Q: I sell scarves and kaftans. I had a customer from Zambia who purchased scarves from me in September. She sent the money to me via internet transfer and I then sent her goods via Air Mail through the South African Post Office. She has since not received her goods and is asking for a refund. I got proof from the post office showing that the parcel was put onto an SAA flight to Lusaka on 17 September 2013. However when she went to post office and SAA counter in Zambia they are saying that they have not received the goods. There is an investigation going on with the SA post office and Zambia. The customer however is impatient and wants results. I don’t know what to do.
Who’s loss is it? I did as asked and sent goods via post office which she paid for. She is asking for a full refund, what about the loss to me for my stock? Her argument is that why did I ask for payment before I sent the parcel, but that is how I conduct my business I have to receive payment before sending the goods.
Your advice will be much appreciated. Also if there is any wazifa I can read for the safe return of goods please let me know.
A: The postage was done as per the instruction of the customer. Hence, the customer has to be responsible for the liability that is incurred.
Recite ‘Yaa mu`eedu’ as much as you can.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)