How to Sell on Rakuten

Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce and online retail company founded in 1997. It is one of Japan’s largest online marketplaces and has expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of products and services, including e-commerce, digital content, travel, and financial services. Rakuten is known for its loyalty program, known as Rakuten Super Points, which rewards users for purchases made on the platform. The company has also acquired and invested in various other businesses, expanding its presence in the global e-commerce and technology sectors. Rakuten’s approach focuses on providing a diverse and comprehensive online shopping experience to its customers, both in Japan and internationally.

Our Sourcing Services for Rakuten eCommerce

Selecting Suppliers Market Research: Conducting thorough market research to identify potential suppliers that meet the seller’s criteria in terms of product quality, pricing, and reliability. Supplier Evaluation: Assessing the capabilities and reputation of potential suppliers, including their manufacturing facilities, certifications, and past performance.

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Product Quality Control Product Inspection: Arranging and overseeing inspections of products to ensure they meet the specified quality standards and requirements. Quality Assurance: Implementing quality control processes to monitor and maintain consistent product quality throughout production.

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Private Label and White Label Compliance Check: Ensuring that all products comply with the labeling and packaging regulations of the target market or country. Customized Packaging: Working with suppliers to develop customized packaging solutions that align with the seller’s brand and meet market expectations.

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Warehousing and Shipping Logistics Coordination: Managing the logistics of shipping, including coordinating with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs agents to ensure smooth transportation of goods. Shipping Cost Optimization: Negotiating favorable shipping rates and terms to optimize overall transportation costs. Documentation: Handling the preparation and verification of shipping and customs documentation to facilitate the smooth movement of goods.

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What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a Japanese multinational company that operates as an e-commerce and online retail platform. Founded in 1997, Rakuten offers a diverse range of services, including a flagship e-commerce marketplace known as Rakuten Ichiba, international online marketplaces, digital content platforms, communications services, and financial technology. The company has a global presence and has expanded its operations into various sectors, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive internet services companies worldwide.

Step-by-step Guide to Selling on Rakuten

Selling on Rakuten, a popular online marketplace, can be a great way to reach a wide customer base and grow your business. Here are the steps to get started with selling on Rakuten:

1. Create a Rakuten Seller Account:
   • Visit the Rakuten Seller Portal (https://sellerportal.rakuten.com) and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button.
   • Fill out the necessary information to create your seller account. You will need to provide details about your business, including your company’s name, address, and contact information.
2. Choose Your Store Type:
   • Rakuten offers two store types: the Basic Store and the Professional Store. The Professional Store offers more features and customization options but comes with a monthly fee. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
3. Provide Business Verification:
   • Rakuten may require you to provide documentation to verify your business, such as a business license or tax identification number (TIN).
4. Set Up Your Store:
   • Customize your store by adding your logo, banner, and product listings. Ensure your store looks professional and matches your brand’s identity.
5. List Your Products:
   • Add your products to the Rakuten marketplace. You can do this manually through the Rakuten Seller Portal or use Rakuten’s bulk listing tool if you have a large number of products to list.
6. Product Details:
   • Provide accurate and detailed product information, including high-quality images, product descriptions, prices, and stock levels.
7. Pricing and Shipping:
   • Set competitive prices for your products, taking into account Rakuten’s fees and any shipping costs.
   • Decide on your shipping options and policies. You can choose to fulfill orders yourself or use Rakuten’s fulfillment services.
8. Manage Inventory:
   • Regularly update your inventory to ensure that product availability is accurate. Out-of-stock items should be marked as such to prevent overselling.
9. Optimize Your Product Listings:
   • Use keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve visibility in search results.
   • Offer promotions or discounts to attract more customers.
10. Customer Service:
    • Provide excellent customer service by promptly responding to customer inquiries and addressing any issues or concerns.
    • Monitor customer reviews and ratings and strive to maintain a positive reputation.
11. Fulfill Orders:
    • When you receive orders, fulfill them promptly and accurately. Ensure that your shipping and packaging processes are efficient and reliable.
12. Handle Returns and Refunds:
    • Be prepared to handle returns and refunds in accordance with Rakuten’s policies and your own return policy.
13. Track Performance:
    • Use the Rakuten Seller Portal to track your sales performance and adjust your strategies as needed.
14. Market Your Store:
    • Promote your Rakuten store through social media, email marketing, and other online channels to drive more traffic and sales.
15. Comply with Rakuten Policies:
    • Familiarize yourself with Rakuten’s seller policies and guidelines to ensure you are in compliance.
16. Monitor Fees and Payments:
    • Keep track of your fees, including listing fees, referral fees, and subscription fees if applicable. Rakuten will deduct these fees from your sales revenue.

