EXERCISE 6-17 (30 MINUTES)

5. We would continue to use the sales agents for at least one more year,

and possibly for two more years. The reasons are as follows:

First, use of the sales agents would have a less dramatic effect on

net income.

Second , use of the sales agents for at least one more year would

give the company more time to hire competent people and get the

sales group organized.

Third, the sales force plan doesn’t become more desirable than the

use of sales agents until the company reaches sales of $18,600,000 a

year. This level probably won’t be reached for at least one more year,

and possibly two years.

Fourth, the sales force plan will be highly leveraged since it will

greatly increase fixed costs (and decrease variable costs). One or two

years from now, when sales have reached the $18,600,000 level, the

company can benefit greatly from this leverage. For the moment,

profits will be greater and risks will be less by staying with the

agents, even at the higher 20% commission rate.

Case 6-34 (75 minutes)