| Founded | 7 February 1997 |
| Founder | Hiroshi Mikitani |
| Headquarters | Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan |
| Area served (orders) | 29 countries and regions |
| Open for cross-border shipments in | pretty much anywhere |
| Revenue | circa USD 21.15 million |
| Number of visitors | circa 15 million (2021) |
| Website | Rakuten France |
| Setup cost | none |
| Commission | 6–21%, depending on the product category and the monthly package |
| Other costs |
EUR 39.00, EUR 199.00, or EUR 499.00 (excl. VAT) |
| Payment | twice a week (every Monday and Thursday) |
| Product categories | electronics, fashion, beauty, toys, DIY, garden, pets, home, books, music, and more |
| Input language | French |
| Input currency | EUR |
| Content creation | yes* |
Company’s Mission and Vision
- Rakuten France supports a range of marketplace features including product content, orders, shipments, repricing, and product variations.
- They have a specific requirement for content creation, where product content can only be exported once, and updates require contacting Rakuten’s customer service.
- The platform offers detailed categorization and mappings for products.
- Rakuten France does not charge a setup fee but does charge a monthly fee and commission based on the plan chosen.
- Products are required to be listed in EUR and French.
Main Markets and Target Audience
Main Markets
- Geographic Focus: Rakuten France primarily serves the French market, as indicated by the requirement for product listings to be in French and priced in EUR.
- Global Reach for Sellers: The platform is open for cross-border shipments, suggesting that sellers from around the world can list their products on Rakuten France, targeting the French consumer market.
- Diverse Product Categories: The marketplace caters to a wide range of categories including electronics, fashion, beauty, toys, DIY, garden, pets, home, books, music, and more, indicating a diverse market reach within the consumer goods sector.
Target Audience
- Consumer Base in France: The primary target audience appears to be consumers in France, given the language and currency specifications.
- Wide Consumer Interests: The variety of product categories suggests that Rakuten France targets abroad consumer base with varied interests, ranging from technology and fashion enthusiasts to home improvement and hobbyists.
- Online Shoppers: Given the nature of the platform as an online marketplace, the target audience includes consumers who are comfortable with and prefer shopping online.
Account Opening
Required Information and Documents
- Company Details: Sellers must provide comprehensive company information. This typically includes the company name, address, VAT number, and other relevant business registration details.
- Bank Account Information: A valid bank account is necessary for payment processing.
- Product Information: Detailed information about the products to be sold, including descriptions, pricing, and category.
Supported Types of Companies
- Broad Inclusivity: The guide does not specify particular types of companies that are supported or excluded. This suggests that Rakuten France is open to a variety of business entities, likely including sole proprietors, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
- Cross-Border Sellers: Companies from outside France are welcome, as long as they can comply with the requirements for listing products in French and pricing them in EUR.
Account Approval Process and Duration
- Application Submission: Sellers must first submit an application with all required details and documents.
- Verification Process: Rakuten likely conducts a verification process to ensure that the information provided is accurate and the company meets its standards.
- Duration: The specific duration for account approval is not mentioned in the guide. However, such processes typically take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the verification and the responsiveness of the seller to any inquiries or additional information requests from Rakuten.
Warnings/Notes
Listing Errors:
Common Issue: Incorrect product details, pricing errors, or misclassified items.
Solution: Regularly review and update product listings for accuracy. Use bulk editing tools if available.
Payment and Transaction Issues:
Common Issue: Delayed payments, incorrect charges, or issues with refund processing.
Solution: Ensure accurate account details, understand the marketplace’s payment cycles, and follow their procedures for disputes and refunds.
Shipping and Delivery Problems:
Common Issue: Delayed shipments, lost packages, or damaged goods.
Solution: Use reliable shipping services, provide tracking information to customers, and have a clear policy for handling shipping issues.
Account Access Issues:
Common Issue: Problems logging in or accessing certain features.
Solution: Regularly update passwords, keep account details secure, and contact customer support for access problems.
Security Tips and Fraud Prevention Measures for Online Sellers
Secure Account Information:
- Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly. Enable two-factor authentication if available.
Beware of Phishing Attempts:
- Be cautious of emails or messages requesting sensitive information.
- Verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the marketplace.
Monitor Transactions:
- Regularly review account transactions for any unauthorized or suspicious activity.
