First, let\u2019s take a look at the pros and cons of opening a store on Rakuten. <\/p>\r\n Rakuten has 39 million monthly active users (April 2022) *Source:https:\/\/qr.paps.jp\/Uycvo<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Rakuten offers a points program, as well as the Shopping Marathon, which is held twice a month, Therefore,Another feature of Rakuten is that it makes it easy to devise strategies for \u201cselling as much as possible when sales are strong.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n \"I want to open a store on an e-commerce marketplace, but I don't want to compromise my brand's image...\" Compared to other online malls, the homepage and product pages, <\/p>\r\n The monthly fee is a little higher than at other online marketplaces. <\/p>\r\n While the pages offer a high degree of flexibility, creating them can be time-consuming, or However, since creating high-quality web pages and participating in events are key to increasing sales, <\/p>\r\n Rakuten has its own set of rules. In the case of Rakuten, examples include the cost of funding the points awarded to customers. <\/p>\r\n From here on, we\u2019ll explain what you need to do to actually open a store on Rakuten. *Source: Steps for Opening a Store on Rakuten Ichiba <\/p>\r\n To apply to open a store, you must enter the required information into Rakuten's application form, <\/p>\r\n If you pass the screening,Store RMS<\/strong><\/span>(Rakuten Merchant Server) will be set up. If you pass the screening, it will take anywhere from two weeks to three months <\/p>\r\n Here, regarding passing the open review, <\/p>\r\n [1] Request for Open Review<\/b><\/p>\r\n Requests for open reviews are submitted within RMS. <\/p>\r\n [2] Taking the Store Rules Certification Exam<\/b><\/p>\r\n Passing the certification exam (with a score of 80 or higher) is required before the open review. <\/p>\r\n [3] Account Registration<\/b><\/p>\r\n You need to register two accounts.<\/span><\/p>\r\n The first is the bank account for receiving transfers from Rakuten. After opening the account, \u30fbCorporate Account: An account in the name of the contracting company Second, the account set up for automatic transfers to Rakuten. <\/p>\r\n [4] Shipping Settings<\/b><\/p>\r\n You need to configure settings related to shipping, such as shipping methods, shipping fees, the shipping rate table, delivery times, and the notes field.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Also,Unless you add it as an option, Rakuten Super Logistics<\/span>\u203b<\/span>When using, <\/p>\r\n RMS Main Menu > Store Settings > 4. Basic Information Settings > Shipping Methods and Shipping Rates<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n [5] Product Registration<\/b><\/p>\r\n First, we'll create the product images that appear when customers search for products. (1) Product Name Also, the products we\u2019d most like to promote at this time are<\/span>Let's register it as a \"featured product.\" <\/p>\r\n RMS Main Menu > Store Settings > 1. Product Management > Product List\/Registration > Register New Product<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n [6] Creating Category Pages<\/b><\/p>\r\n This page serves as a showcase for our products. <\/p>\r\n [7] Creating Sign Images<\/b><\/p>\r\n We'll create a sign image that serves as the face of the store. <\/p>\r\n [8] Configuring Product Images with Links<\/b><\/p>\r\n You need to set up a product image with a link on the homepage. <\/p>\r\n [9] Navigation Settings<\/b><\/p>\r\n The header and left navigation bar on the store's homepage,<\/span>Set up the footer.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n \u25a0Header<\/b><\/p>\r\n The header navigation bar displayed at the very top of the homepage includes:<\/span><\/p>\r\n (1) Store Home Page The navigation buttons listed above are required. Be sure to include all of them.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n \u25a0Left Navi<\/b><\/p>\r\n The left navigation bar displayed on the left side of the TOP page is, <\/p>\r\n \u25a0Footer<\/b><\/p>\r\n The footer displayed at the very bottom of the TOP page contains Once all the settings are complete, the home page will be finished.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n [10] Smartphone Page Settings<\/b><\/p>\r\n There are three things you need to set up on your smartphone.<\/span><\/p>\r\n (1) Smartphone-Compatible Signage Since many purchases on Rakuten are made via smartphones, optimizing the mobile site is a must.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n [11] Preparing a Thank-You Email<\/b><\/p>\r\n Let's create a template for the thank-you email we'll send to users when they place an order after we launch.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n RMS Main Menu > Order and Payment Management > 4. Email Template Management > Register\/Edit Order Email Templates<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n I\u2019ve gone over the general process of opening a store, but, Actually, in order to pass the open screening,<\/span>There are restrictions on the homepage, or Once you pass the review, you'll be able to create pages with a certain degree of freedom, so Anyway, let's focus on setting up our store so that it passes Rakuten's review process. <\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n I mentioned that \u201chigh costs\u201d are a drawback of opening a store on Rakuten. First, there are three plans available for opening a store on Rakuten. <\/p>\r\n \u25a0Initial Costs<\/b><\/p>\r\n The initial costs are the same regardless of the planA flat rate of 60,000 yen<\/strong>That's it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n \u25a0Monthly Expenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n Since the monthly costs vary by plan, I\u2019ll start by explaining the four plans. <\/p>\r\n Allows for low-cost store operations<\/strong>The \u201cStandard Plan\u201d is the most popular<\/strong>That's it. <\/p>\r\n These are fees incurred as royalties based on sales on Rakuten. Since system usage fees vary depending on the plan and purchase method (whether from a PC or a smartphone), <\/p>\r\n Customers who shop on Rakuten will automatically earn at least 1x points. Since one of the main reasons for Rakuten's popularity is its points system, <\/p>\r\n Fees related to Rakuten's security and improvements to user services. <\/p>\r\n Regarding sales generated through affiliate programs, Performance-based commissions paid to affiliates depend on the product category, <\/p>\r\n This is a service that all stores operating on Rakuten must set up. <\/p>\r\n A service that enables smooth communication between users and stores. <\/p>\r\n For example\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n Company A started selling three cosmetic products using the Standard Plan.