Rakuten

Q: What is Rakuten?

A: Rakuten is a Japanese multinational conglomerate that operates as an online marketplace, e-commerce platform, and various other businesses. It was founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani and has since grown into one of the largest e-commerce and internet service companies in the world.

Q: What is Rakuten's Rakuten Refer and Earn program?

A: Rakuten Refer and Earn program is a referral initiative that rewards members for inviting friends and family to join Rakuten and start earning Cash Back on their online purchases.

Q: How does the Rakuten Refer and Earn program work?

A: To participate in the Rakuten Refer and Earn program, you send your unique Rakuten Refer and Earn referral link to friends or family members. When they sign up for Rakuten using your Rakuten Refer and Earn link and make qualifying purchases, both you and your friend can earn a referral bonus.

Q: What are the requirements for a referral to qualify for Rakuten Refer and Earn?

A: For a referral to qualify for Rakuten Refer and Earn, your friend must sign up for Rakuten using your unique Rakuten Refer and Earn referral link and make purchases totaling at least $30 within 90 days of joining Rakuten.

Q: Can I refer as many friends as I want through Rakuten Refer and Earn?

A: Yes, there is typically no limit to the number of friends you can refer to Rakuten through the Rakuten Refer and Earn program. You can keep referring friends, and each referral that meets the requirements can earn you a Rakuten Refer and Earn bonus.

Q: How do I send my Rakuten Refer and Earn referral link to friends and family?

A: You can share your Rakuten Refer and Earn referral link with friends and family via text message, email, or through social media platforms. Rakuten provides various options to easily send your Rakuten Refer and Earn link to potential referrals.

Q: When will I receive my Rakuten Refer and Earn referral bonus?

A: Usually, you can expect to receive your Rakuten Refer and Earn referral bonus within a certain period, typically around 60 days, after your referred friend's qualifying purchase(s) have been confirmed.

Q: What does an "expired referral" mean in the Rakuten Refer and Earn program?

A: An expired referral in the Rakuten Refer and Earn program means that you referred someone to Rakuten, but they did not complete the necessary qualifying purchases within the 90-day period after signing up. In this case, the referral is not eligible for a bonus.

Q: What does a "pending referral" mean in Rakuten Refer and Earn?

A: A pending referral in Rakuten Refer and Earn signifies that your friend has successfully signed up for Rakuten but has not yet made qualifying purchases. If they eventually make qualifying purchases, the referral status will be updated to "earned."

Q: What does an "earned referral" mean in Rakuten Refer and Earn?

A: An earned referral in Rakuten Refer and Earn indicates that your friend has joined Rakuten and has made qualifying purchases. Once your referral bonus is processed and confirmed, the status will be updated to "paid."

Q: Can the referral bonus amount change in the Rakuten Refer and Earn program?

A: Yes, bonus amounts may vary and are subject to change over time. The specific bonus amount that your referred friend receives upon signing up through the Rakuten Refer and Earn program will depend on the bonus amount in effect at the time of their registration.

Q: Is there a limit to how much I can earn through the Rakuten Refer and Earn program?

A: In general, there is no fixed limit to how much you can earn through Rakuten's Rakuten Refer and Earn program. The more friends you successfully refer who meet the requirements, the more referral bonuses you can earn.

Q: How does Rakuten's online marketplace work?

A: Rakuten's online marketplace connects buyers and sellers, similar to platforms like Amazon and eBay. Sellers can create their own online stores within Rakuten's platform, list products, set prices, and manage their inventory. Buyers can browse these stores, make purchases, and often benefit from Rakuten's loyalty program, Rakuten Super Points.

Q: What are Rakuten Super Points?

A: Rakuten Super Points are a loyalty program offered by Rakuten to its customers. When you make purchases on the platform, you earn Super Points that can be used for discounts on future purchases. It's similar to a cashback or rewards program, encouraging customers to shop more frequently on Rakuten.

Q: Is Rakuten only an e-commerce platform?