- Use the marketplace’s official tools for transactions and communications.
Educate Yourself About Marketplace Policies:
- Familiarize yourself with the marketplace’s rules and guidelines. Understand the procedures for reporting fraud and resolving disputes.
Secure Payment Methods:
- Use the marketplace’s official payment systems.
- Avoid direct transactions with buyers outside the platform.
Quality Control and Accurate Descriptions:
- Ensure product quality to avoid disputes.
- Provide clear, accurate descriptions and images of products.
Marketplace Costs
Account Opening Fees and Packages Account Opening Fees and Packages
- Setup Cost: Rakuten France does not charge a setup fee for opening a new seller account.
- Monthly Packages: There are various monthly packages available, with fees ranging from EUR 39.00 to EUR 499.00 (excluding VAT). The specific benefits and features of each package are not detailed in the guide, but typically, higher-tier packages offer more features or reduced commission rates.
Commission Rates
- Commission Structure: The commission rates vary between 6% and 21%, depending on the product category and the monthly package chosen by the seller.
- Variation by Category: Different product categories have different commission rates, which is a common practice in marketplace platforms to reflect the varying margins and competitive landscapes of different product types.
Other Expenses
- Additional Costs: The guide does not specify any additional costs beyond the monthly fees and commission rates. However, sellers should be aware of potential costs such as shipping, returns, marketing or promotional expenses, and any costs related to compliance with local regulations in France.
Logistics
Partnered Logistics Companies
The guide does not specifically list which logistics companies Rakuten France partners with. However, given its global reach for sellers, it is likely that Rakuten France works with a range of logistics providers to facilitate shipping and delivery. Sellers typically choose their own logistics partners based on their business needs and preferences.
VAT and Other Tax Obligations
- VAT Obligations: Sellers on Rakuten France are responsible for managing their VAT (Value Added Tax) obligations. This includes charging the appropriate VAT on their sales and ensuring compliance with local tax regulations.
- Cross-Border Sales: For cross-border sales, sellers must be aware of the VAT regulations in both the country of origin and the destination country (France).
- Tax Documentation: Sellers are required to provide valid tax documentation, including VAT registration, to Rakuten France. This ensures compliance with tax laws and regulations.
Country-Specific Logistics Arrangements
- Cross-Border Shipping: Sellers who ship products internationally to French customers must comply with French customs regulations and ensure proper documentation for customs clearance.
- Delivery Expectations: Sellers need to be aware of delivery expectations within France, including delivery times and shipping costs, to provide accurate information to customers.
- Return Handling: The logistics arrangements also include handling returns, which can be more complex in cross-border transactions. Sellers need to have clear return policies and procedures in place.
Warehouse Management
Local Warehouses
Purpose: Local warehouses in the target market (France, in this case) are often used for faster delivery, better inventory management, and reduced shipping costs.
Availability: Larger e-commerce platforms may offer local warehouse facilities to sellers for storing their products closer to the consumer base.
International Warehouse Options
Global Distribution: International warehouses are typically located in strategic locations around the world to facilitate global shipping.
Cross-Border E-Commerce: They play a crucial role in cross-border e-commerce by allowing sellers to store products in different regions, reducing the time and cost associated with international shipping.
Direct Shipping Options from Türkiye
Direct Shipping: This refers to the process of shipping products directly from the seller’s location (Turkey, in this instance) to the buyer in another country (like France).
Conditions: These might include customs duties, shipping times, and shipping costs, which can vary depending on the size, weight, and nature of the product, as well as the specific import regulations of the destination country (France).
Recommendations for Sellers from Türkiye
- Research Rakuten’s Seller Policies: Check Rakuten’s seller support or contact their customer service for specific guidelines on shipping from Turkey.
- Understand Import Regulations: Familiarize yourself with French import regulations and customs duties to ensure compliance and smooth delivery.
- Evaluate Shipping Options: Consider using international courier services that offer reliable shipping from Turkey to France, and compare their costs and delivery times.
- Local Warehousing Solutions: If Rakuten offers local warehousing in France, evaluate its cost-effectiveness for your business, particularly for high-demand products.
ShopiVerse Dashboard:
- Marketplace Processes
- Product Management and Listing
- Order Management and Customer Services
- Reporting and Analysis Tools
