Trade

"Price adjustment" when shopping online

Q: When shopping online (Temu etc.), certain companies have something called "price adjustment". It is a benefit which gives the buyer back the difference in his previous purchase compared to the current price which is received by the buyer as credit in his account. 

For example, I purchased an item for R70. One week later it is R50 on the same online store. Using price adjustment one can claim back R20 as credit only to be used on that online store. Is it permissible to take that credit?

Forgetting to inform the customer of the different sizes of the item for sale

Q: I sell products online through Etsy. I sold a desk mat through Bay‘ al-Salam. The mat has three sizes, but I accidentally forgot to add the size variations to the listing. The displayed price was for the smallest size, and I delivered that smallest size to the customer. I did not intend to deceive the customer; it was an honest mistake. The customer accepted the item without requesting a refund. 

Is the Salam transaction valid, and is my earning halal? Does the hadith that Allah has pardoned mistakes and forgetfulness apply in this situation?

Shopkeeper allowing one to take items and put the money in the till

Q: I work as a teacher at a Madrasah. The Madrasah has a tuckshop. When I buy from the tuckshop, the shopkeeper (an elderly Moulana) allows me to take what I want to buy and pay the money directly to the till. In fact, he told me to do this once or twice. There is no loss to the tuckshop in my doing this. Generally, the shopkeeper doesn't even know what I bought since I paid directly to the till. Is this permissible?

One's supplier delivering directly to the customer without one taking possession

Q: I want to ask -  is drop shipping permissible or not? Let me explain the process: 

When a customer places an order, I contact the supplier to say that a customer has placed a specific order. The supplier then charges me the cost of that product from my bank account and then delivers it to the customer. So in that way, is it permissible or not?

Buying a bag of goods without knowing its contents

Q: There is a app called Refreshi, this is how it works, you pay a certain amount and get a bag of food/dessert etc... but you don't know exactly what. This is how it is written. 

"Enjoy a tasty mix of baked goods. R68 You could receive, donuts, croissants, danishes, and/or pastries. Every bag is a surprise and delight to your tastebuds." 

Is this permissible?

Selling malic acid to breweries and to manufacture sweets

Q: I am interested in purchasing a company that manufactures malic acid. The acid is used in the manufacture of sweets to make them taste sour and also used in the manufacture of beer to give it a sour taste. 

The main customer base of the company is the breweries. 

Will it be permissible for me to purchase the company and maintain the same customer base?