Taking A Discount/Points Given To A Company For Yourself

(1) Any customer that purchases goods in bulk from a retail store generally requests the shopkeeper for a discount. This is the norm in our country and it is for this reason many local people have formed bulk buying clubs (that purchase in bulk) hence qualifying to purchase at a discounted rate. You too have stated in your query that you would generally afford a discount to a customer buying in large quantity when requested. Also, the customer acting on behalf of the company is aware that a discount is afforded on bulk buying yet she did not request it, as she was desirous of a particular item equivalent to the value of the discount. Had she not been receiving an item (in lieu of the discount) she too would have ensured that the company receives the discount in full. 

Now, the discount (afforded to bulk buyers) is a right of the company and should be afforded to the company in full. It is therefore incorrect for the purchaser to overlook the discount and take an item (equal in value to the discount) from the retailer for her own benefit. You as the retailer or shopkeeper should afford the correct discount to the company (when requested) and not entertain the request of the purchaser as stated in your query. It is therefore Waajib to return the overcharged amount (which may be the value of the gifted item) to the company.

دکاندار کمپنی کے ملازم سے کہتے ہے کہ اگر آپ کمپنی کا سامان ہم سے خریدیں گے تو ہم آپ کو اتنے فیصد کمیشک دیں گے – کیا ملازم کے لئے یہ کمیشن لینا جائز ہے؟

الجواب :-  یہ کمیشن کے نام سے سامان کی قیمت میں رعادت ہے جو کمپنی کا حق ہے  ، اس لئے ملازم  کا  اسے اپنے استعمال میں لانا جائز نہیں – کمپنی کو لوٹانا واجب ہے  – احسن الفتاوی ص۱۰۲ ج۸  

Yes, there is a way of overcoming the issue without deceiving the company. You as the retailer may invoice the items correctly at the normal wholesale or bulk rate so that the company is charged correctly and fairly for the items purchased. The concluded transaction in this instance will be in order. Now, you as the shopkeeper may gift the purchaser (as a token of thanksgiving) any item/s of your choice (only if you wish to), for purchasing from your particular store. This is an independent transaction from your side and in no way a condition or part of the previous transaction on behalf of the company. We hope that this clarifies the matter.

(2) The points (which is merely a right and holds no value in Shariah) are only afforded to customers who hold a gift card for the relevant store. In other words, customers purchasing at the same store but without a gift card do not qualify for points. This means that the points afforded to the customer (by the store) is a right which is transferred over to the card holder. Therefore, the points transferred to you (the card holder) will be for your benefit and not for the Masjid /Madrasah, even though purchases were made for the benefit of the Masjid/ Madrasah, hence it may be used for your personal needs.