Beware of trouble over midterm cancellation and clearing of unlimited repeat course of hair removal treatment
Sample Case
Seeing an online ad of hair removal treatment "Completed in 6 months", I visited the salon. The salon recommended me to sign up for a course of 30 times of treatment for three years. It was expensive for me and I declined the offer at first. The salon said, "We offer this special price only today!" and I happened to sign up for the course of 600,000 yen with 36 equal installments by credit card.
After one year and a half, I requested midterm cancellation. The salon said, "More than one year has passed since you started to receive the service, so you can't get any refund through cancellation." The written contract states that the contract term is one year, but there is a handwriting "Valid for three years". I thought midterm cancellation was possible within three years. I want to cancel the contract by just paying for the service I received.
(woman in her 20s)
Problems and Advice
Long-term or unlimited repeat courses (e.g. "unlimited repeat course of hair removal treatment for _ years") are often divided into two parts: the non-free part (certain period or times of treatment) and the free part (the following period or times of treatment). It can be construed that a certain period from the contract date or till the _th service offering falls under the category of non-free service and the following free service period falls under the category of after-sales service.
Under the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, only the non-free part of service is subject to the rules on midterm cancellation and refund. There is often a gap between the contract period recognized by consumers based on ads and explanation and the actual contract period (non-free part). This gap can generate trouble.
(1) Think twice before making a contract for long-term hair removal treatment. Suppose you may have to cancel the contract!
In general, hair removal treatment service is offered for a long period of time and has some risks. The hair removal machine may not accommodate your skin type. You may have to stop receiving the service when your circumstances change. Think twice before making a contract.
(2) Be sure to check the non-free period or non-free times of treatment on a written contract
Be sure to check the non-free period or non-free times of treatment on a written contract and confirm till when midterm cancellation is possible. Ask your salon to check your skin type before making a contract. Learn a necessary period or times of treatment for you.
(3) Receive explanations till you understand contract details. In case of payment in installments, confirm the payment period and times of payment!
Some salons offer numerous hair removal courses, some of which may be combined. Receive explanations till you understand contract details even if you are hurried to make a contract.
Even after canceling a contract, payments may remain in case of payment in installments. Confirm the installment payment period.
Reference:
"Beware of trouble over midterm cancellation and clearing of unlimited repeat course of hair removal treatment! No refund in case of midterm cancellation? Payments remain after cancellation?"released by NCAC on December 23, 2021 (Japanese version)
