Terms of Service
These Terms govern products and services provided by Smooth Sailing Japan. An applicable proposal, statement of work, checkout or written agreement may include additional or more specific terms for a particular engagement.
1. Business-use products and services
Smooth Sailing Japan products and services are designed primarily for businesses, brand owners, manufacturers and professionals evaluating or developing commercial opportunities in Japan.
2. Nature of the services
Smooth Sailing Japan provides commercial decision support, Japan market-development support and execution coordination. Services can include route assessment, partner or proposal review, Japan readiness, pricing and channel work, B2B or distributor development, trade-show execution, localization coordination and other agreed Japan-side activities.
Smooth Sailing Japan does not provide legal advice, contract enforceability opinions, accounting or tax advice, formal regulatory certification, or a guarantee that a product can lawfully be imported or sold in Japan. Where specialist expertise is required, an appropriate professional or provider may be coordinated separately.
3. Manufacturer remains the commercial principal
Unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing, the client remains responsible for product development, manufacturing, supply, final pricing, MOQ, warranty commitments, exclusivity decisions, commercial approvals and contracts. Smooth Sailing Japan does not automatically become the client's distributor, importer, seller of record, merchant of record or regulatory approval holder.
4. Client information and cooperation
The client is responsible for providing accurate information and the materials reasonably needed to perform the engagement, and for making timely decisions where client approval is required. Findings, recommendations and execution may be limited where evidence or required information is incomplete, unavailable, outdated or not independently verifiable.
5. Scope, proposals and changes
The scope, fee, timing and deliverables of project-based or ongoing services are defined in the applicable proposal, statement of work, invoice or written agreement. Material additions such as a distinct product category, additional channel, expanded local execution or trade-show project may require a revised fee or separate scope.
6. Third-party services and costs
Some engagements may require third-party specialists, contractors, venues, printers, staffing providers, logistics providers, laboratories, customs professionals or other vendors. The applicable proposal will state whether such costs are included, separately quoted or passed through. Third-party services are subject to the relevant provider's availability and terms.
7. Payment
Payment timing and methods are stated at checkout or in the applicable proposal, statement of work or invoice. Work may be scheduled or started only after required payment and intake information have been received.
8. Service-specific delivery
The standard Japan Partner Second Opinion is delivered within 5 business days after all required intake information and materials for the relevant candidate have been received, unless otherwise agreed. Assessment, Japan Market Development Team, Trade Show and other execution timelines are defined by the applicable scope and project conditions.
9. No outcome guarantee
Commercial decisions and market-development work depend on market conditions, third parties and client actions. Smooth Sailing Japan does not guarantee crowdfunding performance, sales, distribution, regulatory approval, contract outcomes, partner behavior, exhibition results, buyer responses or future market performance.
10. Reports and digital materials
Paid reports, guides, worksheets and toolkits are provided for the purchaser's internal business use unless otherwise agreed. They may not be resold, republished or presented as an endorsement of a third party without permission.
11. Refunds and disputes
Refund and payment-dispute rules are described in the Refund & Dispute Policy and may be supplemented by service-specific terms in an applicable proposal or agreement.