Question from a reader:
I have been using Abirudo job hunting services since March, but it has been so unhelpful, and the fees are extremely high (600,000 yen in installments, totaling 830,000 yen with interest), that I am considering canceling my contract. When I contacted them, I was told that since the contract period has passed, I would be required to
pay the full amount. In this case, do I really have to pay the full amount just because I signed the contract? I have only attended 2 out of 9 lessons and used services like resume reviews a few times, but honestly, none of them have been helpful. Additionally, the contract was not sent to me after I signed it online during the initial Zoom meeting; I only received it recently when I requested to cancel. Isn’t this a malicious response?

Considering the Cancellation of the Abirudo Job Hunting Contract

The question from a reader using Abirudo job hunting services is very interesting. It’s a painful experience for anyone to pay a high fee and not receive the expected services. This time, I would like to delve into this issue from a legal perspective.

Basic Principles of Contracts

First, an important principle to consider when thinking about contracts is that “contracts are meant to be upheld.” Once you sign a contract, you generally have an obligation to adhere to its terms. However, not all contracts are perfect. Especially in the service industry, it is not uncommon for the expected results to not be achieved. The fact that you did not receive the contract after signing it when you applied for Abirudo job hunting is a very important point. In this case, there may be a possibility that the contract was improperly concluded.

Calmly Reviewing the Contract Terms

The contract should contain clauses regarding cancellation. Generally, the conditions for contract termination and the fees associated with early cancellation are clearly stated. If you are told that “the contract period has passed,” it is important to thoroughly check whether that is indeed the case according to the contract. In many cases, contracts have a “deadline for cancellation procedures.” If you request cancellation within that deadline, you may be eligible for a refund depending on the conditions. For example, if you have not received any services or if the services provided were inadequate, you might only have to pay a cancellation fee.

The Possibility of a Malicious Business Model

What is important here is the part you mentioned about “malicious responses.” As mentioned earlier, failing to send the contract is an act that lacks reliability in business. Particularly, having consumers sign without allowing them to verify the contents may fall into a legal gray area. Under Japan’s Consumer Protection Law, contracts based on fraud or coercion can be declared invalid. If there was no proper explanation when you applied, or if the contract terms were unclear, you may have grounds to claim it is legally invalid.

Specific Measures and Actions

Now, let’s consider specific measures. First, it is important to recheck the contents of the contract. If you feel that the contract was improperly handled, I recommend consulting a consumer affairs center. They have specialized counselors who can provide legal advice. Specifically, you might consider taking the following steps: 1. Review the contract: Check the clauses regarding cancellation and understand the contract terms. 2. Consult the consumer affairs center: Seeking expert opinions can help you consider your next steps. 3. Gather evidence: Organize records of communications, copies of the contract, and notes on the services received. This will be an important source of information for future negotiations or legal proceedings. 4. Consider negotiation: Contact Abirudo job hunting directly, explain your situation, and negotiate for cancellation or a refund. However, it is important to proceed calmly and not let emotions take over when taking these actions. Even if you are frustrated, calmly conveying the facts often leads to better outcomes.

Considering Legal Measures

If Abirudo job hunting insists on unfair contract terms, you may consider legal action as a last resort. You can consult a lawyer and, if necessary, consider litigation. However, legal proceedings can be time-consuming and costly, so careful judgment is required. Legally, if the quality of the services you received does not match the contract terms, you may also consider seeking damages. Specifically, you would need to prove the discrepancy between the services received and the contract terms, which could lead to legal action.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights

The issues regarding the Abirudo job hunting contract are certainly worth considering from a legal perspective. Just because you signed the contract does not mean everything is over. You have rights as a consumer, and there are means to protect them. Ultimately, it is important to have solid knowledge and take appropriate actions to protect yourself. If you have any concerns, do not forget to consult an expert. By properly understanding your rights and taking appropriate actions, you may be able to achieve better outcomes. I hope this information helps you resolve your issue. I wish for you to see a glimmer of hope.