How to add a Rakuten store to ShipStation, what features are available, and other need-to-know details.
Rakuten.com works seamlessly across mobile and desktop versions to connect buyers and sellers in a dynamic marketplace, complete with videos for product reviews and comparisons.
Rakuten Marketplace to Close September 15, 2020.
Rakuten's marketplace closure for online merchants means that no new orders will be accepted after September 15, 2020.
Key Dates
August 19, 2020: Final day for merchant-funded Rakuten Point promotions.
September 8, 2020: Last pre-closure payouts issued.
September 15, 2020: Marketplace closes. No new orders accepted. You can still import orders into ShipStation, create labels, and send marketplace notifications with your existing Rakuten store. This change will only affect your ability to connect a new Rakuten store.
September 25, 2020: Last day to ship, update, or cancel orders.
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September 26, 2020: We will stop communication with Rakuten APIs. This will prevent order import errors and other confusion in the ShipStation UI.
September 25, 2020, is the last day to ship, update, or cancel orders. ShipStation will perform a forced-order-import refresh on all accounts with an active Rakuten store. This action will import any orders that may have been missed prior to cutting off functionality.
Your already-existing Rakuten connection will still appear in ShipStation for you to view existing orders and shipments, to create reports, and to create return labels.
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October 1, 2020: ShipStation will disable Rakuten in-app and disable channel connection.
All support inquiries will be handled by support-merchantmarketplace@mail.rakuten.com
October 30, 2020: Final payouts to be issued.
December 15, 2020: Merchant Portal to close.
This closure will not affect Rakuten’s other operations, including Rakuten Super Logistics and Rakuten's Cash Back business at Rakuten.com.
ALTERNATIVE SELLING CHANNELS:
Follow these links to learn more about some of, but certainly not all, the alternative selling channels that ShipStation recommends: Bonanza, Newegg, Sears, Walmart. See our Overview of Store and Marketplace Integrations for a comprehensive list of integration alternatives with Shipstation.
Rakuten hopes these frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help as they sunset their marketplace. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Rakuten at merchants@marketplace.rakuten.com.
PROMOTIONS, ORDERS, REFUNDS, AND TAXES
How long will Rakuten's marketing support continue to be provided?
Rakuten's marketing support will continue until the marketplace closes on September 15, 2020.
What are the final dates to ship, update, or cancel an order?
All orders must be shipped to customers or canceled by September 25, 2020.
Rakuten recommends removing SKUs with long lead times that can not be fulfilled by September 25, 2020.
After September 28, 2020, no tracking information updates are allowed on shipped orders.
How will refunds work?
With the exception of FTP, you can process refunds per usual until December 15, 2020.
FTP is currently accessible. Rakuten will send merchants additional details by August 31, 2020.
UI and Open API refunds can be processed normally through December 15, 2020. After December 15, you must contact Rakuten's Merchant Support at support-merchantmarketplace@mail.rakuten.com.
PAYOUTS AND FEES
Will there be a monthly fee for September 2020?
No. Monthly fees are waived for September.
When are payouts processed?
Your last payout before the marketplace closure will be September 8, 2020.
To ensure that refunds can be processed and shoppers have a positive experience, your final payout will be held for 45 days after September 15, 2020.
Rakuten apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. For additional information, please visit their Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Rakuten at merchants@marketplace.rakuten.com.
Connection Requirements:
An active seller account with Rakuten.
Your Rakuten Store URL, API Authentication Key, and Marketplace Identifier
Order Import Requirements:
Include a Ship To address.
To connect your Rakuten store to ShipStation:
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Select the Rakuten tile.
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Enter your Rakuten Shop URL, Authentication Key and Marketplace Identifier (2-character country code, all lowercase.)
Rakuten Authentication Key
If you do not know your Authentication key, please contact Rakuten support at merchants@marketplace.rakuten.com.
Click Connect.
After you've completed the connection steps, your store will be connected to ShipStation. You'll be taken to the store's Settings page to adjust the store-specific settings like branding, notification preferences, and product handling.
ShipStation's integration with Rakuten supports the following standard features:
Common ShipStation Features |
Status Mappings
Sent with Shipment Update
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