups. In addition to individual parents and participants, league representatives, team coaches, school team managers and sport performance firms shall also greatly towards increasing the sales volume of the organization.
According to Grewal & Levy (2017, p. 26), marketing objectives is recognized as one of the most fundamental aspects that greatly govern development and success of a business. The marketing objectives of Sport Universal are the following:
- Expand global e-commerce platform
- Increase sales and ROI
- Spread social awareness
As per Horne & Horne (2013, p. 31-51), the management of an organization greatly focuses on developing an effective marketing plan to market its goods on the internet. The marketing strategies that will be implemented by Sport Universal are as follows:
- Managers will largely focus on the individuality and uniqueness of the products
- Providing a face to the firm and communicating more efficiently with the public thought a 24*7 online chat
- Using of social media websites to market goods
- Sending newsletters and emails to people with attractive offers
- Optimization of the company website into search engines
- Pay-per-click strategy will also be effective in the process of marketing goods
- Development of mobile applications for easy access up the people
- Using of multiple online platforms to launch stores
As stated by Nicholson (2015, p. 241), one of the most important functions for the success of an e-commerce business it the careful planning and coordination of promotional techniques to reach the people. It is noted that the following techniques will be incorporated by the Sport Universal as its promotional strategy:
- Building up a content strategy for the target market.
- Email promotion will be used to spread awareness regarding new goods.
- Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and others will be used as a medium to launch online stores.
- Virtual communication with the people shall be effective.
- Rewarding and providing discount to customers will attract and retain customers.
- Enhancing on the PR of the firm is largely necessary.
Sales Forecast |
|||
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
Sales |
|||
Clothing |
$209,000 |
$280,000 |
$340,000 |
Accessories |
$131,350 |
$210,000 |
$250,000 |
Other Products |
$55,300 |
$120,000 |
$160,000 |
Total Sales |
$395,650 |
$610,000 |
$750,000 |
Direct Cost of Sales |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Clothing |
$63,000 |
$90,000 |
$110,000 |
Accessories |
$25,100 |
$44,000 |
$60,000 |
Other Products |
$12,640 |
$30,000 |
$40,000 |
Subtotal of Direct Cost of Sales |
$100,740 |
$164,000 |
$210,000 |
Table: Sales Forecasts
(Source: As created by author)
The management of e-commerce operations in Sport Universal will be divided into five separate individuals, which are as follows:
- Operation Manager – Jill Stranton
- Marketing Manager – Clark Kenton
- Website Manager – Bob Hasson
- Order Processing and Delivery Staff
As per Bouchet, Hillairet & Bodet (2013, p. 263), it is noted that the firm abides by a hierarchical organizational structure, which implies that order flow downwards from the top to the middle to the lower section of the management. Further, it is under a direct order of Mr. Johnson (CEO) that the five individuals shall work. Moreover, it is only with a success of the e-commerce platform that the Board of Directors shall enlarge the administration department for the initiative.
Start – up Costs
Start-up Funding |
|
Start-up Expenses to Fund |
$155,400 |
Start-up Assets to Fund |
$194,600 |
Total Funding Required |
$350,000 |
Assets |
Amount |
Non-cash Assets from Start-up |
$130,000 |
Cash Requirements from Start-up |
$64,600 |
Additional Cash Raised |
$0 |
Cash Balance on Starting Date |
$64,600 |
Total Assets |
$194,600 |
Liabilities and Capital |
|
Liabilities |
Amount |
Current Borrowing |
$0 |
Long-term Liabilities |
$150,000 |
Accounts Payable |
$0 |
Other Current Liabilities |
$0 |
Total Liabilities |
$150,000 |
Capital |
Amount |
Planned Investment |
$200,000 |
Additional Investment Requirement |
$0 |
Total Planned Investment |
$200,000 |
Start-up Expenses |
($155,400) |
Total Capital |
$44,600 |
Total Capital and Liabilities |
$194,600 |
Total Funding |
$350,000 |
Table: Start-Up Cost Requirements
(Source: As created by author)
Source of Funds |
|
Sources |
Amount |
Company Collateral |
$100000 |
Profit Re-investment |
$200000 |
Loan |
$50000 |
Total Fund Sourcing |
$350,000 |
Table: Source of Funds
