Question

Examine the quarterly sales data in a little different way. Contruct two pie charts, one for sales in 2012 and the other for sales in 2013. Does it appear that sales are becoming more seasonal or less seasonal?
Revenues
Quarter 2011 2012 2013
$ 767 $ 10,613 $ 30,342
$ 2,174 $ 6,424 $ 33,867
$ 9,687 $ 19,283 $ 34,246
$ 8,999 $ 33,019 $ 43,783
Totals $ 21,626 $ 69,338 $142,238

Answer 1

Answer:

sales are becoming less seasonal

Explanation:

besides constructing a pie chart, we can also answer this question by percentages (which is more exact).

2012:

total sales = $69,338

Q1 sales = $10,613 / $69,338 = 15.31%

Q2 sales = $6,424 / $69,338 = 9.26%

Q3 sales = $19,283 / $69,338 = 27.81%

Q4 sales = $33,019 / $69,338 = 47.68%

2013:

total sales = $142,238

Q1 sales = $30,342 / $142,238 = 21.33%

Q2 sales = $33,867 / $142,238 = 23.81%

Q3 sales = $34,246 / $142,238 = 24.08%

Q4 sales = $43,783 / $142,238 = 30.78%

During 2012, almost 50% of total sales happened during Q4, something similar to selling toys which are extremely seasonal due to Christmas.

During 2013, this changed since Q4 sales only represent 30% of total sales. Sales increased during Q1 and Q2, and slightly decreased in Q3. They are much more similar now, since sales are almost evenly spread throughout the year.