Question
We are owners of a large wholesale grocery business. We purchase goods in large quantities. The weight and volume is marked on each container by the supplier. We buy and pay according to weight/ volume. When selling the goods we rely on the weight stated on the containers by the suppliers. Recently when we made a random check and weighed a few packets, we discovered some packets weighed less than the stated weight on the packet. Is it permissible for us to sell the goods relying on the weight stated on the containers or are we obliged to weigh all the packets before selling? What is the position if certain goods lose some weight due to the heat? What happens if this is the general trade practice and is accepted? Should the wholesaler have a large scale and weigh each item before selling? Can he demand compensation from the supplier for the short-weight?
Answer
It is totally haraam to sell a product by weight if the weight is less than the stated weight on the packet/ bag. Allah Ta'ala warns of underweight in several aayats of the Qur'aan Majeed. There are also stories of the fearful consequences which overtook those who gave underweight or were careless in this regard.
A simple solution would be to put up prominently displayed notices to inform customers of the probability of the containers containing less weight. A scale should be placed nearby to enable every customer to weigh the item. And, if found to be less than what the weight states, either a reduction should be made in the price or the short weight should be made up with the same product. For example, if there is 500 gm flour short, then 500gm flour should be given to the customer.
The other more difficult option is to employ extra staff to weigh each packet and mark those which are underweight.
Regardless of the manner in which the weight is reduced, e.g. by heat, etc., if the customer is under the impression that the product weighs 5 kg., then it is the obligation of the seller to ensure that the item weighs 5 kg. If it weighs less, then the correct weight should be written on the packet with the new price.
The wholesaler may claim from his supplier the weight which was given less to him. It may be given to the wholesaler in the form of the same products or a monetary compensation.
The bottom line is that the seller has to ensure that the customer receives the exact weight which is marked on the container.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 21 No 11
- PDF page
- 2
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).