(Source: As created by author)
Fund Uses |
|
Uses |
Amount |
Legal |
$2,000 |
Stationery |
$400 |
Website Development |
$30,000 |
Insurance |
$1,000 |
Domain Rent |
$2,000 |
Online Marketing |
$120,000 |
Expensed Equipment |
$0 |
Other |
$0 |
Total Start-up Expenses |
$155,400 |
Start-up Assets |
Amount |
Cash Required |
$64,600 |
Start-up Inventory |
$80,000 |
Other Current Assets |
$0 |
Long-term Assets |
$50,000 |
Total Assets |
$194,600 |
Total Requirements |
$350,000 |
Table: Use of Funds
(Source: As created by author)
Projected Profit and Loss Statement for First Year
Projected Profit and Loss |
|||||||||||||
Month 1 |
Month 2 |
Month 3 |
Month 4 |
Month 5 |
Month 6 |
Month 7 |
Month 8 |
Month 9 |
Month 10 |
Month 11 |
Month 12 |
||
Sales |
$0 |
$12,500 |
$15,150 |
$28,000 |
$36,000 |
$43,000 |
$36,000 |
$48,000 |
$67,000 |
$59,000 |
$25,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Cost of Sales |
$0 |
$4,400 |
$5,700 |
$6,600 |
$8,500 |
$10,500 |
$9,250 |
$12,800 |
$17,200 |
$12,890 |
$7,200 |
$5,700 |
|
Production Expenses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Total Cost of Sales |
$0 |
$4,400 |
$5,700 |
$6,600 |
$8,500 |
$10,500 |
$9,250 |
$12,800 |
$17,200 |
$12,890 |
$7,200 |
$5,700 |
|
Gross Margin |
$0 |
$8,100 |
$9,450 |
$21,400 |
$27,500 |
$32,500 |
$26,750 |
$35,200 |
$49,800 |
$46,110 |
$17,800 |
$20,300 |
|
Gross Margin % |
0.00% |
64.80% |
62.38% |
76.43% |
76.39% |
75.58% |
74.31% |
73.33% |
74.33% |
78.15% |
71.20% |
78.08% |
|
Expenses |
|||||||||||||
Payroll |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
|
Other Expenses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Depreciation |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
$595 |
|
Leased Equipment |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Utilities |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
|
Insurance |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
|
Domain Rent |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
|
Payroll Taxes |
15% |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
$2,220 |
Other |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Total Operating Expenses |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
$20,615 |
|
Profit Before Interest and Taxes |
($20,615) |
($12,515) |
($11,165) |
$785 |
$6,885 |
$11,885 |
$6,135 |
$14,585 |
$29,185 |
$25,495 |
($2,815) |
($315) |
|
EBITDA |
($20,020) |
($11,920) |
($10,570) |
$1,380 |
$7,480 |
$12,480 |
$6,730 |
$15,180 |
$29,780 |
$26,090 |
($2,220) |
$280 |
|
Interest Expense |
$1,235 |
$1,220 |
$1,205 |
$1,190 |
$1,175 |
$1,160 |
$1,145 |
$1,130 |
$1,115 |
$1,100 |
$1,085 |
$1,070 |
|
Taxes Incurred |
($6,555) |
($4,121) |
($3,711) |
($122) |
$1,713 |
$3,218 |
$1,497 |
$4,037 |
$8,421 |
$7,319 |
($1,170) |
($416) |
|
Net Profit |
($15,295) |
($9,615) |
($8,659) |
($284) |
$3,997 |
$7,508 |
$3,493 |
$9,419 |
$19,649 |
$17,077 |
($2,730) |
($970) |
|
Net Profit/Sales |
0.00% |
-76.92% |
-57.16% |
-1.01% |
11.10% |
17.46% |
9.70% |
19.62% |
29.33% |
28.94% |
-10.92% |
-3.73% |
Table: Projected Profit and Loss Statement for First Operational Year
(Source: As created by author)
Projected Cash Flow Statement for First Year
Projected Cash Flow |
|||||||||||||
Month 1 |
Month 2 |
Month 3 |
Month 4 |
Month 5 |
Month 6 |
Month 7 |
Month 8 |
Month 9 |
Month 10 |
Month 11 |
Month 12 |
||
Cash Received |
|||||||||||||
Cash from Operations |
|||||||||||||
Cash Sales |
$0 |
$12,500 |
$15,150 |
$28,000 |
$36,000 |
$43,000 |
$36,000 |
$48,000 |
$67,000 |
$59,000 |
$25,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Subtotal Cash from Operations |
$0 |
$12,500 |
$15,150 |
$28,000 |
$36,000 |
$43,000 |
$36,000 |
$48,000 |
$67,000 |
$59,000 |
$25,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Additional Cash Received |
|||||||||||||
Sales Tax, VAT, Received |
0.00% |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
New Current Borrowing |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
New Other Liabilities |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
New Long-term Liabilities |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Sales of Other Current Assets |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Sales of Long-term Assets |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
New Investment Received |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Subtotal Cash Received |
$0 |
$12,500 |
$15,150 |
$28,000 |
$36,000 |
$43,000 |
$36,000 |
$48,000 |
$67,000 |
$59,000 |
