Rakuten: a reliable site for your online shopping?
You have probably heard of Rakuten, one of the largest online shopping sites, formerly known as PriceMinister. But is it really reliable for your purchases?
My personal experience
Having made numerous purchases on Rakuten, I can share some observations. Transactions generally go smoothly, and the products are as described. However, it is always good to check the seller’s reviews before placing an order.
Customer reviews
Reviews from other customers are also very helpful. Many highlight the speed of delivery and the quality of the products. However, some encounter issues with customer service or delivery delays.
Advantages of Rakuten
- Wide range of products: Rakuten offers a vast array of products, from electronic gadgets to clothing.
- Loyalty program: By making purchases, you accumulate super points that you can use for future purchases.
- Competitive prices: Prices are often attractive, especially during promotions.
Disadvantages of Rakuten
- Variability of sellers: The quality of sellers can vary, so it is important to read the reviews.
- Customer service: Some customers report difficulties in obtaining a quick response from customer service.
Tips for making the most of Rakuten
To get the most out of Rakuten, follow these tips:
- Check the seller’s reviews before buying.
- Use your super points to save on future purchases.
- Take advantage of promotions and special offers to get better prices.
By following these tips, you can make good deals on Rakuten while minimizing risks.
History and presentation of Rakuten
Rakuten, founded in Japan in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani, has quickly evolved to become a major player in e-commerce. Based in Tokyo, the company has expanded globally, notably in France with the acquisition of PriceMinister in 2010.
Operation of the marketplace
Rakuten functions as a marketplace, allowing professional and individual sellers to offer their products. You will find a wide range of items: electronics, clothing, beauty products, toys, etc. This model is similar to that of Amazon, where third-party sellers make their products available to customers.
Loyalty program
Rakuten stands out with its loyalty program, the Club R’, offering Rakuten Points with each purchase. These points, in the form of cashback, can be used as credits to reduce the cost of future purchases. The Club R’ is known to be one of the most advantageous loyalty programs.
Now that you have an overview of the history and operation of Rakuten, let’s explore in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of this platform.
My opinion on Rakuten after several purchases
In 2020, I discovered Rakuten, formerly PriceMinister. With no prior experience on their site or app, my first purchase was a new video game. Rakuten is a “marketplace” where professional companies like Carrefour and Boulanger, as well as individuals, can sell their products.
Purchase process
For my first purchase, I chose a professional seller. The product page displays the description, the condition of the item, and the seller’s rating. For example, for the Samsung Odyssey G5 monitor sold by Boulanger, I was able to easily select the “New” condition and a seller with a positive rating. The interface is well designed, including descriptions and customer reviews.
Ordering process
The ordering process is simple: choose the delivery method, postal address, and payment. The data is secure, and I received a confirmation email. The delivery depends on the seller: some ship quickly, while others take longer. Delivery times are indicated in the listings.
Order tracking
Order tracking is integrated into the app, making shipment tracking easy. In case of questions, the built-in messaging system allows you to contact the seller. The response time varies: Boulanger, for example, responds within a few minutes. The quality of the products depends on the seller, just like on Amazon.
Loyalty program
Rakuten offers the Rakuten Club, providing cashback on purchases. The amounts vary depending on the period and products but remain advantageous. Promotional coupons are sometimes available for club members.
Tips for a successful purchase
For a hassle-free purchase on Rakuten:
- Check the sellers’ ratings: prefer those with a rating higher than 4.5/5.
- Read customer reviews for a better evaluation.
- If in doubt, contact the seller for more information.
- An additional warranty can be purchased for added security.
Rakuten offers a pleasant shopping experience with a wide catalog, attractive prices, and a beneficial loyalty program.
Before delving into customer reviews, discover how to get €10 off on your first Rakuten order with the promo code “570DI5246”. You must be a member of the Rakuten club, which is free.
Steps to use the promo code
To benefit from this code, follow these simple steps:
1️⃣ Create a Rakuten account if you haven’t already, using my .
2️⃣ Join the Rakuten club for free from your account page.
3️⃣ Use the code “570DI5246” when making your first purchase of a minimum of €20.
Take advantage of this offer to explore the wide range of products available on Rakuten.
Analysis of Rakuten customer reviews
To complement my personal opinion, here is an analysis of customer reviews on TrustPilot, a platform dedicated to verified customer reviews. Rakuten scores an impressive 4.5/5 on approximately 52,000 reviews, reflecting high overall satisfaction.
Positive reviews on TrustPilot
The majority of reviews highlight the reliability of the sellers and the quality of customer service. Here are some examples:
- “Very satisfied, sellers are reliable. We always receive confirmation of product availability. Very convenient. Never had any problems. Except once, but Rakuten has a good customer service. Problem resolved with their intervention. Thank you”
- “Orders, payments, and deliveries always go very smoothly. Shipments are generally well protected (packaging) for transport. The items generally match the description, although the description could often be more detailed. In any case, no major complaints.”
- “Hello, up to now, all my orders placed on Rakuten arrived to me through excellent packaging and good order tracking. Therefore, I find the company Rakuten very reliable. Yours sincerely.”
Areas for improvement
Some reviews mention areas for improvement, particularly regarding the speed of transactions for sellers:
- A seller reported not receiving the money from the buyer fast enough because the latter did not immediately confirm the receipt. Rakuten responded by email exchange to resolve the issue.
Comparison with other platforms
On Idealo, Rakuten scores a 1.2/5 for over 100 reviews. This rating seems unusually low and could stem from unverified negative comments. It is therefore advisable to rely on TrustPilot, which ensures reviews from real customers.
Rakuten maintains an excellent reputation on TrustPilot with a score of 4.5/5, indicating the satisfaction of its users.
Potential disadvantages of Rakuten
Despite its many advantages, Rakuten has some disadvantages that you should be aware of.
Shipping from international sellers
It is possible to order from international sellers without realizing it. This can lead to extended delivery times, sometimes of several weeks. This information is usually available in the listing details, so take the time to check it.
Individual sellers
Being able to buy the same product from multiple sellers can result in significant differences in terms of service and quality. For example, some individual sellers may not ship the order as quickly as professional sellers. To minimize these inconveniences, always check the seller’s rating before placing an order.
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