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Like most mobile phone providers, Japan’s NTT Docomo doesn’t just offer phone service and data plans. The company also has a variety of supplemental support and after-service options for customers with specific needs or concerns that others might not have.
For example, Docomo has just announced their newest optional service, called Firumu Haritsuke Sapoto, which translates to “Film Attachment Support.” So what’s it entail? According to Docomo: “At one of our Docomo Shops, we will carry out the proxy application of your protective film.”
In other words, Docomo staff will put the protective film over your smartphone screen for you, freeing you from the irritation and anxiety of trying to properly cover all of the glass without tearing the film or trapping any of those unwanted air bubbles underneath it.
There are, however, two things to be aware of. First off, the service is only available if you’re using Docomo Select-brand film (though not for the Domeglass sub-brand). Second, Film Attachment Support isn’t free, and will cost you 1,100 yen per application. Yes, that’s on top of the 1,760 to 4,620 yen you’ll also have to pay for the Docomo Select protective film, depending on the specific model you want. You can either pay the 1,100 yen fee right there in the store, or you can have it rolled into your next month’s phone bill. While you have to use Docomo-brand film, it appears you don’t necessarily have to be a Docomo customer, as the Film Attachment Support service is available to users of other carriers as well.
▼ Proper protective film can help protect your screen from nicks, scratches, and juicy burger drippings.
For those with steady hands and nimble fingers, 1,100 yen might seem like information superhighway robbery for something that can be done in a few seconds. However, Twitter reactions have also shown a certain level of interest in obtaining professional help, even for a fee, with comments including:
“I’m terrible at getting the film on right, so I’m actually pretty happy about this.”
“They’re charging 1,100 yen? I’ll do it for 500.”
“I don’t have film on my phone right now because I always end up with air bubbles, so this would really be helpful for me.”
“I think I’m gonna do this for my next phone.”
“Isn’t it kind of lame how they’re only offering this if you use Docomo-brand film?”
“Docomo is always looking for ways to squeeze more cash out of customers.”
“I always screw up the first time and end up having to spend 3,000 yen on buying another sheet, so 1,100 to have someone who knows what they’re doing do it for me is a bargain.”
Docomo will begin offering the service from December 20, and that timing might be significant. Starting next year, Japan’s phone networks will begin dropping support for non-smartphone cell phones, and many of the last holdouts are older people. With New Year’s being one of the biggest shopping seasons in Japan, it’s likely many seniors will be upgrading to their first-ever smartphone over the next few months, and rather than rely on their no-longer-so-dexterous hands to perform the unfamiliar task of attaching the protective film, paying a one-time fee to have a Docomo employee do it for them probably doesn’t sound like a bad deal.
Source: Docomo via Keitai Watch via Otakomu, Twitter
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- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2021/11/29/japanese-company-starts-paid-service-to-attach-protective-film-to-your-smartphone-for-you/
29 Comments
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Mark
I get all my films at the 100yen shop made by the very same company that makes DoCoMo and all the other providers FILMs in China of course, so why go to DoCoMo or any one else???
GBR48
Almost every piece of electronic kit with any form of shiny part or display arrives with a film on it to peel off before you use it. My SoftBank flip phone still has its original film in place and looks great.
Presumably smartphone manufacturers realised that most people would just leave this on, so they decided to print a logo or something on it. Charming customer service.
Both my motos have film applied, with a few dinks and bubbles, none of which bother me. For tablets, a flap-over case is usually enough. My current tablet is a Samsung and, cased, is OK without film.
