Question from a reader:
I decided to close my beauty salon and consulted with the representative about canceling my listing on Hot Pepper Beauty. I was told that since it was a month-end closing, I could cancel by submitting a notice of departure, so I submitted the notice on June 30. However, the store actually closed on June 25. After that,
I received the July invoice, and when I contacted the representative, I was told that I needed to pay for the listing fee for July since it would apply from June 26 onward. Since this was a phone conversation, I couldn’t prove whether there was any explanation regarding the month-end closing, and I was informed that while I was aware of the charges coming after the 26th, I couldn’t explain it from my side. Although the store’s departure date was the 30th, do I really have to pay Recruit for the Hot Pepper Beauty listing fee for July when the store closed on June 25? Additionally, there are records of discussions among staff regarding the month-end closing based on the representative’s explanation. I’m struggling with what to do.
Introduction
The issue of closing a beauty salon and canceling the listing on Hot Pepper Beauty involves multifaceted challenges that include legal aspects, psychological factors, and ethical considerations. Here, we will analyze this issue in detail from the perspectives of law and psychology, providing practical advice for resolution.
Legal Background
In the contractual relationship of a beauty salon, it is crucial to understand how contracts are established and how they can be canceled. Generally, there are contracts and terms of use with Hot Pepper Beauty, the service provider. First, contracts often clearly state the terms regarding cancellation. For example, in a month-end closing, the contract is established at the end of the month, and billing occurs at the beginning of the following month. If this applies, it would be a reasonable explanation for billing to occur for listings after June 26, even if I submitted the notice of departure on June 30. However, if the date of the notice of departure indicates the actual closing date, there may be room for negotiation.
From the Perspective of Contract Law
In contract law, a contract is established based on mutual agreement. This means that if a customer proceeds with the cancellation process based on explanations from the representative, that explanation may be considered part of the contract. If the details of the contract were unclear during the phone conversation, it could lead to an unfavorable interpretation for the customer, making record-keeping important. Additionally, according to Article 558 of the Civil Code, the notice of contract cancellation takes effect when it reaches the other party. Therefore, the date of the notice of departure and the closing date become significant factors. Ideally, written notifications or confirmations are recommended.
Analysis from a Psychological Perspective
The stress and anxiety experienced by customers are significantly influenced by psychological factors. Troubles arising from closing a business can be a substantial mental burden for business owners. In such situations, emotional judgments can distort rational decision-making, necessitating calm thinking.
The Impact of Stress
The decision to close the business itself is a major source of stress, and it is natural to worry about financial losses or reputational damage. Therefore, when legal troubles arise, it is essential to pay attention to the psychological impacts as well. For example, if a customer does not understand the contract terms or feels anxious about communication with the representative, trust can be compromised.
Ethical Considerations
In this case, ethical perspectives are also important. Transparency and integrity as a business are fundamental to building trust with customers. The question of whether the representative provided an explanation regarding the month-end closing is under scrutiny, and if they failed to fulfill their duty to explain, the company’s ethical standards may be called into question.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Companies are expected to value their relationships with customers and provide appropriate information. From this perspective, sincere responses to customers are crucial, and as a way to avoid troubles, written confirmations and the establishment of FAQs can be considered.
Industry Regulations and Legal Framework
Regulations in the beauty industry are strict from the standpoint of consumer protection and fair trading. In particular, regulations concerning advertising and sales promotion are varied, and platforms like Hot Pepper Beauty must comply with them.
Advertising Regulations and Contract Issues
Advertising platforms like Hot Pepper Beauty have a responsibility to provide accurate information to consumers. For instance, if information regarding listing fees is unclear, consumers may suffer disadvantages. Such regulations can affect the interpretation and application of contracts, making it essential to check the industry regulations if legal issues arise.
Practical Advice
When faced with this situation, the following steps are recommended: 1. Organize Records: Sort through phone conversations and documents related to the submission of the notice of departure, managing necessary information in one place. 2. Review Contract Terms: Check the contract and terms of use with Hot Pepper Beauty to understand the clauses regarding cancellation. 3. Renegotiate with the Representative: Contact the representative again and demand accountability for their explanations. If necessary, request confirmation via email to keep a record. 4. Consider Legal Consultation: Seeking expert opinions and receiving advice from a legal perspective is also important. 5. Psychological Support: Consider receiving counseling from professionals to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Conclusion and Practical Takeaways
The issues surrounding the closure of a beauty salon and the contract with Hot Pepper Beauty can be analyzed from legal, psychological, and ethical perspectives. To prevent customers from suffering disadvantages, it is recommended to understand the contract terms, organize records, renegotiate, and seek legal advice. Additionally, support to alleviate psychological burdens is also important. I encourage all readers to take necessary actions to protect their rights when facing such troubles and to remember to build trust with companies. I would love to hear your opinions and experiences.
