Question:
I do business in diamonds. A friend asked me to purchase a diamond for him, offering that he would pay me the cost of the stone, plus an additional 3% as profit. After I accepted his offer, is it permissible for me to state a higher final price, thus causing the friend to think that the original price was 3% less?
If I already did so, taking from my friend an additional $70, am I required to return the money? If so, how would you suggest going about it?
I must add that I don’t usually do business for commission. I buy diamonds and pay for them myself, later selling them to others. Furthermore, the price I quoted is an accepted market price.
Answer:
No, you are not allowed to raise the price, unless you notify your friend that you occasionally charge more than 3%.
Retroactively, you must return the $70 to your friend. I would suggest you charge him $70 less next time he makes a purchase.