Reference no: EM133144544
Question - Robert Shah, a sales representative for Quality Office Supplies Corporation, will receive a substantial bonus if he meets his annual sales goal.
The company's recognition point for sales is the day of shipment. On December 31, Shah realizes he needs sales of $2,000 to reach his sales goal and receive the bonus. He calls a purchaser for a local insurance company, whom he knows well, and asks him to buy $2,000 worth of copier paper today. The purchaser says, "But Robert, that's more than a year's supply for us."
Shah says, "Buy it today. If you decide it's too much, you can return however much you want for full credit next month."
The purchaser says, "Okay, ship it."
The paper is shipped on December 31 and recorded as a sale. On January 15, the purchaser returns $1,750 worth of paper for full credit (approved by Shah) against the bill.
a) Should the shipment on December 31 be recorded as a sale?
b) Discuss the ethics of Shah's action.