<\/b><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n *Using the monthly payment calculator:<\/span>https:\/\/www.rakuten.co.jp\/ec\/plan\/cost_detail\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Rakuten's store setup fees are often perceived as being very high, but Also, *Note: Details on Services and Fees:<\/span>https:\/\/www.rakuten.co.jp\/ec\/plan\/cost_detail\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n \u25bc Try calculating it using Rakuten's official simulator \u25bcIf you're thinking about selling on Amazon, be sure to check out this article as well!
<\/span>Please use this as one criterion for determining whether your company\u2019s products and business direction are a good fit for Rakuten.<\/p>\r\nExplosive ability to attract customers<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
This means that about one in four people in Japan shops on Rakuten.
<\/strong><\/span>The fact that there is already a large customer base is probably the biggest advantage of opening a store on Rakuten.<\/p>\r\nRakuten has its own unique system for driving sales<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Rakuten has its own unique sales strategies, such as the Super Sale, which is held four times a year.<\/span><\/p>\r\nThe pages offer a high degree of flexibility, making it easy to prioritize branding<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
For people like that, Rakuten is our top recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Because CRM offers significantly greater flexibility, it allows you to expand your sales channels without compromising your brand image.
Therefore,Another advantage of Rakuten is that it makes it easier to turn customers into loyal fans.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n
\u25bcClick here for an article comparing Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping<\/div>
Disadvantages of Opening a Store on Rakuten<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
The usage fees are high<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Regarding costs,<\/span>4. Costs Associated with Setting Up and Operating a Store<\/span>I'll explain this in more detail later.<\/span><\/p>\r\nOpening and running a store is time-consuming<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Preparing for monthly events is<\/span>Another characteristic of Rakuten is that it requires certain steps and involves a fair amount of administrative work.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
<\/span>It\u2019s worth investing a lot of resources here, even if it takes some effort.<\/span><\/p>\r\nRakuten has its own rules regarding sales methods, advertising, and data collection.<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>Just as Amazon has its own set of rules, this is a drawback common to all online marketplaces.<\/p>\r\n
Also,Since customer information is managed by the mall, the users' age groups and gender ratios,
Another characteristic of e-commerce marketplaces as a whole is that it is difficult to analyze traffic sources and other factors.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\nSteps to Opening a Store<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
Looking ahead,<\/span>The information is current as of January 2025.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u51fa\u5e97\u307e\u3067\u306e\u6d41\u308c-1.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
https:\/\/www.rakuten.co.jp\/ec\/open\/?l-id=PC_common_navi_to_open<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\nVendor Application<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
You will be required to submit official documents, such as the registry.
It usually takes two weeks to one month for an application to be approved.<\/strong>That's it.<\/span><\/p>\r\nSetting Up a Store After Passing the Review<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
<\/strong>RMS is the admin panel for Rakuten stores.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Let's start setting up the store in preparation for the open review.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/RMS\u7ba1\u7406\u753b\u9762-1-600x289.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>11 Steps You Must Take<\/strong>I'll explain this in detail.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Since the review process does not begin immediately after the request is submitted, you must submit your request while the store is still under construction.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Estimated completion time: about 15 minutes; you can take the course as many times as you like each day.<\/span>Yes, that's possible.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
In order for sales proceeds to be deposited into the store's account from Rakuten,<\/span>Set up your account.
Please note the following rules regarding account names.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
<\/span>\u30fbIndividual Contract: An account in the representative\u2019s personal name (accounts registered solely under a trade name cannot be registered)<\/span><\/p>\r\n
You must set up a Rakuten Bank account to receive payments after the initial setup fee.
<\/span>While you're at it, be sure to transfer the initial booth setup fee as well.<\/p>\r\n
Since Rakuten does not handle shipping operations, we need to arrange our own logistics.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n
Since it may take some time to secure one,<\/span>Let's get everything ready as soon as possible.
