Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview
Anonymous A
on Feb 11, 2023
Global
Question about

Break even question

why does it calculate the BEP by the cost difference, instead of calculating each BEP and compare one by one? I still don't understand the logic behind it

2
1.1k
14
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Feb 12, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I think you're saying why don't we calculate the BEP for 1 center and the BEP for 5 centers? And then compare?

If that's the case, yes, I agree! The author here got “cute” which can sometime be helpful (shortcuts can be faster), but can also be dangerous (mistakes).

In this particular instance I would calcualte the BEPs seperately and compare.

Hagen
Coach
edited on Feb 12, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • Given the question is whether to have 1 or 5 distribution centers, it's enough to see with what option you'll reach the break-even point (BEP) sooner. Since distribution centers are cost centers, you can do so by comparing the relative fixed cost advantage of one option with the running cost advantage of the other option.
  • However, you could also answer the question by calculating the BEPs separately and comparing them, where you would see a difference in BEP of about 9 years.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Similar Questions
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
4.3k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
43
5 Answers
4.3k Views
+2
Consulting
Guidance for prep for McKinsey interview in 1 week
on May 15, 2025
Europe
9
3.4k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
77
9 Answers
3.4k Views
+6
Consulting
Strategy& salaries starting in the middle east
on May 21, 2024
Global
8
2.5k
Top answer by
40
8 Answers
2.5k Views
+5
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.