Which term refers to the planned return of a portion of a price already paid for goods or services?

The term that refers to the planned return of a portion of a price already paid for goods or services is a rebate. A rebate typically involves a manufacturer or seller offering a partial refund after the purchase has been made, incentivizing the buyer to complete the transaction while also potentially boosting customer loyalty. It often requires the customer to submit a claim for the rebate, which can make it different from discounts that are applied at the point of sale.

Discounts, while related, are reductions applied to the purchase price at the moment of sale rather than a return of funds after the purchase. Adjustments can cover a broader range of price changes or corrections but do not specifically indicate a planned refund of a price already paid. A return policy pertains to the conditions under which a customer can return purchased goods but does not specifically describe the act of refunding a portion of the price already paid. Therefore, rebate is the most accurate term for a planned return of a part of a price already settled.