The percent of sales method of estimating bad debts focuses more on the realizable value of accounts receivable than on expense recognition.

Percent of Sales Method

A forecasting technique used to estimate various financial metrics, like expenses or inventory levels, as a percentage of sales revenue.

Realizable Value

An estimate of the amount for which an asset can be sold or a liability settled under current market conditions.

Expense Recognition

An accounting principle that dictates the timing of reporting an expense in the financial statements.