Final answer:
Daniel and Robin need to consider direct vs. indirect costs, expense variability, and cost allocation methods to accurately identify operating expenses tied to customers.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Daniel and Robin are determining how to identify the operating expenses associated with customers, they should consider several key issues. These include the direct and indirect costs associated with providing goods or services, the variability of these expenses in relation to customer activity, and the method of cost allocation that will provide the most accurate and informative insight into their business operations.
To achieve an accurate calculation, they may need to factor in costs such as materials, labor, shipping, and customer service support. Moreover, understanding the relationship between expenses and customer behavior can help in pricing strategy, budget forecasting, and financial analysis to ensure business profitability.