๐Ÿงพfinancial accounting i review

Trade discount

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

A trade discount is a reduction in the listed price of goods or services offered by the seller to the buyer, typically based on the volume of purchase. It is not recorded in the accounting records as it directly reduces the sales price before any transaction is recorded.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Trade discounts are often offered to encourage bulk purchases.
  2. They do not appear in financial statements because they are deducted from the invoice price before recording.
  3. Unlike cash discounts, trade discounts are not contingent upon early payment.
  4. These discounts are usually predetermined and stated in terms such as '10% off for orders over 100 units.'
  5. Trade discounts can affect gross profit margins but do not impact net sales revenue reported.

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