Incorrect Complaint on Delivery
Question
Greetings! Every week I order a food for my family from one of the large supermarket chains that have branches all over the country. The delivery people are Arabs who often mishandle the delivery. For example, an open shampoo or a can of cottage cheese that is crushed and smeared on part of the purchase. About a week ago we waited until 1 a.m. for the delivery to arrive. Only in the morning did it turn out that the delivery had arrived and was placed in the lobby of the building when cheese was crushed and smeared on part of the purchase. The delivery was supposed to arrive at our doorstep. I threw in the trash all the things that were ruined and spoiled, and the rest we took home. Out of anger and frustration, I called the company and informed them that I did not receive the purchase at all and thought to myself that every time I receive damaged items I would deduct their value from the account. They credited me for the entire purchase. My question is, did I act correctly? If not, what should I do? Wishing you a happy holiday. Blessing and thanks, Yehuda
Answer
Shalom!
Even though the delivery people behave inappropriately, it is forbidden to harm the supermarket owners who did not harm you.
According to halacha, you should inform the supermarket that the delivery arrived, but a few things were missing, and they’re worth so and so.
If right now there is no one to inform, you should pay the costs due to them in your next purchases.
Certainly, it is appropriate to inform the supermarket about the damages that the delivery people are causing, in order to benefit the general public.