Nicole’s business uses the accrual method of accounting and accounts for inventory with specific identification. In year 0, Nicole received a $4,500 payment with an order for inventory to be delivered to the client early next year. Nicole has the inventory ready for delivery at the end of year 0 (she purchased the inventory in year 0 for $2,300).
a. When does Nicole recognize the $2,200 of gross profit ($4,500 revenue minus $2,300 cost of the inventory) if she does not elect to use the deferral method?
b. When does Nicole recognize the $2,200 of gross profit from the inventory sale if she elects to use the deferral method?
c. How would Nicole account for the inventory-related transactions if she uses the cash method of accounting and her annual sales are usually less than $100,000?
d. How would Nicole account for the inventory-related transactions if she uses the cash method of accounting and her annual sales are usually over $50 million per year?