Although the accounting cycle and the basic accounting principles are the same for companies that sell merchandise and companies that provide services, merchandising companies use several accounts that service companies do not use. The balance sheet includes an additional current asset called merchandise inventory, or simply inventory, which records the cost of merchandise held for resale. On balance sheets, the inventory account usually appears just below accounts receivable because inventory is less liquid than accounts receivable.
Music World Partial Balance Sheet June 30, 20X3
| ASSETS |
| Current Assets |
| Cash | $10,000
| Accounts Receivable | 2,000
| Inventory | 37,000
| Supplies | 1,000
| Prepaid Insurance | 2,000
| Total Current Assets | $52,000
Merchandising companies also have several specific income statement accounts designed to provide detailed information about revenues and expenses associated with salable merchandise.