Online sales (shopping, auction, free market websites, among others) are entertaining and convenient if used wisely. However you should pay attention to some important points.

According to Japan Direct Marketing Association (JDMA) inquiries related to return or exchange of shopping goods are the largest. Although the cooling off system is applied in cases of door- to- door sales and telemarketing, the same does not apply in case of online sales. Instead, companies are required to provide detailed information about return and exchange of shopping goods.

On this page we will introduce some important points to avoid problems related to purchases through Internet.

[Important points when choosing a company and goods]

• Confirm information provided by the company such as location, telephone number, among others, and make sure if the company is reliable.
• When choosing a good, check if it is not a counterfeit.

[Important points when ordering goods]

• Print the order screen to file when the order was made and details such as color, size and quantity, or keep a screenshot or a note.

Conditions on return/exchange of goods

• Confirm from how many days it is possible to return or exchange goods. (There are cases the return/exchange of goods are not proceeded)
• Confirm who will bear the return fee.

Payment method

• Confirm details about payment method such as payment on delivery, bank transfer, payment by credit card, among others.
• In case of advanced payment in cash, it is important to check if there is a compelling reason.
• Confirm if there are no discrepancy on addressee’s payment information. Also, watch out for the following situations:

1. The bank agency location for the account for deposit is different from the company location for sales.
2. The account is not registered in the company’s name but in the name of a an individual being even a foreigner.

Shipping fee/ additional  costs

• Depending on the shipping address, the shipping fee may change, therefore, watch out for it. (Even mentioned free shipping, depending on the region a shipping fee may be included)
• Confirm that in addition to the shipping fee there are no additional costs such as assembly fee, installation fee, among others.

Delivery time

• Confirm how long does it take to receive the product after completing the order.
• There are cases of a delay in delivery after ordering due to the products list and others, watch out for it.

[Important point after receiving your product]

• Once the product is delivered, confirm right away if it is really what you have ordered and if it is not damaged.

 

Consultation center in case of problems

JADMA                        Japan direct Marketing Association

TEL  03-5651-1122            *Only in Japanese (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. /1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays)

http://www.jadma.org/

Cosumer’s Hotline (shouhisha hotline)

TEL 188 (Iyaya) *Only in Japanese

When calling “188”, an announcement will be issued and the call will be redirected to the Municipal Center for Consumer Consultation nearest to your residence or to the Consumer Center of Mie Prefecture.

Source: JADMA Japan Direct Marketing Association

[What can we do to avoid problems regarding online shopping and others?]