Assignment I
Marston Corporation manufactures disposable thermometers that are sold to hospitals through a network of independent sales agents located in the United States and Canada. The sales agents sell a variety of products to hospitals in addition to Marston’s disposable thermometer. The sales agents are currently paid an 18% commission on sales, and this commission rate was used when Marston’s management prepared the following budgeted income statement for the upcoming year. Marston Corporation Budgeted Income Statement Sales Cost of goods sold: Variable Fixed Gross margin Selling and administrative expenses: Commissions Fixed advertising expenses Fixed administrative expenses Net operating income $30,000,000 $17,400,000 2,800,000
20,200,000 9,800,000
5,400,000 800,000 3,200,000
9,400,000 $400,000
Since the completion of the above statement, Marston’s management has learned that the independent sales agents are demanding an increase in the commission rate to 20% of sales for the upcoming year. This would be the third increase in commissions demanded by the independent sales agents in five years. As a result, Marston management has decided to investigate the possibility of hiring its own sales staff to replace the independent sales agents. Marston’s controller estimates that the company will have to hire eight salespeople to cover the current market area, and the total annual payroll cost of these employees will be about $700,000, including fringe benefits. The salespeople will also be paid commissions of 10% of sales. Travel and entertainment expenses are expected to total about $400,000 for the year. The company will also have to hire a sales manager and support staff whose salaries and fringe benefits will come to $200,000 per year. To make up for the promotions that the independent sales agents had been running on behalf of
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