Question from a reader:
I run a corporation. Previously, I received a call from Hello Work asking, “Would you like to have your website listed for free for 21 days?” After declining because it would become a paid service after 21 days, I was told, “We will handle the cancellation process, so it’s fine.” I signed the documents sent via fax
and returned them. However, after 21 days, I was automatically switched to a paid plan and received a bill for 363,000 yen. There was no explanation about the free plan or important details, and I have received both the invoice and reminders. Am I obligated to pay this bill? Additionally, I was contacted under the company name “Recruitz,” but the invoice came from a different company called “Rise,” which is very confusing. Could you advise me on how to handle this situation?

Considerations on Billing Issues from Corporate Operators

Introduction

Hello, today I would like to reflect on an interesting question received from a corporate operator. Telemarketing and contract disputes are often unavoidable in business, but when faced with particularly complex situations, knowledge of the law and appropriate responses become necessary. This time, based on the episode where a sudden bill of 363,000 yen arrived after being offered a 21-day free listing, let’s consider how to address this from a legal perspective.

Background and Issues

First, let’s review the content of the question. You were contacted by Hello Work with the proposal, “Would you like to have your website listed for free for 21 days?” At that moment, you might have thought, “Well, if it’s free, I might as well give it a try.” However, there was a condition that it would automatically switch to a paid plan afterward. It’s likely that the explanation regarding the conversation or contract details was insufficient. Particularly, the phrase “We will handle the cancellation process, so it’s fine” may seem reassuring at first glance, but considering what might actually happen leaves some anxiety. The issues can be summarized as follows: 1. There was no explanation regarding the free plan or important details. 2. An invoice arrived from a different company name. 3. It is unclear whether a contract was even established. Now, let’s explore how to approach these issues.

Establishment of the Contract and Its Validity

First, for a contract to be established, mutual consent is necessary. In this case, consent was formed through a telemarketing call, but what is important is how clear the content was. Oral contracts made over the phone are harder to prove compared to written contracts, but if you had declined, the other party might claim that “the contract was not established.” However, if the content of the contract was not clearly explained over the phone, meaning that the other party pressured you to “please sign,” the contract could potentially be deemed invalid. According to the Consumer Contract Act, the business side has an obligation to explain important matters. If there was no explanation that what you thought was a “free plan” was actually a paid plan, you may have grounds to argue that the contract was not established.

Discrepancy in Company Names on Invoices

Next, I would like to touch upon the point regarding the invoice arriving from a different company. Receiving a bill from “Rise” when you were contacted by a company named “Recruitz” creates a very confusing situation. In such cases, it is typical for the company with which you contracted to issue the invoice, but if a different company name is listed on the contract, it may indicate that the contract is not being properly fulfilled. What can be considered here is that the discrepancy between the company name on the contract and the company name on the invoice could be a factor indicating the illegitimacy of the contract. In other words, if the contract is invalid, you would generally not be obligated to pay the bill.

How to Respond to the Invoice

Now, let’s discuss specific responses. First, it is important to have the right mindset when receiving an invoice. To respond calmly without panicking, it would be beneficial to follow these steps: 1. Confirm the Contract Details First, review the conversation over the phone and the documents sent to you. Organize what the other party’s explanations and conditions were. If you have any records, they can serve as significant evidence. 2. Written Objection Next, it is effective to respond in writing to the company that sent the invoice. State that “the contract was not established” and assert the invalidity of the bill. Sending this via certified mail is also a good method, as it can apply pressure on the other party. 3. Consultation with Experts If you find it difficult to resolve the issue on your own, it is crucial to consult a legal expert. By seeking help from a judicial scrivener or lawyer, you can receive more specific advice and take appropriate action. Especially for corporations, legal procedures can be complex, so specialized knowledge is necessary. 4. Consultation with Consumer Centers Additionally, consulting your local consumer center can be beneficial. They are often well-versed in such troubles and can suggest appropriate responses.

Conclusion

This time, we have considered billing issues from corporate operators from a legal perspective. There can be very complicated situations, such as the traps of free plans and invoices from different company names. However, knowing the law and appropriate responses increases the likelihood of being able to handle these issues. Ultimately, it is crucial to calmly assess whether “a contract has been established” and whether “the information on the invoice is legitimate,” and if you can do that, your business will be protected. Above all, when you feel anxious, I recommend seeking the help of experts without hesitation. While we want to avoid troubles, it is essential to prepare for the unexpected.