Selling items that one does not have stock of

Q: I sell clothing, shoes and bags as a way to earn an income. I advertise items, get orders, the customer pays then I buy the stuff from the supplier and send it to the customer. My profit is maximum 30%. I would like to know if what I am doing is permissible?

A: If you do not have the stock at the time when they contact you, then you should make it clear to them that you are not selling the items to them at present as you do not have stock on hand. You may inform them that after you acquire the stock, then you will conclude the sale with them.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)