When consumers use a cashback app, they typically receive a percentage of their purchase as cashback. Rakuten is one of the most widely used cashback apps in the world. Because it allows customers to make money from thousands of partner traders, Rakuten has become extremely popular. It includes famous stores such as Amazon, Target, Master's, and Walmart. Rakuten has allegedly paid out more than $4.6 billion in cashback and has over 17 million active users. This reflects the effect and reliability of this app.
Additionally, companies offer the app due to its ability to increase traffic and potential customers for their online stores. As a result, more entrepreneurs are becoming interested in building similar cashback apps to create long-term digital businesses.
What is a Rakuten App?
The Rakuten app is typically designed for users so that they get cashback on every purchase or shopping. Users, however, get extra discounts, incentives, coupons, or rewards for shopping at retailers. This application has become the most approachable and demanding in the cash-back market. That's why startups or entrepreneurs who are looking for a fresh start to their business can build a cashback app like Rakuten.
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How does a Rakuten App work?
A Rakuten application usually works to enable the users to get a chance to earn money via shopping or purchasing. However, the Rakuten app is partnered with retailers that pay the platform a commission whenever a user purchases from their store. Once the Rakuten app receives the commission, it shares a portion of the commission with users as cashback.
1. Sign up
With the easy and free sign-up options, users are enabled to create their account on the Rakuten application. All they need to do is enter their name and a valid email address.
2. Find a Store
The option of "find a store" helps users to browse, filter, and find their desired retailer store within the app.
3. Activate Cashback
After the registration and finding a store, users can easily activate the cashback. For this, users need to click on the link or button; only then can they avail themselves of the cashback offers. This, however, redirects the users to the retailer's website.
4. Shop as Usual
This option enables users to purchase or shop for whatever they want to avail themselves of the cashback benefits.
5. Earn Cashback
Once users complete their purchase, the Rakuten app tracks the purchases made by users and then automatically generates the earned cashback into the user's Rakuten account.
6. Get a Payout
Users receive cashback from the Rakuten app via checks or PayPal every three months, provided they earn at least $5.00.
The Emerging Features of a Cashback App like Rakuten
A Rakuten clone app comes with a wide range of emerging features that enhance the user's experience and nourish the user base. The brief elaboration of features of a cashback app like Rakuten is discussed below.
1. User Registration and Profiles
A cashback app like Rakuten enables users to quickly register by using their name, email, and social media accounts. Apart from this, users can enter their personal details and preferences in order to get useful results.
2. Multivendor Marketplace
A Rakuten clone app typically facilitates a multivendor marketplace that simultaneously helps users explore several merchants on the same platform.
3. Product Search and Filters
The feature of browsing and filtering enables users to find their desired stores and goods conveniently. Users can apply filters for category, price, range, and other relevant criteria.
4. Personalized Recommendations
With the feature of personalized recommendations, users will get store or product recommendations based on their preferences and interests. The advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, are the primary source of this feature.
5. Cashback and Reward Program
The core of the software is the cashback and incentive system. It is the reason why people keep coming back to the app. The method uses a special referral link to track a user's transaction when they shop using the app. The software provides the customer with cashback, which is a small portion of the money spent, after the store confirms the transaction.
6. Secure Payment Gateway Integration
When using financial software, each user wants to feel safe. A secure payment gateway is required to protect users' financial and personal information. The app will support several payment options, including digital wallets, debit cards, and credit cards. Data encryption should be used to protect the payment details.
7. Order Tracking and Notification
Customers want to know the status of their order after they have made a purchase. Order tracking is crucial for this reason. Users should be able to check the status of their purchases through the app.
8. Customer Feedback and Ratings
An essential component of any successful cashback app is the user's response. The app should allow users to buy goods. This allows other users to base their choice on the real approach and create more informed options.
9. Promotions & Specials Section
People are constantly looking for the best suggestions. Adding a special offer and promotional section to the app can attract more users. The limited appointments, sales, seasonal discounts, and highlighted products should be displayed in this part of the app.
