A restaurant runs a special promotion on lobster and plans to sell twice as many lobsters as usual. When this large order is sent to the distributer, the distributer assumes the large size is a trend, not a one-time event. The distributer therefore places an even larger order with the lobsterman. This is the result of

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The situation described in the question is a classic example of the bullwhip effect. This is the phenomenon where small changes in consumer demand can lead to large and unpredictable swings in demand further up the supply chain. In this case, the restaurant's promotion leads to a much larger order from the distributor, who in turn places an even larger order with the lobsterman. This can result in inefficiencies, excess inventory, and increased costs for everyone involved.

A Restaurant Runs a Special Promotion on Lobster and Plans