A designer sports department, for a six month period, had billed costs of merchandise amounting to $140000, transportation charges Of $5,400 , earned cash discounts of $8,600 and workroom costs of $1,200. Calculate the total cost of merchandise. A designer sports department, for a six month period, had billed costs of merchandise amounting to $140000, transportation charges Of $5,400 , earned cash discounts of $8,600 and workroom costs of $1,200. Calculate the total cost of merchandise. Solution costs of merchandise amounting =Â Â $140000 transportation charges = $5,400 cash discounts = $8,600 workroom costs =$1,200 total cost of merchandise = costs of merchandise + expenses -purchase discounts = $140000+$5,400+$1,200 - $ 8,600 = $138000 total cost of merchandise =$138000 .