<\/span>*An optional service where Rakuten handles shipping and inventory management<\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u914d\u9001\u65b9\u6cd5-600x350.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
Per item<\/strong><\/span>At least three product images are required.
<\/strong>Once the image is ready, please register the following items.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
<\/span>(2) Selling Price
(3) Inventory Type
<\/span>(4) Inventory Level
<\/span>(5) Product Descriptions for PCs
<\/span>(6) Product Descriptions for Smartphones
<\/span>(7) Product Images
<\/span>(8) Product Description for PC
<\/span>(9) Directory ID
<\/span>(10) Catalog ID<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For more information on product registration, please read this.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/div>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/sin\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-01-27-18.28.19.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Since this is a page that customers frequently visit,<\/span>Be sure to register.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
This can be easily created using a template within RMS<\/span>Yes, that's possible.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u770b\u677f\u753b\u50cf-2-600x280.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
For product images that are 700px wide,<\/span>\"Product Page\"
Alternatively, set it up by adding a link to the \"Category Page.\"
<\/span>It is best to select the product you want to promote the most.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u30ea\u30f3\u30af\u4ed8\u304d\u5546\u54c1\u753b\u50cf-600x294.png\")
<\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u30d8\u30c3\u30c0\u30fc-1-600x280.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>(2) Company Overview
<\/span>(3) Payment, Shipping, and Returns
<\/span>(4) Shopping Cart
<\/span>(5) Rakuten Home Page<\/span><\/p>\r\n
In order from top to bottom: \"Search Bar,\" \"Categories,\" and \"Calendar\"
We recommend that you configure this setting.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u30d5\u30c3\u30bf\u30fc-600x274.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
\"Business Hours,\" \"Contact Information,\" \"Payment Methods,\" and \"Shipping Methods\" are required.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/TOP\u30da\u30fc\u30b8.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>(2) Registering Featured Products for Smartphones
<\/span>(3) Original Generic Banner<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/sin\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-01-27-18.31.41.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>I bet a lot of you are thinking, \u201cThat\u2019s going to take a lot of time and effort\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n
There are certain requirements, such as the need to create a flagship product.
As a result, the reality is that there isn\u2019t much flexibility with the page at the time the store opens.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
You don't need to worry about making your store perfect by the time of the open review.<\/strong>\u3002<\/span><\/p>\r\n
It's not that difficult if you use the templates in RMS.<\/span><\/p>\r\nCosts Associated with Setting Up and Operating a Store<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
So, how much does it actually cost to open and operate a store on Rakuten?
Here is an explanation of the costs you may be wondering about.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Monthly costs vary depending on the plan, so be sure to consider this carefully when applying to open a store.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/sin\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/20250127.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Next, I\u2019ll explain the additional costs that apply on top of the monthly service fee.<\/span><\/p>\r\nSystem Usage Fee<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
<\/span>For example, if the system usage fee is 5%,
In months when in-store sales total 10 million yen, a system usage fee of 500,000 yen will be charged.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
It's important to take all of that into account when choosing a plan.<\/strong><\/p>\r\nRakuten Super Points Fund<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Therefore,Stores are required to pay Rakuten an amount equal to 0.01 yen multiplied by their monthly sales as a source of points.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n
I'll give this one a pass, too<\/span>This is a non-refundable service fee.
During events, there are a lot of Rakuten-funded points available, so
Few<\/span>You can create a sense of value using your own funds.<\/span><\/p>\r\nSystem Usage Fees to Improve Safety and Convenience<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Monthly sales of<\/span>Since the rate is only 0.1%, you don't need to worry about it too much.<\/span><\/p>\r\nRakuten Super Affiliate Service Fees<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
To Affiliates and Rakuten<\/span>In return, we will pay the usage fee.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Since the fees paid to Rakuten vary depending on affiliate sales,
Let's make sure to check this thoroughly.<\/span><\/p>\r\nRakuten Pay Fees<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
This is the fee paid to Rakuten for handling payment-related operations on our behalf.<\/span><\/p>\r\nR-Messe<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Depending on the plan, the monthly fee varies between 3,000 yen and 5,000 yen, but there is currently a free trial period.<\/span><\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/1\u30f5\u6708\u306b\u304b\u304b\u308b\u8cbb\u7528-533x400.png\")
<\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hideandseek.co.jp\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/\u7c97\u5229-2-533x400.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
If you take a close look at the benefits and profits of opening a store, you\u2019ll see that it\u2019s not necessarily always the case.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
<\/span>\u30fbR-SNS: Connecting Rakuten and Social Media
<\/span>\u30fbYou can register or modify products in bulk<\/span>CSV functionality, etc.
<\/span>Since some services can be added as paid options,
When your store starts to grow, it's time to think about it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
https:\/\/www.rakuten.co.jp\/ec\/plan\/cost_simulation\/?l-id=PC_plan_table_to_cost_simulation<\/a><\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/div>