10. Admin and Vendor Dashboards
The app owner uses the admin dashboard as a control panel to oversee every aspect of the application. It displays information about the most active vendors, sales records, user activity, and total cashback paid. If necessary, the administrator can prohibit users, change cashback rates, and approve new suppliers. However, both dashboards are essential for ensuring seamless operations and effectively expanding the company.
11. Cashback Rewards
The user's wallet within the app is where cashback rewards are kept. These prizes may appear as "pending" at first. The reason for this is that the shop must verify the transaction and make sure the item isn't returned. The cashback is "available" for the user to utilize after the purchase has been validated.
12. Deals and Coupons
Coupons and appointments offer more value in terms of user experience. Users should be able to use a promotional code during checkout and view a list of current specials on the app. These offers may include free delivery, a one-time purchase, or a free or discounted offer on specific goods or services.
13. Rakuten Points
The Rakuten app gives back cash as well as points that customers can earn by completing specific tasks. These tasks include posting a review, shopping or recommending others to a friend. Points give users a sense of achievement and motivate them to continue using the program.
14. Shopping Platform
Many cashback apps do more than just redirect users to other websites. Some apps include their own ecommerce platform where users can browse products, add items to their cart, and complete purchases all within the app.
15. Account Management
Users can monitor their cashback balance, manage their profiles, update their personal information, and adjust payment settings in the account section. This area is easy to use with a good cashback app.
16. Price Drop Notifications
Users can save even more money using this option. The software will track pricing when a user adds a product to their watchlist or wishlist. The user will be notified if the price decreases. This helps consumers make purchases at the optimal moment and keeps them engaged with the app. Additionally, it demonstrates that the app actively helps users save money.
The Latest and Advanced Features of a Cashback App like Rakuten
Cashback -app technology becomes more sophisticated and powerful with progress. These new features provide more value to customers and enhance the app's functionality.
1. Artificial Intelligence-based Recommendations
Artificial intelligence can be used by modern cashback apps to understand user behavior. Application users check findings, buy, and preferred categories. After that, it provides analogous contract recommendations. This makes it easier for users to find out the suggestions that fit their interests. For example, a person who often buys cosmetics may be able to find a beauty-specific discount without actively searching.
2. Voice Search Function
The app's voice search makes it easier to use. Users can speak what they're looking for into their phone instead of typing it. The voice command is then used by the app to display results. Those who struggle with typing or want quick results would benefit from this feature.
3. Real-Time Cashback Tracking
Users with a real-time cashback tracking feature can view their cashback rewards instantly. Users can find out within minutes if their transaction is being tracked, saving them from having to wait days. This keeps the user informed and fosters trust.
4. Social Media Integration
Users often share their positive experiences with friends and family about good purchases. The state-of-the-art apps make it easy to share goods and cashback deals on social media pages, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It also works as a free app marketing tool.
5. Augmented Reality Features
Some sophisticated apps allow users to virtually try on objects, such as makeup or glasses, using the phone's camera. It enhances the shopping experience and enables customers to make more informed purchasing decisions.
6. Crypto Cashback
Instead of spending real money, some apps give cashback in Bitcoin. It is a fun and modern approach for individuals interested in digital currencies to achieve incentives.
7. Subscription Cashback
If users sign up for services such as streaming platforms or software, the app can also offer cashback on those. This includes monthly or yearly subscriptions. It is a helpful way to save on regular expenses.
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The Advantages of Investing in a Rakuten Clone App
Creating a cashback app like Rakuten offers several significant benefits. Let's examine each one in detail.
1. High Demand
Many people today shop online. Almost everyone likes to save money. A cashback app combines both. This means more people will download and use your app if it helps them earn cash back while shopping.
2. Vendor Partnerships
Retailers are always looking for new ways to attract customers. Your cashback app can connect with these businesses and drive more sales to them. In return, the companies pay you a commission. This gives you a steady income and strong vendor relationships.
3. User Loyalty
When users receive rewards, they are more likely to return. The more they save, the more they will use the app. Over time, this fosters a loyal user base that generates long-term value for your business.
4. Easy to Scale
A cashback app can grow without significant changes. You can add new stores, features, and offers at any time. The same system can be used in different countries by changing the language and payment methods.
