Is It Permissible to Sell Items Through Print-on-Demand (POD) Platforms?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is it permissible to sell items through Print on Demand (POD) platforms where the seller uploads designs and manages customization, pricing, and policies but does not own the product before sale, as the stock belongs to the platform?
Does this conflict with the Shari‘a principle of possession before sale? Additionally, does the lack of direct risk-bearing in shipping affect its permissibility?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
This transaction can be understood as a service-based contract. In this arrangement, they charge for the use of a facility, similar to a rental (ijara). Also, they can be considered an agent, taking a commission to display your product on their platform, where items are produced on demand.
Transparency regarding pricing and delivery terms is essential. Additionally, any responsibilities and risks, such as return policies, should be clearly defined upfront. [Ibn ’Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
It is important to note that selling printed items on such platforms is allowed as long as the designs do not feature offensive or unlawful images or quotes and align with Islamic principles and values.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
