Net sales is calculated as gross sales minus sales discounts and sales returns and allowances.
Identify the given values: Gross Sales = $696,818, Sales Discounts = $57,746, Sales Returns and Allowances = $81,225.
Calculate the sum of sales discounts and sales returns and allowances: $57,746 + $81,225 = $138,971.
Subtract the total discounts and allowances from gross sales to find net sales: $696,818 - 138 , 971 = \boxed{ 557,847} .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given the following information from Reese Industries for 2019:
Merchandise Inventory: $696,818
Sales Discounts: $57,746
Sales Returns and Allowances: $81,225
We need to calculate the net sales for 2019. Net sales is calculated by subtracting sales discounts and sales returns and allowances from gross sales. In this case, we are given the merchandise inventory, which we will assume to be the gross sales.
Setting up the Calculation The formula for net sales is:
Net Sales = Gross Sales − Sales Discounts − Sales Returns and Allowances
We are given:
Gross Sales (Merchandise Inventory) = $696,818
Sales Discounts = $57,746
Sales Returns and Allowances = $81,225
Calculating Net Sales Now, we plug in the given values into the formula:
\text{Net Sales} = $696,818 - $57,746 - $81,225
\text{Net Sales} = $696,818 - ($57,746 + $81,225)
\text{Net Sales} = $696,818 - $138,971
\text{Net Sales} = $557,847
Final Answer Therefore, the net sales for Reese Industries in 2019 is $557,847.
Examples
Understanding net sales is crucial for evaluating a company's financial performance. For instance, imagine you're running a lemonade stand. Your gross sales are all the money you made before accounting for any discounts or refunds. If you offered a discount for repeat customers (sales discount) or had to refund a customer due to a sour batch (sales returns and allowances), your net sales would be the actual revenue you keep after subtracting these amounts. Knowing your net sales gives you a clearer picture of how much money you actually earned and helps you make informed decisions about pricing, discounts, and product quality.