I would recommend the use of an open-front phone case, offering 'bumpers' to protect the electronics from edge knocks. And keep your files on a memory card. If your phone is damaged, you can just pop it out and put it in another device. If you have to send your phone away for a fix, your files will not be on it. Some webmail, social media and e-tail services offer you the option to 'sign out on all devices' from a PC, so you can block access on a broken device that way.
snowymountainhell
“Apologies” if in touch a nerve. - Best Wishes.
snowymountainhell
Yes, that’s apparent @zichi 10:36pm. Just wanted to know the ‘back story’ (IF there is one), as several persons have suddenly changed icons in the last month.
snowymountainhell
Yes, @zichi 9:58pm. Noted and I remain envious of your smarter, more cost-efficient choice:
Thanks, again. - Btw, nice ‘drawing’ for the new avatar but miss the ‘peacefulness’ of the old. Any reason be behind that big change? Or just,. . . ‘a change’?
snowymountainhell
Thanks again @zichi 9:14pm. That Adonit disc tip is interesting and agree about the ApplePencil being high priced but it’s proved useful. Just wish it could have been used with new IphonePro as well like your Adonit. Maybe next gen? - Btw, nice ‘drawing’ for the new avatar but miss the ‘peacefulness’ of the old. (Any reason be behind the change? Or just, ‘a change’?
snowymountainhell
Here you go @zichi 7:03pm: - https://paperlike.com/products/paperlike-for-ipad -
Thoughts?
snowymountainhell
May be going with Docomo as of mid-Dec so, wondering IF Docomo can install these ‘flawlessly’.
Regarding your post @zichi 10:12am have you ever tried those ‘paper-like’ screen protectors coupled with ApplePencil for the IpadPro ?
If so, does it really give a ‘paper-tooth’ feel to the drawing/painting experience ?
And,
are they problematic when using just the touch screen ?
snowymountainhell
Been doing ‘commando’ for 2 years and love the simple feeling of doing it ‘raw’ with both the IPhone & IpadPro. Luckily, no abrasions, scratches or toothmarks yet and AppleCare+ is there IF there is an accident.
JeffLee
I stopped using them a few years ago, and I have no scratches, etc. on my glass. In fact, my display looks sharper and brighter without them.
egads man!
I think it would depend on if they can apply it reliably without there being any air bubbles, or if it wasn't applied to customer satisfaction, free re-application. I wouldn't paid 1,100 yen just to have air bubbles under the protective screen.
Daninthepan
Whatever the cost, I'm willing to pay treble - life is too short.
Albert
For elderly people it would be good service although free would always be better.
Most people buy accessories from the internet.
Again so many people complain here. Just don't pay for the service. Yes some providers do it for free when buying an overpriced screen protector from the store. That makes sense.
timeon
I am an AU user, and they always asked me if I want them to put the film for me. For free, of course. Assuming I buy their protective film, which is indeed overpriced, but I use points for that. And from my personal experience, it does protect the screen.
AustPaul
Most mobile phone carriers in Australia will do it for you for nothing, the phone repair shops will probably charge you about $5.
I have a wallet type case for my iPhone 11, I always get the screen protector, preferably the good one as I have dropped my phone twice. On the one occasion the screen cracked and Apple were going to charge me about $300 for a new screen, the other time the protector cracked but saved the screen underneath.
Tokyo-m it doesn’t look tacky at all!
purple_depressed_bacon
If you're willing to fork out over 1000 yen to get someone to fit a piece of sticky plastic over your phone's screen, AND pay another 1000 yen or so for aforementioned sticky piece of plastic, you deserve to have the wool pulled over your eyes. This "service" is a sham and is just conning people out of their hard earned cash.
1738Kwaaa!!
If you do have the 1100yen or 4620 yen to do it I would say go ahead and do it, but honestly you are being conned. An effortless search on the internet (amazon) will save you a lot of dollar. There are many types protective films which anyone put on their phones without the feared hustles. I use one which comes with a spray. All I need to do is clean my screen, spray the liquid, and paste the film. The liquid enables you to move the film to fit, and it eradicates all the bubbles. You won't even see that your phone has a film, that's how perfect it is, and it costs me 700yen for 2 in one box! As a plus they have a QR code you can scan, and you can get an additional gift for buying from them. The last time I bought from them they sent me a wireless phone charger. There is a lot out there. Just refuse to be ripped in broad day light.
Aly Rustom
softbank always does it for me for free. I will never use docomo