Taking a non-refundable deposit to special order an item for a customer
Q: In some businesses it is common practice to special order an item for a customer, when it is not in stock, by taking a non-refundable deposit, e.g., 25% or 50%. At times the following situations arise after the item is purchased from the supplier and it arrives:
1. The customer pays the balance and the sale is concluded.
2. The customer changes their mind and then wants a refund, which is refused because the item was specially ordered.
Is it permissible to conduct business in this manner?