Merchants are in many places among the most common type of business, and because there are special issues in accounting for merchandising operations, this subject merits special consideration.

No doubt all of you have merchants in the area where you live, you may often shop there, perhaps some of you may have even worked in a merchant shop. Think of a popular merchant near you. What type of merchandise do they stock? How do you think this merchant determines his or her cost of goods sold? Describe the method and "real" accounts.