$25,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Expenditures |
Month 1 |
Month 2 |
Month 3 |
Month 4 |
Month 5 |
Month 6 |
Month 7 |
Month 8 |
Month 9 |
Month 10 |
Month 11 |
Month 12 |
|
Expenditures from Operations |
|||||||||||||
Cash Spending |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
|
Bill Payments |
($100) |
($19) |
$2,333 |
$2,833 |
$6,349 |
$8,158 |
$9,540 |
$7,946 |
$10,994 |
$28,398 |
$21,266 |
$6,259 |
|
Subtotal Spent on Operations |
$14,700 |
$14,781 |
$17,133 |
$17,633 |
$21,149 |
$22,958 |
$24,340 |
$22,746 |
$25,794 |
$43,198 |
$36,066 |
$21,059 |
|
Additional Cash Spent |
|||||||||||||
Sales Tax, VAT Paid Out |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
|
Purchase Other Current Assets |
$0 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
|
Purchase Long-term Assets |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Dividends |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Subtotal Cash Spent |
$16,500 |
$18,381 |
$20,733 |
$21,233 |
$24,749 |
$26,558 |
$27,940 |
$26,346 |
$29,394 |
$46,798 |
$39,666 |
$24,659 |
|
Net Cash Flow |
($16,500) |
($5,881) |
($5,583) |
$6,767 |
$11,251 |
$16,442 |
$8,060 |
$21,654 |
$37,606 |
$12,202 |
($14,666) |
$1,341 |
|
Cash Balance |
$48,100 |
$42,219 |
$36,637 |
$43,404 |
$54,654 |
$71,097 |
$79,157 |
$100,811 |
$138,416 |
$150,618 |
$135,953 |
$137,293 |
Table: Projected Cash Flow Statement for First Operational Year
(Source: As created by author)
Projected Profit and Loss Statement for Three Years
Market Analysis and Marketing Plan
Projected Profit and Loss |
|||
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
Sales |
$395,650 |
$610,000 |
$750,000 |
Direct Sales Cost |
$100,740 |
$164,000 |
$210,000 |
Other Manufacturing Expenses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Total Sales Cost |
$100,740 |
$164,000 |
$210,000 |
Gross Margin |
$294,910 |
$446,000 |
$540,000 |
Gross Margin % |
74.54% |
73.11% |
72.00% |
Expenses |
|||
Payroll |
$177,600 |
$192,600 |
$212,000 |
Operation Expenses |
$0 |
$130,000 |
$150,000 |
Goods Depreciation |
$7,140 |
$7,140 |
$7,140 |
Leased Equipment |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Utilities (R&D) |
$6,000 |
$6,000 |
$6,000 |
Insurance |
$6,000 |
$6,000 |
$6,000 |
Domain Rent |
$24,000 |
$24,000 |
$24,000 |
Payroll Taxes |
$26,640 |
$28,890 |
$31,800 |
Other |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Total Operating Expenses |
$247,380 |
$394,630 |
$436,940 |
Interest and Taxes (Before Profit) |
$47,530 |
$51,370 |
$103,060 |
EBITDA |
$54,670 |
$58,510 |
$110,200 |
Interest Expense |
$13,830 |
$12,750 |
$12,570 |
Taxes Incurred |
$10,110 |
$11,586 |
$27,147 |
Net Profit |
$23,590 |
$27,034 |
$63,343 |
Net Profit/Sales |
5.96% |
4.43% |
8.45% |
Table: Projected Profit and Loss Statement for Three Years
(Source: As created by author)
Projected Cash Flow Statement for Three Years
Projected Cash Flow |
|||
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
Cash Received |
|||
Cash from Operations |
|||
Cash Sales |
$395,650 |
$610,000 |
$750,000 |
Subtotal Cash from Operations |
$395,650 |
$610,000 |
$750,000 |
Additional Cash Received |
|||
Sales Tax, VAT Received |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
New Current Borrowing |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
New Other Liabilities |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
New Long-term Liabilities |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Sales of Other Current Assets |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Sales of Long-term Assets |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
New Investment Received |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Subtotal Cash Received |
$395,650 |
$610,000 |
$750,000 |
Expenditures |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Expenditures from Operations |
|||
Cash Spending |
$177,600 |
$192,600 |
$212,000 |
Bill Payments |
$103,957 |
$455,446 |
$469,732 |
Subtotal Spent on Operations |
$281,557 |
$648,046 |
$681,732 |
Additional Cash Spent |
|||
Sales Tax, VAT Paid Out |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Repayment of Current Borrowing |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment |
$21,600 |
$1,800 |
$1,800 |
Purchase Other Current Assets |
$19,800 |
$19,800 |
$19,800 |
Purchase Long-term Assets |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Dividends |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Subtotal Cash Spent |
$322,957 |
$669,646 |
$703,332 |
Net Cash Flow |
$72,693 |
($59,646) |
