Final answer:
The optimal order quantity for the mail-order house that uses 18,000 boxes a year, with carrying costs of $0.60 per box per year and ordering costs of $96, is approximately 2400 boxes, calculated using the Economic Order Quantity formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the optimal order quantity for a mail-order house using 18,000 boxes a year, with carrying costs at $0.60 per box per year and ordering costs at $96, we use the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) formula. The EOQ model is designed to minimize the total cost associated with ordering and carrying inventory. The EOQ formula is given by:
EOQ = √((2DS)/H)
Where:
- D = Demand in units (the number of boxes needed annually)
- S = Ordering cost per order
- H = Holding or carrying cost per unit per year
Substituting the given values:
EOQ = √((2 * 18,000 * $96)/$0.60)
EOQ = √((3,456,000)/$0.60)
EOQ = √(5,760,000)
EOQ ≈ 2400 boxes
Therefore, the optimal order quantity is approximately 2400 boxes.