Which of the following best defines 'Maintained Markup'?

Maintained markup refers specifically to the difference between the purchase price of goods and their selling price after accounting for any discounts, returns, or allowances. This concept is essential for businesses as it helps in determining the actual profit margin on sold items, providing insight into pricing strategies and inventory management.

Choosing the option that describes maintained markup as the difference between purchase price and selling price encapsulates this idea perfectly, emphasizing how much above the cost the product is sold for, adjusted for any price reductions that may occur after the initial sale. Understanding maintained markup assists retailers in evaluating their pricing effectiveness and profitability over time.