Example of Consumer Affairs Consultations（消費生活相談）

Returning an Item Doesn’t Cancel Your Subscription（定期購入 「返品」だけでは解約になりません）

Question

1. I ordered a supplement I saw in an online ad. I was only planning to try it once, but the second one arrived, so I sent it back. Then, I received just an invoice. I had no intention of paying, so I left it, but then I received a notice from a law firm.
2. I saw an ad on SNS and bought a trial beauty serum. After that, the same product arrived, but I didn't remember ordering it, so I returned it with a letter of cancellation. I continued to receive invoices after that, but I ignored them, and then I received an envelope from a law firm that seemed to be a final notice about the bill. I don't understand why I was charged when I don't have the product in my hands.

Advice

There are cases where you see an ad that emphasizes low prices and trials, and you order a product thinking it's just for one time, but it turns out to be a subscription. Even if you return the product or refuse to receive it because you only ordered one, that alone does not cancel the contract, so be careful. When purchasing online, make sure to check the final confirmation screen to see if it is a subscription, and check the cancellation method, the conditions, the total payment amount, etc.

Inquiries

Consumer Affairs Center (Shohi Seikatsu Center, 消費生活センター):082-421-7189.
Location: 1F North building