Receivables and Financing Arrangements Receivables Accounting Policy (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Receivables, Policy

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses associated with the accounts receivable recorded on the balance sheet. The allowance is determined based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time that the receivables are past due, the Company’s knowledge of the customer, economic and market conditions and historical write-off experiences.

For the receivables associated with Tiffany & Co. credit cards (“Credit Card Receivables”), the Company uses various indicators to determine whether to extend credit to customers and the amount of credit. Such indicators include reviewing prior experience with the customer, including sales and collection history, and using applicants’ credit reports and scores provided by credit rating agencies. Credit Card Receivables require minimum balance payments. The Company classifies a Credit Card account as overdue if a minimum balance payment has not been received within the allotted timeframe (generally 30 days), after which internal collection efforts commence. For all accounts receivable recorded on the balance sheet, once all internal collection efforts have been exhausted and management has reviewed the account, the account balance is written off and may be sent for external collection or legal action.