Question

In order to motivate our sales force to increase sales, we decided to increase our commissions and salaries and increase marketing. At the same time, our supplier increased its prices, and we felt we could pass that cost increase on to our customers in the form of price increase. However, with the additional pressure to make sales, coupled with the increased sales price, we had to loosen credit terms on sales. We also had to lease a little more distribution space and acquire another truck to handle the volume increase. Our shipping expense relates to gasoline on deliveries. Luckily, gas prices went down from what we originally expected this year.

In the table below, classify EACH ACCOUNT on the budget according to whether the variances in the performance report are consistent or inconsistent with the client’s story, or unexplained by the client’s story. Place an "X" in the appropriate column. If the Revenue/Spending Variance and Activity Variance differ with respect to one account (i.e., one is consistent and one is inconsistent) then indicate which belongs in which column.
Consistent
Inconsistent
Unexplained
Sales revenue
Cost of Goods Sold
Commission
Shipping Expense
Bad debt expense
Salaries
Lease of distribution center
Depreciation of fleet and equip
Advertising
Office rent, phone, internet

Answer 1

Sales Revenue - Inconsistent

Cost of Goods Sold - Inconsistent

Commission - Consistent

Shipping expense - Inconsistent

Bad debt expense - Unexplained

Salaries - Consistent

Lease of distribution center - Consistent

Depreciation of fleet and equipment - Inconsistent

Advertising - Consistent

Office rent, Phone, Internet - Inconsistent

Step-by-step explanation:

The increase in selling price will result in change in the revenue figure. The cost of distribution is increased due to handling the addition volume. This will result in an increase in shipping expense and cost of goods sold. Salaries and commission of the staff will remain consistent as there will be no change due to increase of selling price.