The Meyer Company has been operating a small lunch counter for the convenience of
employees. The counter occupies space that is not needed for any other business
purpose. The lunch counter has been managed by a part-time employee whose annual
salary is $3,000. Yearly operations have consistently shown a loss as follows:
A company has offered to sell Meyer Company automatic vending machines for a total
cost of $12,000. Sales terms are cash on delivery. The old equipment has zero disposal
value.
The predicted useful life of the equipment is 10 years, with zero scrap value. The
equipment will easily serve the same volume that the lunch counter handled. A catering
company will completely service and supply the machines. Prices and variety of food
and drink will be the same as those that prevailed at the lunch counter. The catering
company will pay 5 percent of gross receipts to the Meyer Company and will bear all
costs of food, repairs, and so forth. The part-time employee will be discharged. Thus,
Meyer Company’s only cost will be the initial outlay for the machines.
Consider only the two alternatives mentioned. Present value tables or a financial
calculator are required.
Required: