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Note K - Revenue Recognition
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Note K – Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue on wholesale sales when products are shipped pursuant to its standard terms, which are freight on board (“FOB”) warehouse, or when products are delivered to the consolidators as per the terms of the customers’ purchase order, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Sales reductions for anticipated discounts, allowances and other deductions are recognized during the period when sales are recorded. Customers retain the right to replacement of the product for poor quality or improper or short shipments, which have historically been immaterial. Retail sales are recognized when the payment is received from customers and are recorded net of returns. The Company also generates commission income acting as a buying agent by arranging to manufacture private label shoes to the specifications of its clients. The Company’s commission revenue includes partial recovery of its design, product and development costs for the services provided to certain suppliers in connection with the Company’s private label business. Commission revenue and product and development cost recoveries are recognized as earned when title to the product transfers from the manufacturer to the customer and collections are reasonably assured and are reported on a net basis after deducting related operating expenses.

The Company licenses its Steve Madden® and Steven by Steve Madden® trademarks for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of sunglasses, eyewear, outerwear, bedding, hosiery, women’s fashion apparel and jewelry. We license our Big Buddha® brand for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of sunglasses and cold weather accessories. In addition, we license the Betsey Johnson® and Betseyville® trademarks for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of apparel, jewelry, lingerie, swimwear, eyewear, watches and outerwear. The license agreements require the licensee to pay the Company a royalty and, in substantially all of the agreements, an advertising fee based on the higher of a minimum or a net sales percentage as defined in the various agreements. In addition, under the terms of retail selling agreements, most of the Company’s international distributors are required to pay the Company a royalty based on a percentage of net sales, in addition to a commission and a design fee on the purchases of the Company’s products. Licensing revenue is recognized on the basis of net sales reported by the licensees, or the minimum guaranteed royalties, if higher. In substantially all of the Company’s license agreements, the minimum guaranteed royalty is earned and payable on a quarterly basis.