BallCards Inc. sells baseball cards in packs of 15 in drugstores and convenience stores throughout the country. It is the third leading firm in the industry. BallCards has been approached by Pennock Cereal Inc., which would like to order a special edition of cards to use as a promotion with its cereal. BallCards would be solely responsible for designing and producing the cards. Pennock wants to order 25,000 sets and has offered $23,750 for the order. Each set will consist of 33 cards. BallCards currently produces cards in sheets of 132. Production, marketing, and other costs (per sheet): Variable costs (per sheet) Direct materials $1.20 Direct labor 0.20 Variable overhead 0.40 Variable marketing 0.10 Fixed costs (average per sheet) Fixed overhead 0.15 Fixed marketing 0.35 Insurance, taxes, and administrative salaries 0.10 Costs for special order (total): Design 2,000 Order setup costs 5,500 BallCards would incur no marketing costs for the special order. It has the capacity to accept this special order without interrupting regular production.

1. Is the current operating profit relevant in BallCards decision on whether to accept the special order? Why or why not?

2. What are the number sheets that BallCards must produce for the special order?

3. What is the short-term effect on operating profit if BallCards accepts the special order?

4. What special order offer price by Pennock would allow BallCards to breakeven on the order?

5. Briefly discuss two important strategic issues that BallCards needs to consider in deciding whether to accept the special order.