Refund Policy
Last Updated: January 25, 2025
Important Notice: Japanese Beach Café Guide is primarily an informational website providing free content about beach café culture in Japan. This Refund Policy applies to any paid services, digital products, or premium features we may offer now or in the future.
1. Overview
At Japanese Beach Café Guide, we strive to provide high-quality information and services. This Refund Policy outlines the circumstances under which refunds may be issued for any paid services or products purchased through our platform.
1.1 Scope of Policy
This policy applies to:
- Digital guide purchases or downloads
- Premium membership subscriptions (if applicable)
- Paid content access or special features
- Consultation or personalized planning services
- Any other paid services offered through our platform
1.2 Free Content
The majority of our website content, including articles, guides, and general information, is provided free of charge and is not subject to this Refund Policy.
2. General Refund Principles
2.1 Our Commitment
We are committed to customer satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with a paid service or product, we will work with you to resolve the issue fairly.
2.2 Refund Eligibility
Refund eligibility depends on:
- The type of service or product purchased
- The time elapsed since purchase
- The extent to which the service or product has been used
- The reason for the refund request
- Compliance with our Terms and Conditions
3. Digital Products and Downloads
3.1 Refund Period
For digital guides, ebooks, or downloadable content:
- Within 14 Days: Full refund available if content was not accessed or downloaded
- After Download: Refunds evaluated on case-by-case basis
- After 30 Days: Refunds generally not available
3.2 Conditions for Digital Product Refunds
Refunds for digital products may be granted if:
- The product is significantly different from its description
- The product contains technical errors preventing use
- The product was purchased by mistake (duplicate purchase)
- You did not access or download the content
3.3 Non-Refundable Circumstances
Refunds will NOT be granted if:
- You changed your mind after accessing the content
- You claim you "didn't like" the content after full access
- You violate our Terms of Service
- You share, distribute, or resell the content
- More than 30 days have passed since purchase
4. Subscription Services
4.1 Monthly Subscriptions
For monthly recurring subscriptions:
- First 7 Days: Full refund available if minimal service use
- After 7 Days: No refund for current month; cancellation prevents future charges
- Cancellation: Can cancel anytime; access continues until period end
4.2 Annual Subscriptions
For annual/yearly subscriptions:
- Within 30 Days: Pro-rated refund available if minimal use
- After 30 Days: No refund; cancellation prevents auto-renewal
- Special Circumstances: Exceptions considered for extenuating circumstances
4.3 Subscription Cancellation Process
Step 1: Request Cancellation
Contact us via email at info@frycrisppotato.com with your account details and cancellation request.
Step 2: Confirmation
We will confirm your cancellation request within 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Processing
Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. No further charges will occur.
Step 4: Refund (if applicable)
If you qualify for a refund, it will be processed within 5-10 business days to your original payment method.
5. Consultation and Personalized Services
5.1 Service-Based Refunds
For personalized planning, consultation, or custom services:
- Before Service Delivery: Full refund available with 48-hour notice
- Partial Delivery: Pro-rated refund based on completed work
- After Full Delivery: Refunds evaluated based on service quality issues
5.2 Service Quality Issues
If you believe service quality did not meet stated standards:
- Contact us within 7 days of service completion
- Provide specific details about quality concerns
- We will review and may offer partial/full refund or service redo
6. Third-Party Purchases
6.1 Not Our Responsibility
Japanese Beach Café Guide is NOT responsible for refunds related to:
- Café reservations made through third-party platforms
- Accommodations booked via external booking sites
- Transportation tickets or passes
- Purchases made directly with cafés or businesses we feature
- Products or services from affiliate partners
6.2 Redirection for Third-Party Issues
If you experience problems with third-party purchases:
- Contact the service provider directly for refund requests
- Review their specific refund and cancellation policies
- Use their customer support channels
- We can provide general guidance but cannot process refunds on their behalf
Important: Always read the terms and conditions of third-party services before making purchases. Each provider has their own refund policies independent of Japanese Beach Café Guide.
7. Refund Request Process
7.1 How to Request a Refund
To request a refund:
- Email Us: Send a refund request to info@frycrisppotato.com
- Include Details:
- Your full name and contact information
- Order/transaction number or reference
- Date of purchase
- Product or service name
- Reason for refund request (be specific)
- Supporting documentation if applicable
- Subject Line: Use "Refund Request - [Order Number]"
7.2 Processing Timeline
Initial Response: 24-48 Hours
We will acknowledge your refund request and confirm receipt.
Review Period: 3-5 Business Days
We will evaluate your request based on this policy and purchase details.
Decision Communication: Within 5-7 Business Days
We will inform you whether your refund has been approved or denied, with explanation.
Refund Processing: 5-10 Business Days
If approved, refund will be issued to your original payment method. Allow additional time for your bank to process.
