Rakuten (Tokyo) — Rakuten, Inc. today announced that it will launch the new takeout support service Rakuten Realtime Takeout on May 7, 2020. The service makes it possible for customers to pre-order and pay for products from restaurants, cafes and other eateries. Starting today, Rakuten will begin accepting applications to introduce this service from business customers nationwide. In response to the spread of Covid-19, initial fees and monthly usage fees for this service will be made free of charge for a limited time, until October 31.
Rakuten Realtime Takeout enables users to select products available for takeout from eateries in their neighborhoods via their smartphone or computer website, and complete pre-order and payment using their Rakuten ID, making it possible to pick up orders in real time without waiting inside the restaurant. Users will also be able to earn Rakuten Points according to the purchase amount and use earned points when paying. For the launch, this service will be available at 187 eateries in Tokyo located near Shibuya Station and Gotanda Station, with plans to expand to eateries nationwide.
This service provides business owners with a simple solution for introducing takeout services at their establishments. The restaurant industry has experienced a marked increase in demand for eateries to provide takeout services due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to this new societal need, Rakuten will make initial fees and usage fees for this service free of charge until October 31, 2020 (excluding credit card transaction and related fees), as well as lend smartphones for registering products and managing orders free of charge to interested business owners starting in mid-May. Based on the financial condition of the restaurant, Rakuten will also provide the revenue earned via Rakuten Realtime Takeout to the business as early as the week following the customer transaction, until October 31. The U.S.-based Rakuten Ready launched a similar service, known as “Rakuten Takeout,” in April of this year to restaurant chains in San Mateo, California.
To mark the launch of the service, Rakuten will hold a special campaign awarding 10x Rakuten Points to customers ordering takeout during the campaign period. Starting on May 7, the campaign will award 10x the usual amount of Rakuten Points to customers who purchase products via takeout delivery from eligible eateries using Rakuten Realtime Takeout. The number of points awarded is based on the purchase price. Rakuten will cover the costs of the points awarded via this campaign.
In addition to providing services such as Rakuten Realtime Takeout that deliver greater levels of convenience to customers, Rakuten also aims to tackle the various challenges faced by business owners in order to empower people and society.