Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Revenue Recognition

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Revenue Recognition
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

Net sales include products and shipping and handling charges, net of estimates for product returns and any related sales incentives or rebates based upon historical information and current trends. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring products. All revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligations under the contract. We recognize revenue by transferring the promised products to the customer, with revenue recognized at shipping point, the point in time the customer obtains control of the products. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation and are short term in nature. Contracts with multiple performance obligations are insignificant. Sales taxes and value-added taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from net sales. Amounts received for unshipped merchandise are recorded as deferred revenue.

A reserve for product returns is recorded based upon historical experience and current trends. We allow independent Managers or Distributors to return the unused portion of products within ninety days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the product. In some of our markets, the requirements to return product are more restrictive.

From time to time, our U.S. operations extend short-term credit associated with product promotions. In addition, for certain of our international operations, we offer credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation.

Volume incentives and other sales incentives or rebates are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program and represent commission payments made to independent distributors. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels. The amount of volume incentive expense recognized is determined based upon the amount of qualifying purchases in a given month and recorded as volume incentive expense. Payments to independent Managers and Distributors for sales incentives or rebates related to their own purchases are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Payments for sales incentives and rebates are calculated monthly based upon qualifying sales.

Contract Liabilities - Customer Loyalty Programs

We record contract liabilities for loyalty point programs in deferred revenue. These programs are accounted for as a reduction in the transaction price and are generally recognized as points that are redeemed for additional products.

The following table presents changes in these contract liability balances for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 (U.S. dollars in thousands):
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 $ 1,079   
Increase (decrease) attributed to:  
Customer loyalty net deferrals  3,976   
Customer loyalty redemptions  (3,999)  
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 $ 1,056   
The table above excludes liability for sales returns, as they are insignificant.

Disaggregation of Revenue

Our products are grouped into six principal categories: general health, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care and weight management. We have four business segments that are based primarily upon the geographic region where each segment operates. Each of the geographic segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products and Synergy® WorldWide brands. See Note 7, Segment Information, for further information on our reportable segments and presentation of disaggregated revenue by reportable segment and product category.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We have made the accounting policy election to treat shipping and handling as a fulfillment activity rather than a promised service under Topic 606.

We generally expense volume incentives when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less.

All of our contracts with customers have a duration of less than one year. The value of any unsatisfied performance obligations is insignificant.