7.3 Required Information
To expedite processing, ensure you provide:
- Proof of purchase (receipt, confirmation email, transaction ID)
- Account username or registered email address
- Clear explanation of the issue or reason for refund
- Screenshots or documentation if relevant to technical issues
8. Refund Methods
8.1 Original Payment Method
Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method used for purchase:
- Credit/Debit Cards: 5-10 business days for credit to appear
- PayPal: 3-5 business days
- Bank Transfer: 7-14 business days depending on bank
- Other Methods: Timeline varies by payment processor
8.2 Alternative Refund Options
In certain circumstances, we may offer:
- Account credit for future purchases
- Complimentary access to alternative content or services
- Extended subscription periods
These alternatives will only be provided with your explicit consent.
9. Partial Refunds
9.1 When Partial Refunds Apply
Partial refunds may be issued when:
- Service was partially delivered before cancellation
- Content was partially accessed before issue discovery
- Subscription cancellation occurs mid-period with usage
- Product had minor defects but was still usable
9.2 Calculation Method
Partial refunds are calculated based on:
- Percentage of service or content accessed/used
- Time remaining in subscription period
- Severity of issues encountered
- Our assessment of fair compensation
10. Non-Refundable Items and Services
10.1 Explicitly Non-Refundable
The following are generally not eligible for refunds:
- Fully consumed digital content (ebooks fully read, videos fully watched)
- Services rendered in full without quality issues
- Promotional or discounted items (unless defective)
- Gift cards or promotional credits
- Content accessed in violation of Terms of Service
- Purchases older than 60 days (except legal requirements)
10.2 Special Promotions
Items purchased during special promotions or sales may have modified refund terms, which will be clearly stated at time of purchase.
11. Chargebacks and Disputes
11.1 Contact Us First
Before initiating a chargeback with your bank or credit card company, please contact us directly. Most issues can be resolved quickly and amicably.
11.2 Chargeback Consequences
If you initiate a chargeback:
- Your account may be immediately suspended pending resolution
- Access to purchased content may be revoked
- If chargeback is found unjustified, you may be liable for fees
- Unresolved chargebacks may prevent future purchases
11.3 Dispute Resolution
We prefer to resolve disputes cooperatively. If you're unsatisfied with our refund decision:
- Request escalation to a senior team member
- Provide additional information supporting your case
- We will conduct a secondary review
- Final decision will be communicated in writing
12. Special Circumstances
12.1 Medical or Emergency Situations
If you cannot use purchased services due to medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances:
- Contact us with documentation of the situation
- We will evaluate on a case-by-case basis
- Options may include refund, credit, or service postponement
12.2 Technical Issues on Our End
If technical problems on our side prevent service access:
- Full refund or service extension will be offered
- We will work to resolve technical issues promptly
- Compensation may be provided for significant inconvenience
12.3 Force Majeure
In cases of force majeure (natural disasters, pandemics, war, etc.) affecting service delivery:
- Refunds or credits will be evaluated based on circumstances
- We may offer flexible alternatives to refunds
- Communication will be proactive and transparent
13. Modifications to Refund Policy
13.1 Policy Updates
We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will:
- Be effective immediately upon posting
- Apply to purchases made after the update date
- Not retroactively affect existing purchases (unless legally required)
13.2 Notification of Changes
Material changes will be communicated via:
- Email to registered users
- Prominent website notice
- Updated "Last Updated" date on this page
14. Consumer Rights
14.1 Legal Rights
This Refund Policy does not affect your statutory rights under applicable consumer protection laws. In jurisdictions with mandatory consumer protection regulations, those rights supersede any conflicting provisions in this policy.
14.2 Regional Variations
Consumers in certain regions may have additional rights:
- EU/EEA: 14-day cooling-off period for certain digital purchases under Consumer Rights Directive
- UK: Consumer Rights Act protections for digital content
- Australia: Australian Consumer Law guarantees and refund rights
- California/USA: Additional consumer protection under state law
Your Legal Rights: Nothing in this policy limits your rights under applicable consumer protection laws. If local law provides greater protection, those provisions apply.
15. Refund FAQs
Q: How long do refunds take to process?
A: Once approved, refunds are processed within 5-10 business days. However, the time for funds to appear in your account depends on your bank or payment provider and may take an additional 5-10 business days.
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
A: For digital products that have not been accessed, yes, within 14 days. For accessed content or services already rendered, refunds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What if I was charged twice by mistake?
A: Contact us immediately. Duplicate charges are refunded promptly, usually within 3-5 business days.
Q: Can I exchange instead of getting a refund?
A: Yes, we can often offer account credit or alternative products/services of equal value as an alternative to monetary refunds.
Q: What if the café I visited based on your guide was closed or different than described?
A: We provide information in good faith but cannot control third-party businesses. While this wouldn't typically qualify for a refund of our services, we appreciate feedback and will update our information. Contact the establishment directly for any purchases made there.
Last Updated: January 25, 2025
Effective Date: January 25, 2025
Policy Version: 1.0
This Refund Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
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