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Multiple Choice
Which of the following costs would most likely be classified as a committed fixed cost for a retailer?
A
Inventory purchase costs
B
Sales commissions
C
Advertising expenses
D
Lease payments on retail store buildings
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of committed fixed costs: These are costs that a company is obligated to pay over the long term and cannot be easily adjusted or eliminated in the short term. Examples include lease payments, depreciation, and salaries of permanent staff.
Analyze each option provided in the problem: Inventory purchase costs are variable costs because they depend on the quantity of goods purchased. Sales commissions are also variable costs as they depend on the level of sales achieved. Advertising expenses can be discretionary and adjusted based on the company's budget and strategy.
Focus on lease payments: Lease payments on retail store buildings are a committed fixed cost because they represent a long-term contractual obligation that the retailer must pay regardless of sales or other operational factors.
Compare lease payments to other costs: Unlike inventory purchase costs, sales commissions, or advertising expenses, lease payments cannot be easily reduced or eliminated in the short term without breaching a contract.
Conclude that lease payments on retail store buildings are the correct answer because they align with the definition of committed fixed costs, which are long-term and unavoidable obligations.