business

Early settlement discount

Q: I am in retail and many suppliers state their terms similar or as follows: COD 10% 30 Days 7% 60 Days - No discount This is the general practise amongst most wholesalers and it is clear when an account is being opened. If there is a change we are informed well in advance. I sometimes take the full 60 days without a discount but on occasions where my cash flow is better, I do take advantage of their different settlement discounts. Is this permissible?

Alternative to early settlement discount

Q: Will it be permissible for one to make an agreement with the supplier, at the onset before purchasing, that for example, the terms will be 30 days with a discount of 5%? There are a few suppliers with whom we have an agreement such as the one described above and we keep to the arranged terms. However, the time period and discount differs from supplier to supplier. If this is not permissible, then what is the solution to rectify the situation?

Early settlement discount

Q: We have customers who buy on credit. Is it permissible for us to tell them that we will give them a discount if they pay before the due date? For example, the customer purchases goods worth R100 000 on a three month credit basis. The customer is told, “If you pay within one month, you will receive a 10% discount”. Is this permissible? 

Forcing the purchaser to pay more than the agreed amount

Q: I bought a property from friend. We agreed to close our deal a year later. I paid him 40,0000 $ advanced. We signed a legal binding agreement. All good. After one year I asked to close our deal and he started asking more money. Property value gone up. I told him no, you are breaking your promise and agreement. He put pressure on me. Literally black mailing me. Otherwise I go to court and suffer more financial hardship. I surrender and promise verbally to pay 40k extra by taking a loan and paying him off. Now the deal is closed and I feel I should not give extra money that I don't even have but I feel bad that I am breaking my promise. Also I felt I was cornered. Please help me what should I do?

Procedure of a Lay-by sale

Q: A person wishes to purchase some goods from a certain furniture store but does not have the money at present. The seller tells him that he can buy the furniture on lay-by. Will it be permissible for him to purchase the goods on lay-by and how does lay-by actually work? Through lay-by, does one become the owner of the goods immediately or only when the goods are completely paid for?