We frequently receive inquiries from overseas regarding issues with car trading companies based in Japan.
Some of the common problems include:
- A buyer purchases a vehicle from a Japanese company and makes the payment, but the company fails to ship the vehicle.
- A vehicle is delivered, but it is damaged or does not meet the agreed specifications.
- A purchased vehicle arrives without the promised certification documents.
There are several ways to resolve these issues, such as requesting a refund or asking the company to provide a replacement that meets the agreed terms.
How an Attorney Can Assist
When handling such cases, an attorney will generally follow these steps:
- Reviewing the Evidence – Assessing the documents and communications to determine whether legal action is advisable.
- Sending a Demand Letter – Issuing a formal notice (content-certified mail) to the company, requesting compliance.
- Considering Legal Action – If the company does not respond or refuses to cooperate, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.
- Enforcing a Court Order – If the company still fails to comply after a court ruling, proceeding with legal enforcement measures may be necessary.
To minimize risks when engaging in international trade, it is strongly recommended to conduct transactions only with reputable companies. Additionally, obtaining an official company registration certificate before proceeding with any transactions can help verify the legitimacy of the business. If needed, we can assist in obtaining this documentation. In some cases—especially those involving fraudulent activities—it may be difficult to even verify the company’s actual location.