Selling on Rakuten vs Selling B2B Products on Alibaba- Which is Better?

Not sure whether to start Selling on Rakuten or focus on B2B Products through Alibaba? You’re not the only one. Zeyvior AI takes the guesswork out by reviewing massive datasets and current trends to deliver side-by-side comparisons. With clear visuals and simple data, it helps you decide which path fits your goals best—quickly and confidently.

Ease of Starting & Doing

Minimal or Zero Investment

Scalability

Passive Income Potential

Market Demand

Competition Level

Immediate Earnings

Long-Term Stability

Risk of Failure

Opportunity for Newcomers

Adaptability to Changes

Global Reach & Accessibility

Skills & Experience Needed

Payment & Withdrawal Process

Ease of Making Money

Overall Score

Selling on Rakuten

Starting a store on Rakuten involves signing up, setting up a shop, and uploading products, which requires some effort, but it is not overly complicated.

70/100

While you can list products on Rakuten, there are some upfront costs . This makes it more expensive to start than some other online earning methods, but not excessively so.

60/100

Earnings on Rakuten can grow as your sales increase, but growth is often tied to factors like marketing efforts, product demand, and customer service.

75/100

Rakuten does not offer a purely passive income model. Selling requires constant effort to manage inventory, respond to customers, and process orders.

40/100

Rakuten has a large and growing customer base, especially in Japan. However, its international presence is limited compared to global platforms like Amazon or eBay.

80/100

Rakuten has significant competition from other sellers on the platform. However, it may still have less competition compared to global giants like Amazon, particularly in specific niches.

60/100

It takes time to set up a store, list products, and build a customer base. Earnings are not instant and depend on factors such as traffic to your store and successful transactions.

50/100

Long-Term Stability: Rakuten is a well-established platform, providing a relatively stable market for sellers. However, economic shifts, market trends, or platform changes can still impact long-term stability.

69/100

There is a risk of failure if you do not manage your store effectively or if your products do not gain traction. While the platform is reputable, it requires effort to succeed.

48/100

Newcomers can enter the market with relative ease, but they must be prepared for stiff competition and the need to market their products. Sellers who have already established a presence have an advantage.

70/100

Rakuten can be affected by shifts in the economy or consumer preferences, though it is relatively stable. New features or changes on the platform can impact sellers’ businesses.

60/100

Rakuten is not globally accessible to the same extent as platforms like Amazon. It is primarily strong in Japan, and international sellers may find it harder to tap into other regions.

55/100

Selling on Rakuten requires basic e-commerce knowledge and an understanding of how to market products, handle orders, and interact with customers.

65/100

Rakuten provides multiple payment options, but the process is not as immediate or flexible as other global platforms like PayPal or direct bank transfers in all regions.

70/100

Earning money on Rakuten requires continuous effort in terms of listing, marketing, and managing customer relations. While the platform offers exposure, making money is not guaranteed and requires active engagement.

57/100

66.5/100

Selling B2B products on Alibaba

Setting up a seller account on Alibaba is relatively simple, but success requires effort in establishing a good reputation and effective marketing.

60/100

Alibaba charges fees for some features like enhanced visibility and product listing, though basic selling is free. There’s a need for investment in product sourcing, marketing, and possibly logistics.

50/100

Once a seller establishes a reputation and processes are streamlined, it can scale easily, especially with the ability to reach a global B2B market. S

75/100

While it’s possible to set up automated systems for orders, Alibaba requires active management of listings, customer service, and order fulfillment. Therefore, this method is not highly passive.

40/100

The B2B market on Alibaba is strong and continues to grow. There’s a vast global demand for wholesale products across various industries, which makes it an attractive market.

85/100

The platform is highly competitive, with thousands of sellers offering similar products. Success often depends on differentiation, competitive pricing, and supplier relationships.

50/100

It can take time to get recognized and start receiving large orders. Unlike some online earning methods, immediate income is not guaranteed.

50/100

The B2B market on Alibaba has significant long-term potential due to the platform’s established presence. However, it’s not risk-free, as market trends and global economic shifts can affect demand.