How to Get Positive Reviews from Buyers

1. Provide Excellent Customer Service:
   • Respond promptly to customer inquiries and messages.
   • Be helpful and friendly in your communication.
   • Resolve issues and complaints quickly and efficiently.
2. Accurate Product Descriptions:
   • Ensure that your product listings provide accurate and detailed information about your products.
   • Set realistic expectations regarding the product’s features, quality, and specifications.
3. High-Quality Products:
   • Deliver products that meet or exceed customer expectations.
   • Ensure the quality of your products is consistent with what is advertised.
4. Fast and Reliable Shipping:
   • Ship orders promptly to meet or exceed the estimated delivery times.
   • Provide tracking information so customers can monitor their orders in real-time.
5. Packaging:
   • Use secure and protective packaging to prevent damage during shipping.
   • Include any necessary instructions or documentation with the package.
6. Post-Purchase Communication:
   • Follow up with customers after their purchase to ensure satisfaction.
   • Encourage customers to reach out if they have any issues or questions.
7. Incentives for Reviews:
   • Consider offering incentives for customers to leave reviews, such as discounts on future purchases.
   • Be cautious with this approach to comply with Rakuten’s policies on incentivized reviews.
8. Optimize your Rakuten Storefront:
   • Ensure that your Rakuten storefront is well-designed and easy to navigate.
   • Showcase positive customer feedback on your storefront to build trust.
9. Encourage Happy Customers:
   • If you identify satisfied customers through other channels (e.g., social media or email), encourage them to leave reviews on Rakuten.
10. Monitor and Respond to Reviews:
    • Regularly check your reviews on Rakuten and respond to both positive and negative feedback.
    • Use constructive criticism to improve your products and services.
11. Build a Reputation:
    • Establish a positive online reputation by consistently providing excellent products and service over time.

FAQs about Selling on Rakuten

1. How can I start selling on Rakuten?
   • To start selling on Rakuten, you need to apply for a seller account on the Rakuten Marketplace. Visit their official seller registration page, fill out the required information, and follow the application process.
2. What are the fees for selling on Rakuten?
   • Rakuten charges various fees for selling on its platform, including a monthly subscription fee, a per-item listing fee, and a referral fee based on the product category. It’s essential to review the fee structure on Rakuten’s official seller resources.
3. What products can I sell on Rakuten?
   • Rakuten allows the sale of a wide range of products, including electronics, apparel, beauty products, home goods, and more. However, there may be restrictions on certain categories or products, so it’s crucial to review Rakuten’s policies.
4. How does Rakuten handle shipping and fulfillment?
   • Sellers on Rakuten are responsible for managing their shipping and fulfillment. You can choose your preferred shipping methods and carriers. Rakuten provides guidelines for shipping and delivery expectations to ensure a positive customer experience.
5. Is there a customer support system for Rakuten sellers?
   • Yes, Rakuten provides customer support for its sellers. Sellers can usually find resources, guides, and contact information for Rakuten seller support on the Rakuten Seller Portal.
6. What are Rakuten Super Points?
   • Rakuten Super Points are a loyalty program where customers earn points for purchases made on the platform. Sellers can choose to participate in the Rakuten Super Points program, offering an incentive for customers to buy from their store.
7. How does Rakuten handle returns and customer service?
   • Sellers are generally responsible for handling returns and customer service. Rakuten provides guidelines and policies to help sellers manage these aspects effectively.
8. Is there a mobile app for Rakuten sellers?
   • Rakuten may have a mobile app or a mobile-friendly seller dashboard, allowing sellers to manage their accounts, listings, and orders on the go. Check Rakuten’s official resources for the latest information on mobile tools for sellers.
9. Can I sell internationally on Rakuten?
   • Rakuten operates in multiple countries, and you may have the option to sell internationally. Be sure to check the specific requirements and policies for selling in different regions.