Refund Policy

1. Introduction

This Refund Policy explains the terms and conditions under which Hidden Beaches Japan ("we," "us," or "our") may issue refunds for products or services purchased through our website hiddenbeachesinjapan.com (the "Site").

We are committed to customer satisfaction and fair business practices. Please read this policy carefully before making any purchases. By completing a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Refund Policy.

2. Nature of Our Services

Hidden Beaches Japan primarily provides informational content, travel guides, and digital resources related to coastal destinations in Japan. Our services include:

• Free access to travel blog articles and destination guides
• Newsletter subscriptions (free of charge)
• Travel consultation and inquiry services (if applicable)
• Premium digital guides or content (if applicable)
• Affiliate recommendations for third-party services

Important Note: We are a travel information platform, not a travel agency. We do not directly book, arrange, or sell travel services such as accommodations, transportation, tours, or activities. Any bookings or purchases made through third-party providers linked from our Site are subject to those providers' terms and refund policies, not ours.

3. Refund Eligibility

3.1 Digital Products and Premium Content

If we offer paid digital products such as e-books, premium guides, or exclusive content:

• Refund Window: Refund requests must be made within 14 days of purchase
• Conditions: Products must not have been downloaded, accessed in full, or used extensively
• Defective Products: Full refunds will be issued for products that are defective, corrupted, or materially different from described
• Technical Issues: If you experience technical difficulties accessing purchased content, we will first attempt to resolve the issue before considering a refund

3.2 Consultation Services

If we offer paid consultation or personalized travel planning services:

• Cancellation Before Service: Full refund if cancelled at least 48 hours before scheduled consultation
• Cancellation Within 48 Hours: 50% refund if cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled consultation
• No-Show: No refund for missed appointments without prior notice
• Service Completion: No refunds after consultation services have been fully delivered

3.3 Membership or Subscription Services

If we offer paid memberships or subscriptions:

• Trial Periods: You may cancel during any trial period for a full refund
• Monthly Subscriptions: Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period; no partial refunds for unused portions
• Annual Subscriptions: Pro-rated refunds may be issued within 30 days of purchase; after 30 days, no refunds for remaining period
• Automatic Renewal: No refunds for automatically renewed subscriptions unless cancelled before renewal date

4. Non-Refundable Items and Services

The following are generally non-refundable:

• Free content and services provided on our Site
• Digital products that have been fully downloaded or accessed
• Consultation services that have already been delivered
• Third-party bookings or services purchased through affiliate links
• Products purchased during promotional sales (unless defective)
• Gift cards or promotional credits
• Services rendered more than 30 days prior to refund request
• Administrative or processing fees (where applicable)

5. Third-Party Services and Affiliate Links

Our Site may contain affiliate links or recommendations for third-party services, including:

• Accommodation booking platforms
• Tour operators and activity providers
• Transportation services
• Travel insurance providers
• Equipment or gear retailers

Important: When you purchase services or products from third parties through links on our Site:

• You are entering into a direct transaction with that third party, not with Hidden Beaches Japan
• The third party's terms, conditions, and refund policies apply exclusively
• We are not responsible for the quality, delivery, or refunds of third-party services
• Refund requests must be directed to the third-party provider
• We may receive a commission from third-party sales, but this does not affect your purchase price or refund rights

We encourage you to carefully review each third party's refund and cancellation policies before making purchases.

6. How to Request a Refund

If you believe you are eligible for a refund, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Review This Policy

Ensure your refund request meets the eligibility criteria outlined in this policy.

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Prepare the following information:

• Order number or transaction ID
• Date of purchase
• Email address used for purchase
• Product or service name
• Detailed reason for refund request
• Supporting documentation (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Refund Request

Contact us via:

• Email: info@questandplay.com with subject line "Refund Request"
• Contact Form: Use our contact page at hiddenbeachesinjapan.com/contact.html
• Mail: Hidden Beaches Japan, 39B Jarvis Dip, Port Reyes, NSW 2689, Japan

Step 4: Await Response

We will acknowledge receipt of your refund request within 2 business days and provide a decision within 7 business days.

Step 5: Refund Processing

If approved, refunds will be processed within 10 business days to the original payment method.

