Final answer:
The catering sales manager should offer an alternative cheese option to the bride, as this is both proactive and customer-focused. Offering alternatives ensures clear communication and sets realistic expectations, helping to maintain a positive client relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best course of action for the catering sales manager in this situation would be option B: Offer an alternative cheese option. This approach maintains a high level of customer service while also managing realistic expectations about product availability. As a catering sales manager, being proactive and suggesting comparable cheese brands or flavors that are more readily available is essential.
Ignoring the bride's request (option C) would be unprofessional. Cancelling the cheese portion of the menu without discussion (option D) would be dismissive of the bride's preferences. Insisting on using the specified brand (option A) could lead to a failure to meet the bride's expectations if the cheese does not arrive in time, potentially causing significant dissatisfaction.
An further detail the processes of negotiation, contingency planning, and client communication would include discussing the importance of understanding the bride's specific desires, presenting comparable alternative options, and ensuring that the selected cheese aligns as closely as possible with the bride's original request. Clear communication is vital to set realistic expectations and demonstrate the catering team's commitment to delivering a high-quality experience, despite the supply limitations.