The Winston Company buys and sells merchandise. They started the year accounts payable of $1,400 and inventory of $1,200. All accounts payable was for merchandise purchases. Accounts payable at year end are $1,800 and ending inventory is $900. The cash paid for purchases was $8,500. The COGS for the year is:

a. $9,200 b. $8,600 c. $8,500 d. $8,400 e. $7,800