7. Refund Processing

7.1 Approved Refunds

Once your refund is approved:

• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for purchase
• Processing typically takes 5-10 business days
• You will receive email confirmation once the refund is processed
• Bank or credit card processing may take additional 3-7 business days
• Currency conversion rates (if applicable) may result in slight differences from original charge

7.2 Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be issued in cases such as:

• Products partially used or accessed
• Services partially delivered
• Late cancellations of scheduled services
• Prorated subscription cancellations (where applicable)

7.3 Refund Denials

If your refund request is denied, we will provide:

• Clear explanation of the reason for denial
• Reference to the applicable policy section
• Information about alternative solutions or options (if available)
• Instructions for appealing the decision (if applicable)

8. Exceptions and Special Circumstances

8.1 Technical Errors

If you are charged incorrectly due to technical errors:

• Full refund will be issued immediately upon verification
• We will investigate and correct the technical issue
• Additional compensation may be offered at our discretion

8.2 Fraudulent Transactions

If you did not authorize a charge on your account:

• Contact us immediately at info@questandplay.com
• Provide details of the unauthorized transaction
• We will investigate and issue a full refund if fraud is confirmed
• You should also contact your bank or card issuer

8.3 Force Majeure Events

In case of extraordinary circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, etc.):

• We will work with you to find reasonable solutions
• Refunds, credits, or rescheduling may be offered on a case-by-case basis
• Our standard refund timelines may be extended
• We reserve the right to modify this policy temporarily during such events

8.4 Customer Dissatisfaction

If you are dissatisfied with our services:

• We encourage you to contact us first to discuss concerns
• We will attempt to resolve issues before considering refunds
• Subjective dissatisfaction alone may not qualify for refund
• We evaluate each case individually and fairly

9. Chargebacks and Disputes

We take payment disputes seriously. If you initiate a chargeback with your bank or credit card company:

• Please contact us first to attempt resolution
• Chargebacks filed without prior contact may result in account suspension
• We will provide transaction documentation to financial institutions as needed
• Repeated chargeback abuse may result in permanent account termination
• Valid concerns will always be addressed fairly and promptly

We prefer to resolve issues directly rather than through financial institutions, which benefits both parties.

10. Credits and Store Value

In some cases, we may offer store credit or account value instead of monetary refunds:

• Store credits never expire unless otherwise stated
• Credits can be applied to future purchases of equal or greater value
• Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable for cash
• Credits will be tracked in your account (if applicable)
• Promotional credits may have specific terms and limitations

11. Modifications to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our Site with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Material changes to this policy will be communicated through:

• Prominent notice on our Site
• Email notification to registered users (where applicable)
• Updates to this page with change log

Continued use of our services after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. Purchases made before policy changes remain subject to the policy in effect at the time of purchase.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law:

• Our total liability for refunds shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific product or service
• We are not liable for consequential damages, lost profits, or indirect losses resulting from refund delays
• We are not responsible for fees charged by your bank or payment processor in connection with refunds
• We are not liable for currency fluctuations affecting refund amounts
• Processing times provided are estimates and not guarantees

13. International Customers

For customers outside Japan:

• Refunds will be issued in the original transaction currency where possible
• Currency conversion fees may apply
• International transfer fees (if applicable) may be deducted from refund amount
• Processing times may be longer due to international banking procedures
• Local laws in your jurisdiction may provide additional refund rights

14. Customer Service and Support

We are committed to customer satisfaction. If you have concerns about any purchase:

• Contact us before requesting a refund to explore solutions
• We may offer alternatives such as product exchanges, credits, or technical support
• Our customer service team is available during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM JST)
• We respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours
• Weekend and holiday inquiries will be addressed on the next business day

15. Governing Law

This Refund Policy is governed by the laws of Japan. Any disputes arising from refund requests or this policy shall be resolved in accordance with our Terms & Conditions, including the dispute resolution procedures outlined therein.

16. Contact Information

For refund requests, questions, or concerns about this policy, please contact us:

Hidden Beaches Japan
39B Jarvis Dip
Port Reyes, NSW 2689
Japan

Email: info@questandplay.com
Phone: +489794106220
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM JST

Registration Number: 83510885

17. Acknowledgment

By making a purchase through our Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Refund Policy. You also acknowledge that:

• You are responsible for reviewing this policy before making purchases
• Refund eligibility is subject to the terms outlined herein
• We reserve the right to make final decisions on refund requests
• Third-party purchases are subject to those providers' refund policies
• This policy may be updated periodically without individual notice