if a shop buys something on a sale or return basis, it can return the goods it is unable to sell
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sale or return UK US noun [U] (UK
► COMMERCE a system in which goods are supplied to stores and can be returned if they are not sold within a particular period of time: on sale or return »
The company estimates your seasonal stock needs and provides products on sale or return for the first year, to cut down on the risk.
Financial and business terms. 2012.