70/100

There is a moderate risk of failure if product sourcing is poor, pricing is uncompetitive, or customer service is subpar. If these factors aren’t managed well, the effort could lead to financial loss.

60/100

Newcomers can enter the market easily, but they may struggle to stand out without effective marketing strategies, competitive pricing, and reliable suppliers. Early adopters do have an advantage.

65/100

While Alibaba is relatively stable, it is affected by global trade shifts, tariffs, and changes in platform policies, which can impact sellers.

60/100

Alibaba provides access to a global market, and sellers can reach businesses worldwide. However, some restrictions may apply based on the country of operation or product type.

75/100

Sellers need basic knowledge of e-commerce, marketing, and possibly import/export logistics. While not requiring advanced expertise, success may be challenging for those with no experience.

65/100

Alibaba offers secure payment methods, but withdrawal fees or delays may apply depending on the method used. Global access to payment methods can also be limited by region.

70/100

Earning on Alibaba isn’t instant, and requires consistent effort in maintaining product quality, customer relationships, and marketing. While not overly complex, making money isn’t guaranteed without a solid strategy.

55/100

65.5/100

Zeyvior AI shows that Selling on Rakuten scores 70%, while Selling B2B Products on Alibaba comes in at 65%. While both options have potential, they may not be the strongest picks at the moment. If you’re just getting started and need a simpler path, Fiverr selling could be a smarter first step. Looking for more choices? Explore the options using the buttons below.

Rakuten gets a 60% score, while Alibaba trails with 50%. If avoiding heavy competition is a priority, Rakuten might give you a bit more breathing room. Curious about low-competition opportunities? Click below to find more options.

Zeyvior AI gives Rakuten a 70% score and Alibaba 60%—making Rakuten slightly easier to start and manage. If you’re looking for a smoother start, Rakuten may be the better fit. Want to explore other beginner-friendly options? Click the button below.

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Both Rakuten and Alibaba score 50% for immediate earnings. This means you may not see fast results with either method. Interested in faster-earning paths? Tap the button below to check out quicker alternatives.

Both platforms score 40% for passive income, showing limited potential in this area. If you’re aiming for hands-free earnings, these might not be your top picks. Explore the button below to discover better passive income options.

Selling on Rakuten vs. Selling B2B Products on Alibaba: A Quick Comparison

Selling on Rakuten and selling B2B products on Alibaba are both online business models focused on product sales—but they differ in terms of target audiences, platforms, and ease of entry. This comparison highlights how each method works, their practical differences, and where they stand overall.

Key Differences
Platform Focus

Rakuten: A consumer-focused online marketplace popular in Japan and several global regions. It’s geared toward B2C (business-to-consumer) sales.
Alibaba: A leading global platform for wholesale B2B (business-to-business) transactions, mainly connecting suppliers with bulk buyers.

Ease of Starting

Rakuten: Generally simpler to start, especially for sellers with basic retail experience or existing inventory.
Alibaba: May require more setup, including sourcing, logistics, and compliance with buyer requirements.

Competition Level

Rakuten: Slightly less competitive, especially for sellers targeting specific regional markets.
Alibaba: Often more saturated, particularly in popular product categories and regions.

Earnings Potential

Rakuten: Offers moderate earnings but may take time to build customer trust and reviews.
Alibaba: Can yield larger transactions but often demands more negotiation and business development.

Passive Income Potential

Both platforms offer limited passive income opportunities, as active management and updates are often required to sustain sales.

Overall Scores

Selling on Rakuten: 66.5%
Selling B2B Products on Alibaba: 65.5%

Conclusion
While both platforms provide meaningful opportunities for online sellers, Rakuten has a slight edge in ease of starting and competition. Alibaba, on the other hand, is better suited for experienced sellers aiming to reach global buyers at scale. Your choice depends on your target audience, experience level, and business goals.

Looking to understand the difference between Selling on Rakuten and Selling B2B Products on Alibaba? Zeyvior AI provides real-time, data-based comparisons to help you explore both options with clarity. Whether you’re exploring new business ideas or comparing platforms, Zeyvior AI offers helpful insights across various topics—making it easier to find what suits your goals best.