The cash manager for a large kitchen appliance retailer has been approached by a bank representative offering to set up a lock-box collection system. Analysis of the firm?s receipts shows that, on average, the system will reduce collection time by 2 days. The firm receives approximately 2,500 checks per day with an average value of $600 per check. The bank would charge $0.28 per check for operating the system. The firm currently invests short-term funds at an average rate of 7%. How much would the firm gain or lose annually by entering the lock-box agreement?

$(150,500)
$(45,500)
$45,500
$210,000