$46,668 |
Cash Balance |
$137,293 |
$77,647 |
$124,315 |
Table: Projected Cash Flow Statement for Three Years
(Source: As created by author)
Projected Balance Sheet for Three Years
Projected Balance Sheet |
|||
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
Assets |
|||
Current Assets |
|||
Cash |
$137,293 |
$77,647 |
$124,315 |
Inventory |
$6,270 |
$108,781 |
$109,562 |
Other Current Assets |
$19,800 |
$39,600 |
$59,400 |
Total Current Assets |
$163,363 |
$226,028 |
$293,277 |
Long-term Assets |
|||
Long-term Assets |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
Accumulated Depreciation |
$7,140 |
$14,280 |
$21,420 |
Total Long-term Assets |
$42,860 |
$35,720 |
$28,580 |
Total Assets |
$206,223 |
$261,748 |
$321,857 |
Liabilities and Capital |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Current Liabilities |
|||
Accounts Payable |
$9,633 |
$39,924 |
$38,490 |
Current Borrowing |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Other Current Liabilities |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Subtotal Current Liabilities |
$9,633 |
$39,924 |
$38,490 |
Long-term Liabilities |
$128,400 |
$126,600 |
$124,800 |
Total Liabilities |
$138,033 |
$166,524 |
$163,290 |
Paid-in Capital |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
Retained Earnings |
($155,400) |
($131,810) |
($104,776) |
Earnings |
$23,590 |
$27,034 |
$63,343 |
Total Capital |
$68,190 |
$95,224 |
$158,567 |
Total Liabilities and Capital |
$206,223 |
$261,748 |
$321,857 |
Net Worth |
$68,190 |
$95,224 |
$158,567 |
Table: Projected Balance Sheet Statement for Three Years
(Source: As created by author)
Financial Assumptions |
|||||||||||||
Month 1 |
Month 2 |
Month 3 |
Month 4 |
Month 5 |
Month 6 |
Month 7 |
Month 8 |
Month 9 |
Month 10 |
Month 11 |
Month 12 |
||
Plan Month |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
|
Current Interest Rate |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
|
Long-term Interest Rate |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
10.00% |
|
Tax Rate |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
30.00% |
Total Working Capital Required |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Net Working Capital |
$153,730 |
$186,104 |
$254,787 |
Table: Financial Assumptions and Working Capital Requirement
(Source: As created by author)
Like any other function, e-commerce also has its individual set of risks that needs to be dealt with (Abbott & Fisher, 2015, pp. 111-136). The various risks that will directly or indirectly affect Sport Universal`s plan are the following:
- Despite of low start-up costs, launching and maintaining of e-business involves a great deal of hidden costs.
- Custom sites along with requiring a lot of money also needs time.
- Security of data is another risk that will greatly affect success of the initiative.
In order to avoid the above risks the following steps need to be implanted by the management of the firm:
- Install modern and highly efficient technologies. In addition to extreme security software, Sport Universal will need to prevent itself form hacking and malicious attacks (Funk, 2013, p. 612).
- Hire highly qualified and experienced employees. In the presence of IT experts and an expert team to deal with the online mediums, e-commerce gains stability (Nawafleh, 2013, pp. 398-403).
- As per Larsson (2016, p. 58), careful planning and evaluation of initial costs are highly required to evade and deal with hidden costs.
Conclusion
Based on the project it can be inferred that Sport Universal will need to take several important matters into consideration before setting up its e-business. The sport industry has provided several opportunities for growth in the modern generation. Based on the background and industry, it can be seen that the renowned company will be faced with a large degree of rivalry on the internet. Further, it is only with the proper development of the marketing and promotional strategies that the firm will be able to develop a modified website. Additionally, being a new initiative the CEO and the Board of Directors spares only 5 individuals to organize the task. The financial planning highlighted project expenses and earnings that the firm will need to abide by in order to establish its e-commerce initiative successfully. However, Sport Universal will be faced with various risks that need to be handled with care by the management to ensure a smooth growth of the company in the virtual world.
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