the underlying weight and any precious metal spot price movement is resolved, which is usually around six weeks. Any adjustment from the resolution of the underlying uncertainty is netted with the settlement due from the original contract.
The commercial segment also provides recycling services according to a Scope of Work (“SOW”). Revenue from recycling services is recognized upon completion of the SOW at a predetermined amount based on the number of units processed and a preset price per unit or weight measurement.
The commercial segment provides freight arrangement services related to inbound asset or material movements to our facilities. Revenue from freight arrangement services is recognized at settlement with our inbound customers which occurs when the SOW has been completed. Under the guidance of ASC 606, the Company is deemed to be a principal and as such records freight arrangement services as a component of revenue, and the associated expense is recorded as a component of cost of goods sold.
The commercial segment recognizes revenue on outright sales when terms and transaction price are agreed to, product is shipped, and title is transferred.
See Note 10 – Revenue for further details.
Sales Returns and Allowances
Sales are recorded, net of expected returns. In some cases, the consumer and commercial segment’s customers may return a product purchased within 30 days of receipt. Our allowance for estimated returns is based on our review of historical returns experience and reduces our reported revenues accordingly.
As of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the consumer segment’s allowance for returns was $69,372 and $28,402, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the commercial segment’s allowance for returns was $55,501 and $0, respectively.
Concentrations and Credit Risk
The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of counterparty credit risk. The concentrations described herein pertain to certain domestic precious metals transactions requiring an assay which are of short duration and settled on comparable terms. Overall customer concentrations as a percentage of sales may vary as a result of the mix of product being sold within each comparative period. Individual customer concentrations are also impacted by each customer’s production schedule and as such the Company identifies the most appropriate sales outlet to ensure a timely transaction settlement.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, two customers aggregated 40.0% of our sales and represented 0.0% of our accounts receivable balance.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, three customers aggregated 38.5% of our sales and represented 0.0% of our accounts receivable balance.
The Company believes that no single customer is critical to its business as a result of having diverse revenue streams and the optionality of sales outlets primarily associated with base and precious metals.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Within the consumer and commercial segments, outbound shipping and handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs within cost of goods sold.
For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the consumer segment’s outbound shipping and handling costs were $17,223 and $3,846, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the commercial segment’s outbound shipping and handling costs were $1,128,553 and $1,096,423, respectively.