5. Revenue From Multiple Sources
The app generates revenue from multiple sources. These include affiliate commissions, promotions, vendor advertising, and premium subscriptions. This makes it a strong business model.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a Rakuten Clone App
Creating a cashback app takes planning and the proper steps. It will be an essential step for businesses that start their journey with an app like Rakuten to launch a fully functional and featured application. Here is a complete guide from start to finish.
1. Market Research
Start by learning about your audience, ongoing market trends, and competitors. Then, analyze what your target audience likes in a cashback app like Rakuten. What do they expect from a cashback app? Make sure to examine your competitors' existing apps to identify what they are doing well and what they are lacking.
2. Decide the Features
List every feature you would like to see in your app. Start with the essentials, such as vendor listings, secure payment, and cashback. Think of extra features like cryptocurrency cashback, a points system, or price notifications.
3. Choose the Platform
Choose whether you want the app to go on iOS, Android, or both. Although iOS customers often spend more money, Android reaches extensive target groups in underdeveloped countries.
4. Design the App
Work with designers to create a simple and user-friendly user interface. It should be easy for users to track their prices, shop using the app, and look for offers.
5. Development Phase
The development phase requires highly skilled front-end and back-end developers. At the server side, the developers use the programming language Node.js. There are a few options: businesses can either opt for white label solutions for the Rakuten clone app or choose to build it from scratch.
6. Test Everything
Before launching, the app should undergo numerous tests. This includes checking all buttons, payment systems, links, and tracking features. Security should also be tested to avoid any risks.
7. Launch the App
After the test is over, you can release the app on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Utilize social media and impressive marketing and advertising to spread the word.
8. Post-launch & Maintenance
Get user opinions. Find out what they find confusing and what they enjoy. Utilize this data to improve the app in upcoming releases.
How to Make Money from an App Like Rakuten?
There are several ways to earn money from a cashback app like Rakuten. Some of the most relevant strategies are discussed below that admins can use to generate high revenue from a Rakuten clone.
1. Affiliate Commission
This is the primary way the app generates revenue. When a user makes a purchase using your app, the partner store pays you a commission. A part of this money is given to the user as cashback, and the rest becomes your profit.
2. Featured Listings
Vendors can pay to highlight their offers in the app. This brings more attention to their products and increases sales. It also creates a new income stream for the app.
3. Advertisements
You can run banner ads or sponsored products inside the app. These ads must be relevant to avoid negatively impacting the user experience.
4. Premium Features
You can offer special features to paying users. For example, they may get higher cashback rates, early access to deals, or faster withdrawals.
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The Average Cost to Create a Cashback App Like Rakuten
The development cost to create a cashback app like Rakuten depends on a number of factors. However, some reputed and experienced on-demand app development companies offer affordable solutions that help businesses build a strong user base and generate a good income. The factors on which the development cost is dependent are discussed below.
1. Basic Version
A simple cashback app with essential features may cost between $5,000 and $10,000. This is the basic version of the application, so it typically includes only the core features of the app. This includes user registration, cashback system, vendor listing, basic admin panel, and payment gateway integration.
2. Advanced Version
The more advanced the version, the higher the development cost, which typically includes features such as voice search, cryptocurrency rewards, artificial intelligence, and real-time cashback updates, and can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more.
3. Ongoing Maintenance
Even after the app is live, there are regular costs. These include server costs, customer support, software updates, and bug fixing. You may need to allocate approximately 10% of the original development cost each year for maintenance.
Why Partner with Hyperlocal Cloud?
Hyperlocal Cloud is a trusted software development company specialising in building on-demand mobile apps, such as Rakuten. We offer you round-the-clock support from our tech experts. To get expertise, you need to get in touch with us. Still confused about why to choose us? Here is why you may want to choose us.
Proven Years of Experience
They have experience in building cashback apps, local delivery apps, tutoring platforms, and e-commerce platforms. This means they already understand your needs and can deliver faster.
End-to-End Services
They assist from the first step of planning through to the final launch. This includes design, development, testing, marketing support, and future updates.
Scalable Solutions
They build systems that can grow with your business. Whether you want to expand to more users or add more vendors, their technology can support you.
Reliable Support
Even after the app is launched, their team offers support and solves issues quickly. This makes sure your app runs smoothly at all times.
