Is the method followed by the factory owner in promoting his goods—by sending people to inquire about them in stores, and then offering his goods to them—permissible, or is it considered a form of deception, especially given that the goods are good and without defect?

It is not permissible for a factory owner to use deceit and trickery as a means to promote his product, such as sending someone to inquire about his product to mislead a merchant into believing there is demand for it. This is forbidden trickery and deception. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Deceit and trickery are in the Fire." Islamic law has forbidden anything that involves deceiving the buyer, such as najsh, which is bidding up the price of a commodity by someone who does not intend to buy it, in order to deceive others. This action is considered invalid deception. Therefore, the factory owner must fear Allah and pursue lawful means to promote his product, such as advertising and price reduction.