We’ve learned about making money in business, but now it’s time to talk about spending money. Every business has costs, and understanding these costs is like having a treasure map to find hidden profits. Let’s dive into the world of business costs!
Business costs are all the money a business spends to make and sell its products or services. There are three main types of costs we’ll explore:
Understanding these costs is like having superpowers in the business world. It can help turn a loss into a profit or make a small profit into a big one!
Overheads are the basic costs a business has just to stay open, even if it’s not selling anything.
Examples of overheads:
Imagine you have a lemonade stand. Even if you don’t sell any lemonade, you still need to pay for the stand and maybe a cool sign. Those are your overheads!
Fixed costs are similar to overheads, but they include all the costs that stay the same no matter how much you sell.
Examples of fixed costs:
For your lemonade stand, if you borrowed money from your parents to buy a fancy lemonade dispenser, paying them back each month would be a fixed cost.
Variable costs change based on how much you sell. The more you sell, the higher these costs go.
Examples of variable costs:
For your lemonade stand, the lemons, sugar, and cups you use are variable costs. If you sell more lemonade, you’ll need more of these things!
Let’s look at how this works for your lemonade stand:
Overheads and Fixed Costs (per month):
Variable Costs (per cup of lemonade):
If you sell each cup for $1, let’s see what happens:
Now that you understand costs, you can find ways to increase profits:
Remember, understanding and managing costs is like having a superpower in business. It helps you make smart decisions and find hidden treasures of profit!
Verse 1:
Gather ’round, young business folks
It’s time to learn ’bout costs and notes
Overheads and fixed expenses
Variable costs, now pay attention
Pre-Chorus:
Count the pennies, watch them flow
Some stay steady, some ebb and grow
Add ’em up and you will see
How your business is meant to be
Chorus:
It’s a Cost Countin’ Adventure, come along
Fixed or variable, sing this song
Overheads keep the lights on bright
Cost Countin’ Adventure, do it right
Verse 2:
Lemonade stand on the street
Counting costs to make ends meet
Lemons, sugar, cups so neat
Variable costs for each treat
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Break even, that’s the game
When costs and sales are just the same
Cut a cost here, raise price there
Cost Countin’ Adventure, be aware
(Chorus)
Outro:
Cost Countin’ Adventure, now you know
How to make your profits grow
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