Maidogo Limited sells NIXAQ, a product manufactured by it, from several retail outlets. In previous years, the company has undertaken responsibility for fitting the product in customers’ premises. Customers pay for the product at the time they are ordered. The average length of time it takes from ordering to its fitting is 14 days. In previous years, Maidogo Limited had not recognised a sale in its books until the product had been successfully fitted because the rectification costs of any fitting error would be expensive.
With effect from 1 April, 2013, Maidogo Limited changed its method of trading by sub-contracting the fitting to approved contractors. Under this policy, the sub-contractors are paid by Maidogo Limited, and they (the sub-contractors) are liable for any errors made in the fitting. Consequently, Maidogo Limited is proposing to recognise sales when customers order and pay for the goods rather than when they have been fitted. Details of the relevant sales figures are:

Sales Figures Amount (N’000)
Sales made in retail outlets for the year to 31 March 2014 69,000
Sales value of NIXAQ fitted in the 14 days to 14 April 2013 3,600
Sales value of NIXAQ fitted in the 14 days to 14 April 2014 4,800

Note: The sales value of NIXAQ in the 14 days to 14 April 2013 are not included in the annual sales figure of N69million, but those for 14 April 2014 are included.

Required:
Discuss whether or not the above represents a change of accounting policy, and calculate the amount that you would include in the revenue for NIXAQ in the year to 31 March 2014. (6 Marks)

Maidogo Limited: Revenue Recognition and Accounting Policy

  1. Discussion on Policy Change:
    • Under IAS 18, revenue is recognized when risks and rewards are transferred.
    • Previously, revenue was recognized after fitting due to associated rectification risks.
    • With sub-contractors assuming fitting risks, revenue can be recognized at the point of order and payment, provided the goods are delivered.
  2. Calculation of Revenue for NIXAQ:
    • Revenue = Sales in retail outlets (N69,000) + Fitted sales in 14 days post-year-end (N3,600).
    • Total Revenue = N72,600.

Conclusion: This represents a change in estimate, not accounting policy, and should be applied prospectively.