Ripped off on my docomo contract.

[bigadz06]

I took a 12 month contract out with docomo last October. I remember the shop assistant telling me there were some extras I had to have on my contract for 3 months, or pay some big lump some up front. She told me they would automatically stop charging me after the 3 months for these "extras" whatever they were. Anyways, I'm not exactly sure what they were, so I just said yes to the cheaper option, but think I'm still being charged for them. 地図ナビ　iコンシエル　iBodymo ゆうゆうコール　iチャネル　and some others which add up to just over 1500 yen.
If I'd have been charged for anything incorrectly in the Uk, I'd be able to get the money back (after a long battle with the company),
Though I've heard refunds are non existent in Japan.

Anyone had a similar experience?

P.s She also told me my contract would end automatically once the 12 months is over, but I do not believe her. Anyone know whether that's true too?

Cheers

[Shakes Spear]

I took a 12 month contract out with docomo last October. I remember the shop assistant telling me there were some extras I had to have on my contract for 3 months, or pay some big lump some up front. She told me they would automatically stop charging me after the 3 months for these "extras" whatever they were. Anyways, I'm not exactly sure what they were, so I just said yes to the cheaper option, but think I'm still being charged for them. 地図ナビ　iコンシエル　iBodymo ゆうゆうコール　iチャネル　and some others which add up to just over 1500 yen.
If I'd have been charged for anything incorrectly in the Uk, I'd be able to get the money back (after a long battle with the company),
Though I've heard refunds are non existent in Japan.

Anyone had a similar experience?

P.s She also told me my contract would end automatically once the 12 months is over, but I do not believe her. Anyone know whether that's true too?

Cheers

I would say "ripped off" is probably a bit strong.
While the contracts can be costly and will make your eyes bleed if you try reading them thoroughly,
the shop staff usually aren't trying to swindle you or even dupe you into signing something that isn't what it appears.

I think it's more likely that you simply didn't understand what you were being told and decided to just assume everything would work out instead of making sure.

I'm not trying to say you're wrong, but, well...maybe you could/should have had a clearer understanding of what you were signing?

As far as getting a refund, if it was a misunderstanding you odds of getting any kind of refund probably aren't that great, but if they made a mistake I'm pretty sure they would rectify it for you.

I would definitely confirm what happens at the end of your contract term.
Most carriers, Docomo included, roll it over when it expires.
Whether there would be a penalty for breaking a renewed contract I'm not sure.

Good luck!

[bigadz06]

Thanks for your honest answer. Ill go to see them soon.

[ericson]

Have to agree wih the above post as well as the OP. They have some really stupid things here that is mandatory for the first three months. Like internet packages as well as phone insurance. All a load of sh!t. But you have to take it for three months. The shop assistant for AU after a long and pointless arguement said that I can come back the next day to cancell the extras. That is what you have to do. You have to cancel the extras on a day different from when you signed the contract. They tell you the contract is for a year, but like stated above, they will assume that you want to do it for another year unless otherwise notified. Many companies do two years as a standard. At the renewal you are generally allowed to choose a new phone.

[Shakes Spear]

Have to agree wih the above post as well as the OP. They have some really stupid things here that is mandatory for the first three months. Like internet packages as well as phone insurance. All a load of sh!t. But you have to take it for three months. The shop assistant for AU after a long and pointless arguement said that I can come back the next day to cancell the extras. That is what you have to do. You have to cancel the extras on a day different from when you signed the contract. They tell you the contract is for a year, but like stated above, they will assume that you want to do it for another year unless otherwise notified. Many companies do two years as a standard. At the renewal you are generally allowed to choose a new phone.

Yeah. I forgot about the whole first three months bullcrap. I just switched from SoftBank to Docomo (and from Apple to Android) and I believe I have some of that nonsense too.
You've reminded me that I should go in and try to cancel that extra stuff.
Thanks.

[Andun]

I recently upgraded my cell with docomo. They told me I only had to stick with the extras for 1 month. I canceled them after exactly a month.

[Taffy]

Yeah. I forgot about the whole first three months bullcrap. I just switched from SoftBank to Docomo (and from Apple to Android) and I believe I have some of that nonsense too.
You've reminded me that I should go in and try to cancel that extra stuff.
Thanks.

Shakey, how is the monthly cost comparison between Softbank and Docomo? Would I be correct in assuming you changed to Galaxy 3?
Call cost is not important, just need the unlimited data. iPhone has been great but seriously need a bigger screen......

[B4RSK]

In the British context this would indeed be considered a rip off. We have extremely good consumer rights and protections in the UK that are not enjoyed by Japanese citizens and residents.

Docomo is especially naughty with its contracts as it has been known to offer fixed term of up to two years with automatic renewal into a new two year term if you don't manage to get in person to a Docomo shop to cancel the contract within 30 days of the renewal date. Note that on the business side NTT Com offers its customers fixed term contracts which roll into month to month contracts once that initial term is expired.

DOCOMO is well aware of the confusing an restrictive nature of their contracts and are enjoying charging their hapless customers 9500 JPY to exit contracts when they miss the chance to exit in the magic 30 day window. Big slap on the wrists..!

[evilone]

There is a reason why the japanese word "shibari" that is used for these contracts is the same word that is used in BDSM.

But who ever forgets these renewal months?

[tokyo_dom]

Exactly. I have been counting down to mine from about 6 months into my current contract. Interestingly i am right in that 30 day window (actually 2 months for Softbank), and the search has started for which phone to change to (95% decided on Docomo for their unlocking policy plus generous norikae discounts)

And speaking of which, its not just Docomo; ALL of the major phone companies in Japan do the automatic roll over into the new contract. There is really almost no such thing as a 'non-contract connection' unless you go with one of the MVNO's

[evilone]

There is really almost no such thing as a 'non-contract connection' unless you go with one of the MVNO's

You can get month to month service out of Docomo, it just costs up the wazoo.