[How to Choose "Rakuten Operation Agency Recommendation" Without Making Mistakes: 6 Selection Criteria Unraveled from a MECE Perspective]

When aiming to expand sales on Rakuten Ichiba, many store managers face "lack of resources" and "lack of specialized knowledge". Therefore, operation agency is considered, but it is very dangerous to select only by the word "Rakuten operation agency recommendation" lined up in search results. In this article, based on the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) perspective, we will explain the 6 selection criteria for identifying the optimal partner for your company's phase from a professional perspective.

Strategic business analysis and data visualization showing Rakuten marketplace growth metrics and performance indicators for e-commerce management agency selection.

1. Reasons Why Rakuten Operation Agency is Necessary and MECE Classification

Rakuten Ichiba's algorithm is becoming more complex every year, and sales will not stand just by listing products. A wide range of specialized skills such as RPP ad optimization, store chart analysis, and event-linked measures are required. When operation agency services are classified into MECE, they are divided into three types: "Consulting type", "Practical agency type", and "Specialized type (advertising or production only)". Clarifying whether your company is seeking "strategy" or "work resources" is the first step.

Professional digital marketing dashboard displaying real-time analytics for Rakuten Ichiba sales performance, advertising spend, and conversion rate optimization metrics.

2. 6 Selection Criteria to Avoid Failure

When comparing companies introduced as "Rakuten operation agency recommendation", we recommend scoring based on the following 6 criteria.

  • Transparency of Achievements: Are there success stories in the same category?
  • Analysis Ability: Can they read RMS (Store Chart) and present specific improvement proposals?
  • Ad Operation Skills: Track record of RPP ads and Coupon Advance ads
  • Communication: Speed of response and quality of regular meetings
  • Contract Type: Performance-based or fixed cost, are cancellation conditions flexible?
  • Catch-up of Latest Information: Speed of response to Rakuten's terms changes and new features

3. Ad Operation and SEO: How to Evaluate Technical Skills

SEO within Rakuten Ichiba (Search Optimization) is indispensable for creating a sales baseline. Excellent agency companies prove not only the extraction of suggestive keywords but also the correlation between click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate (CVR) with data. Also, in ad operation, you should choose a partner who emphasizes the soundness of the ad ratio to the total sales, not just pursuing ROAS (Return On Ad Spend).

Figure: Sales Growth Model by Introducing Operation Agency (Image)

A diverse team of e-commerce experts collaborating in a modern office environment to develop a comprehensive growth strategy for a Rakuten merchant.

4. Cost-Effectiveness (ROI) Simulation

The cost of operation agency is an "investment". Even if you pay a fixed cost of 500,000 yen, if the gross profit increases by 1 million yen, the ROI is 200%. At the time of selection, be sure to present the current figures (number of accesses, conversion rate, unit price) and ask the agency company for a simulation of "which figures can be raised by when and how much". Companies that cannot do this are not recommended.

FAQ

Q. Which is recommended: Performance-based or Fixed-cost model?
A. It depends on the store phase. Performance-based is preferred for low risk during startup, but fixed-cost often reduces total payments and offers better support as sales grow.
Q. Is there a contract period constraint?
A. Generally, 3-6 month auto-renewals are common, but some flexible companies allow monthly cancellation. Be sure to check this as a selection criterion.

Take Your EC Business to the Next Stage

We support MECE strategy construction for maximizing sales on Rakuten Ichiba.

Consult for Free Strategy

Popular Topics

#RAKUTEN #RakutenOperationAgency #FreeConsultation

Summary

When choosing "Rakuten operation agency recommendation", please emphasize whether they have the ability to solve your company's issues, not superficial rankings. By evaluating achievements, skills, costs, and compatibility multilaterally using the MECE framework, you can minimize the risk of failure. First, start by analyzing your company's store chart and clarifying which areas need support.

Published: February 13, 2026 / Author: RISA WATANABE

References

  • [1] Rakuten Ichiba RMS Store Operation Manual 'Utilization of Store Chart'
  • [2] Japan E-commerce Society 'Standardization of Outsourcing Contracts in EC Operation Agency'
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional advice. Specific results are not guaranteed.