Seller Quick Look: Japan's Rakuten to Reset Standards on Contract Renewal

Rakuten will introduce new "contract renewal standards " to set standards for sellers to continue operating in order to improve customer satisfaction and expand sluggish sales .

When a seller 's annual sales on Rakuten Ichiba fall below 300,000 yen, the plan is to make "completion of e-learning contents" or "participation in Rakuten Ichiba's important policies" the criteria for contract renewal.

The revised store opening regulations will be made public to store operators in early March 2021 , and the revised regulations will be effective from June 2021. Contract renewal based on the new standards is scheduled to begin in June 2022 or later .

Overview of contract renewal criteria

The updated criteria for "Completion of e-learning contents" or "Participation in Rakuten's key initiatives " for sellers with annual sales of less than 300,000 yen on Rakuten Ichiba are as follows↓

1. Complete the E-learning content lectures

In order to increase sales, Rakuten has prepared content that helps sellers deepen their understanding of how to create product pages, how to use events, rules, services, and important measures. The criteria are met after the class is completed.

2. Participate in "Rakuten Market Important Initiatives"

Participation in at least one of 1 to 3 measures was considered to meet the criteria .

①Complete the "Rakuten NATIONS BASIC Course"

"Lotte Nations" is a short-term intensive sales growth program . The famous president who led Lotte stores to success will serve as a lecturer to teach the basic skills such as store operation basics and practical cases to newly opened stores .

②Introduction of "Logistics services provided by Lotte"

Introducing Rakuten's "Rakuten Super Logistics (RSL)", " Receipt and Delivery Service ", "Rakuten Special Freight Plan" , etc.

③ Changes in stores eligible for the "Common Shipping Fee Inclusion Line" (39 stores)

Regarding the change in the "common shipping cost inclusion line" policy, when users purchase 3,980 yen (tax included) or more on Rakuten Ichiba , the buyer will pay 0 yen for shipping, while the merchant will pay the full amount of shipping costs .

Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus in 2020, Japanese people's consumption direction has shifted significantly to the online market , and Rakuten Ichiba has also welcomed many new shopping users.

In order to continue to meet user expectations, Rakuten Ichiba will redefine standards for contract renewals, hoping to help sellers increase store sales while also providing consumers with a better shopping experience.

Japan

Rakuten

Seller Contract