Beware of water dispenser sales tactics! Rental contract or purchase contract?

In recent years, there was an increase in the number of inquiries about water dispensers received by local consumer affairs centers and the like across Japan. The number of inquiries in fiscal 2023 was about 1.4 times of that in fiscal 2022.

In particular, many consumers were invited to sign up for water dispensers at special booths and event venues in commercial facilities like malls and got in trouble afterward (e.g. "When I asked for cancellation, I was charged a cancellation fee which I heard of for the first time," "I thought I made a rental contract for a water dispenser, but actually it was a purchase contract.")

Therefore, NCAC would like to share typical cases related to water dispenser contracts and issue an alert to prevent consumers from getting in trouble.

Sample Cases

• When I was coercively induced to make a contract, the sales person told that there would be cashback equal to a cancellation fee. Actually, the cashback was not applicable to my contract.
• A sales person just repeated "It's a very good deal!" and did not mention a cancellation fee at all.
• I was induced to sign up for a water dispenser and I did so, thinking that it was a rental contract. Actually, it was a purchase contract.
• I was hurried to sign up for a water dispenser and I did so. When I read the contract at home, contract details were different from explanation by the sales person.

Problems highlighted by the sampling of cases

• Consumers are suddenly talked to by a sales person, so they are unable to make a cool-headed decision when they are induced to sign up for a water server.
• It is often the case that sales persons do not explain sufficiently or explain falsely.
• Sales persons persistently induce to sign up for a water dispenser and hurry consumers to sign a contract on the spot.

Advice for consumers

• Consider if the contract is really necessary for you. Compare prices and features between different providers.
• If it is unnecessary for you, decline flatly.
• Before signing a contract, read it carefully and ask if you have any questions.
• Do not make a contract with a company that coercively induces you or hurries you to sign a contract.
• In case of trouble, consult your local consumer affairs center right away.