Telemarketing is a marketing method that uses phone calls to present products and services to prospects. There are two types: outbound (company calls customer) and inbound (customer calls in response to advertising). Outbound is heavily used for insurance, telecommunications, renovation, and investment product sales, while inbound typically handles TV shopping orders and information requests.
In Japan, the Specified Commercial Transactions Act imposes strict regulations on telephone solicitation sales. These include mandatory disclosure of business name and solicitation purpose, prohibition of re-solicitation after refusal, mandatory delivery of contract documents, and the cooling-off system (8 days from receipt of contract documents). Violations result in administrative penalties (business suspension orders) or criminal penalties (imprisonment/fines).
When receiving unwanted telemarketing calls, clearly stating "I'm not interested" is crucial. Vague responses like "I'm busy right now" or "I'll think about it" may not be considered refusals, leading to repeat calls. If calls persist after refusal, record the business name, phone number, date, and time, and consult the consumer hotline (188). Knowing that re-solicitation after a clear refusal is illegal makes it easier to respond firmly.
From the business perspective, telemarketing can reach a wider audience at lower cost than in-person sales, but operations must account for growing consumer resistance. Pre-consented list calling (opt-in) and migration to IVR-based automated guidance are advancing. Mass calling via robocalls is efficient but risks generating silent calls and consumer backlash, making compliance with Ministry guidelines essential. Review specific countermeasures in how to decline telemarketing.