Decoding Business Costs: Variable, Direct, COGS, and Fixed

Ok, so we agree on the need for having a great bookkeeper so we can be assured that we always have up-to-date good books available at our fingertips.

?

Now, before we continue, we need to get to grips with the various types of costs in a business. I will explain in subsequent editions of this newsletter why this is important. Many of you will already know these intimately, so this edition is for those who may not have a complete understanding of them at this point. About 20% of clients, I have served have needed better insights to this, and I am happy to bring everybody on the same page. Trust me, it has importance for understanding what goes on in your business.

?

In the realm of business, understanding the nature of your costs is pivotal to financial planning, pricing strategies, and profitability analyses. Each cost type serves a specific role and offers unique insights into the financial health and operational efficiency of a company. Let's delve into the intricacies of Variable Cost, Direct Cost, Cost of Goods Sold, and Fixed Cost.

1.???? Variable Cost:

Variable costs are expenses that fluctuate directly with changes in production or sales volume. They rise as production increases and fall as production decreases. In other words, the Variable Costs Vary with the level of production or output.

• Examples: Direct labor (if workers are paid per unit produced), raw materials, and utility costs in a factory that increase with production.
• Why it matters: Understanding variable costs helps businesses set product prices and predict profitability at different sales levels.

?

2.???? Direct Cost:

Direct costs can be traced directly to specific products, projects, or departments. Essentially, they are costs directly attributable to the production of a specific item or provision of a specific service. In other words, these are the Costs that are Directly related to producing or delivering upon what you Sold.

• Examples: Raw materials for a particular product, wages of workers on a specific project.
• Why it matters: By pinpointing costs directly associated with a product, businesses can better assess product profitability and make informed decisions about production scaling or pricing.

??

3.???? Cost of Goods Sold (COGS):

COGS represents the direct costs involved in producing goods that have been sold during a particular period. Essentially, it's the cost of materials and labor directly used to produce the sold goods.

• Examples: Raw materials, direct labor, manufacturing supplies.
• Note: Variable Costs, Direct Costs, and COGS often overlap in definitions. For many businesses, they can be essentially the same, but they might be segmented differently depending on the company's accounting practices or the specifics of an industry.
• Why it matters: COGS gives businesses insight into production efficiency. Lowering COGS can directly boost profitability.

In essence, Variable Cost, Direct Cost, and Cost of Goods Sold are basically 3 terms for the same thing.

?

4.???? Fixed Cost:

Fixed costs remain constant regardless of the level of goods or services produced. They are the recurring, unavoidable bills a business must pay, whether they produce one unit or one thousand. These Costs basically stay Fixed.

• Examples: Rent, salaries of permanent staff, insurance, and equipment leases.
• Why it matters: Understanding fixed costs aids in budgeting and financial forecasting. Since they don't change based on production levels, businesses must ensure they're generating enough revenue to cover these persistent expenses.

Fixed Cost is also often referred to as Overheads.

?

In Conclusion:

Grasping the distinctions between these cost types empowers businesses to optimize operations, set competitive prices, and maximize profitability. Regularly reviewing and categorizing expenses under these headings can offer a clearer financial picture and guide strategic decision-making. As always, partnering with financial professionals or accountants can provide deeper insights tailored to a business's unique circumstances.