What is difference between trade discount and cash discount?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 02, 2026
Trade discount is given on the catalogue price of the goods while the cash discount is given on the invoice price. Trade discount is granted with the aim of increasing the sales in bulk quantity, whereas Cash discount is granted to facilitate a quick payment. A trade discount is shown as a deduction in the invoice.
What is cash and trade discounts?
What is a cash discount? While trade discounts are offered to certain suppliers, a cash discount is a conditional discount offered to customers who pay invoices in advance of the invoice due date. Cash discounts may reduce the amount payable by a percentage of the total invoice or by a fixed amount.
What is the entry of trade discount?
In the case of Trade discount, there is no entry made in the books of accounts of the buyer and seller. It is always deducted before any type of exchange takes place. Hence, it does not form part of the books of accounts of the business. It is usually allowed at the time of purchase.
What is the purpose of trade and cash discount?
Trade discount is granted with the aim of increasing the sales in bulk quantity, whereas Cash discount is granted to facilitate a quick payment. Trade discount is allowed to all customers while the Cash discount is allowed to those customers, who purchase goods in cash.
Can you give a discount for cash?
Cash Discount programs are legal in all 50 states per the Durbin Amendment (part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Law), which states that businesses are permitted to offer a discount to customers as an incentive for paying with cash.
How are cash discounts calculated?
Calculating a cash discount. A cash discount is always deducted from the gross amount of the invoice. Cash discount = gross amount x discount percentage. Payment amount = gross amount – cash discount.
How would you encourage customers to pay cash?
Make cash king
- Establish a physical presence. You need to have the ability to accept cash in person.
- Make cash sales more desirable to customers. Offer customer incentives for paying cash while shopping with you.
- Provide great customer service that encourages cash purchases.
How do you ask for cash discounts?
How to Ask For a Discount
- Simply Ask! Duh, you’re probably saying but it all starts with simply asking. “
- Be Kind. Make sure to make eye contact and smile!
- Talk to the Right Person.
- Know When to Ask.
- Offer to Pay Cash.
- Getting Discounts on Furniture.
- Getting Discounts on Appliances and Electronics.
- Vehicles.
How do you calculate a cash discount?
The cash discount formula is as follows:
- Cash discount = gross amount x discount percentage.
- Payment amount = gross amount – cash discount.
What is the treatment of trade discount?
Are cash discounts illegal?
Can you offer cash discounts?