A: No, Rakuten is more than just an e-commerce platform. While it is best known for its online marketplace, Rakuten operates various other businesses, including Rakuten Viber (a messaging app), Rakuten Mobile (a mobile carrier), Rakuten TV (a streaming service), and Rakuten Bank (an online bank), among others.

Q: Is Rakuten available outside of Japan?

A: Yes, Rakuten has expanded its presence globally. While it originated in Japan, it has expanded to operate in many countries around the world. In the United States, for example, it's known as Rakuten.com.

Q: What is Rakuten's role in the financial industry?

A: Rakuten has a significant presence in the financial industry. It operates Rakuten Bank, which provides online banking services to customers in Japan. It also offers credit card services and has investments in various financial technology (fintech) companies.

Q: How does Rakuten compete with other e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba?

A: Rakuten competes with companies like Amazon and Alibaba by offering a unique loyalty program (Rakuten Super Points), providing a platform for sellers to create their online stores, and diversifying its business into various sectors like telecommunications, streaming services, and finance.

Q: Is Rakuten a safe platform for online shopping?

A: Generally, Rakuten is considered a safe platform for online shopping. However, as with any online marketplace, it's important to exercise caution when making purchases. Ensure that you buy from reputable sellers, read product reviews, and be aware of the return and refund policies.

Q: How does Rakuten ensure the quality of products sold on its platform?

A: Rakuten relies on seller reviews and ratings to help ensure the quality of products sold on its platform. Buyers can leave feedback and ratings based on their experiences, which can influence other customers' purchasing decisions. Rakuten may also have guidelines and policies in place to address counterfeit or low-quality products.

Q: How can I contact Rakuten customer support?

A: You can typically find customer support contact information on the Rakuten website or app. They usually offer options for contacting them via email, live chat, or phone, depending on your region and the specific issue you need assistance with.

Q: What types of products can I find on Rakuten's online marketplace?

A: Rakuten's online marketplace offers a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, accessories, home goods, books, cosmetics, and much more. The selection can vary depending on your region and the sellers on the platform.

Q: How do I sign up for a Rakuten account?

A: To sign up for a Rakuten account, visit the Rakuten website or download the Rakuten app. Click on the "Sign Up" or "Register" option and follow the instructions to create an account. You'll typically need to provide basic personal information and agree to the terms of service.

Q: Does Rakuten charge a membership fee?

A: Rakuten itself does not charge a membership fee for using its online marketplace. However, they do offer premium membership options, such as Rakuten Premium Membership, which may have associated fees but come with additional benefits.

Q: Can I sell products on Rakuten's platform as an individual seller?

A: Yes, individual sellers can list products on Rakuten's platform. They can create their own stores and start selling after meeting the platform's seller registration requirements. Rakuten usually charges a commission on sales made by individual sellers.

Q: What is Rakuten's stance on privacy and data security?

A: Rakuten takes privacy and data security seriously. They typically have privacy policies and security measures in place to protect user information. Always review their privacy policy to understand how your data is handled and protected when using their services.

Q: Does Rakuten have a mobile app for shopping?

A: Yes, Rakuten offers a mobile app that allows users to shop on their smartphones or tablets. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides a convenient way to browse and make purchases.

Q: What is Rakuten Pay, and how does it work?

A: Rakuten Pay is a mobile payment service offered by Rakuten. Users can link their credit cards or bank accounts to Rakuten Pay and make payments at participating merchants. It's similar to other mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Q: Can I use Rakuten Super Points for travel bookings and other services beyond shopping?

A: Yes, Rakuten Super Points can often be used for a variety of services beyond shopping. Depending on your region and the specific promotions available, you may be able to use Super Points for travel bookings, hotel stays, and other services offered by Rakuten.

Q: Does Rakuten have a loyalty program for businesses or sellers on its platform?

A: Yes, Rakuten may offer various programs and incentives for businesses and sellers who want to partner with them. These programs can include marketing support, seller training, and access to Rakuten's customer base.