Accounting theory and practice, Volume 2 (of 3) : a textbook for colleges and…

3. Periodically, in any business, as a check on the

work of the collection department. The value of the analysis in cases (1) and (2) is based on the principle that the longer an item is overdue, the greater is its likelihood of proving uncollectible. The need of an increasing rate for the different classes as analyzed above is apparent. In case (3) its value lies in the fact that it reveals the general effect of the collection policy and incidentally points out any change in policy. Any additional factors which may have wrought a change in the general financial situation must, of course, be taken into account. Basis of Estimate of Bad Debts Three methods of making an estimate of bad debts are found, in all of which a percentage of some given base is used. The various bases are respectively: