Question
Simon Teguh is considering investing in a vending machine operation involving 20 vending machines located in various plants around the city. The machine manufacturer reports
Simon Teguh is considering investing in a vending machine operation involving 20 vending machines located in various plants around the city. The machine manufacturer reports that similar vending machine routes have produced a sales volume ranging from 800 to 1,000 units per machine per month. The following information is made available to Teguh in evaluating the possible profitability of the operation. |
1. | An investment of $45,000 will be required, $9,000 for merchandise and $36,000 for the 20 machines. |
2. | The machines have a service life of five years and no salvage value at the end of that period. Depreciation will be computed on the straight-line basis. |
3. | The merchandise (candy and soft drinks) retails for an average of 75 cents per unit and will cost Teguh an average of 25 cents per unit. |
4. | Owners of the buildings in which the machines are located are paid a commission of 5 cents per unit of candy and soft drinks sold. |
5. | One person will be hired to service the machines. The salary will be $1,500 per month. |
6. | Other expenses are estimated at $600 per month. These expenses do not vary with the number of units sold. |
a. | Determine the unit contribution margin and the break-even volume in units and in dollars per month. |
Unit contribution margin | $ |
Break-even volume in units | |
Break-even volume in dollars | $ |
c. | What sales volume in units and in dollars per month will be necessary to produce an operating income equal to a 30 percent annual return on Teguh's $45,000 investment? |
Sales volume in units | |
Sales volume in dollars | $ |
d. | Teguh is considering offering the building owners a flat rental of $30 per machine per month in lieu of the commission of 5 cents per unit sold. What effect would this change in commission arrangement have on his monthly break-even volume in terms of units? |
New break-even volume in units |
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