Selling on Shopify and Selling on Rakuten- Which is Better?

Choosing between selling on Shopify or Rakuten? It can be a tough decision. Each platform has its strengths, and making the right choice depends on many factors—like your target market, product type, and business goals.

That’s where Zeyvior AI comes in. It compares key data points across both platforms using a wide range of up-to-date information. By presenting easy-to-understand charts and summaries, Zeyvior helps you explore your options more clearly—so you can make a well-informed decision based on your unique needs.

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 Shopify
Setting up a Shopify store is simple, but running a profitable business requires effort in product sourcing, marketing, and order fulfillment.

50/100

Some initial costs are involved, such as a Shopify subscription, product sourcing, and advertising.

39/100

Can scale indefinitely with automation, outsourcing, and increasing product range.

85/100

Some automation is possible with dropshipping or digital products, but ongoing management is needed.

55/100

E-commerce is growing, making it a strong market with continued demand.

90/100

Highly competitive, requiring strong branding and marketing to stand out.

35/100

Earnings take time as stores need traffic and conversion optimization.

45/100

E-commerce has long-term potential, but trends, supply chain issues, and platform changes can affect stability.

75/100

Many new stores fail due to high competition, poor marketing, or bad product selection.

30/100

New sellers can succeed with a good niche and strategy, though early adopters have an advantage.

70/100

Can adapt to market trends, but dependent on platform policies and advertising costs.

65/100

Can sell globally, but shipping costs, regulations, and taxes vary by country.

80/100

Requires marketing, product research, and basic e-commerce skills to succeed.

40/100

Shopify integrates with multiple payment providers, but some regions may have withdrawal limitations.

85/100

Success depends on marketing, product selection, and customer service. Not guaranteed.

55/100

68.1/100

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

Zeyvior AI’s analysis shows that both Shopify and Rakuten currently have a similar performance score of 70%, suggesting they offer comparable opportunities at this time. For those just starting out and still exploring their direction, selling on Fiverr may be a more beginner-friendly option to consider.

Zeyvior AI shows Shopify at 40%, while Rakuten scores 65%—making Rakuten a better choice for beginners with no prior experience. Interested in more beginner-friendly ideas? Explore more options below.

Selling on Shopify scores 50%, while Rakuten scores higher at 70%. If you’re looking for a smoother start with less setup, Rakuten may offer a simpler path. Curious to learn why? Click below to explore this factor in more detail.

Shopify earns a 45% score for immediate income, while Rakuten edges ahead at 50%. Both options offer modest short-term returns, but Rakuten may give you a slight head start. Want to know more? Tap a button below for full insights.

Shopify scores 55% for passive income, ahead of Rakuten’s 40%. If long-term income with less ongoing effort matters to you, Shopify may have the edge. Want to see how it compares? Click below to learn more.

Shopify vs. Rakuten: A Quick Comparison

Selling on Shopify and selling on Rakuten are two popular methods for building an online business, but they offer different experiences depending on your goals, skills, and expectations. Shopify is widely known for giving users full control over their store setup, while Rakuten provides access to a built-in customer base through its marketplace model.

Key Differences
Platform Structure
Shopify: A self-hosted e-commerce platform where users create and manage their own online stores.
Rakuten: A global marketplace where sellers list products on an established platform.

Ease of Use
Shopify: Requires more setup but offers flexibility in design and tools.
Rakuten: Easier to get started with, especially for those new to e-commerce.

Audience Reach
Shopify: Users must drive their own traffic through marketing and SEO.
Rakuten: Offers exposure to existing customers through its marketplace ecosystem.

Earning Potential
Shopify: Better for building long-term, passive income if managed well.
Rakuten: May offer quicker earnings due to built-in traffic but with more competition.

Skills & Experience
Shopify: May require more technical know-how for setup and management.
Rakuten: Beginner-friendly with simpler onboarding.

Overall Scores
Shopify: 68.1%
Rakuten: 66.5%

Both platforms have their strengths. Shopify is ideal for those seeking full control and long-term growth, while Rakuten may suit beginners looking for an easier start. The better choice depends on your business style and where you are in your selling journey.

Looking to compare Selling on Shopify and Selling on Rakuten using up-to-date insights based on current trends? Zeyvior AI helps you explore key differences with real-time data, making it easier to choose the right platform for your online business goals.

Whether you’re exploring e-commerce options, tech developments, or market trends—Zeyvior AI offers clear, data-driven comparisons to help you make informed choices. Try it today and explore smarter.