What payment strategy is least likely to be used when the merchandiser is unsure of product sales?

The payment strategy that is least likely to be used when the merchandiser is unsure of product sales is advance dating. This strategy involves a buyer agreeing to pay for goods before the goods are expected to be sold. Given the uncertainty in product sales, committing to an advance payment can pose a significant risk. Merchandisers typically prefer to utilize more flexible payment strategies when they have doubts about the marketability of their products.

On the other hand, seasonal dating allows for payments to be deferred until a specified time frame, typically tied to a selling season, making it a more suitable option when sales are uncertain. Cash payments provide immediate transaction assurance but may not be feasible for all sales, especially with uncertain inventory. Anticipation dating might involve advance payments with special conditions laid out to mitigate risk, which could also align more closely with managing uncertainty in sales. In contrast, advance dating does not accommodate the flexibility needed in uncertain sales environments.