FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we introduce some of our most common questions.
For any other questions,
please contact us.

FAQ

Q What kind of payment method is BNPL?
A.
When a customer chooses the BNPL payment method, the BNPL operator makes an advance payment to the member store (EC site). After customers receive the products they purchased on e-commerce sites, they pay in cash or by cashless payment. Additionally, the merchant will pay a payment fee to the BNPL operator.
Q What is the difference between credit card and BNPL?
A.
BNPL says, ''As a general rule, customers can pay in installments without any fees,'' ''You can start using the service immediately by entering basic information such as an email address and phone number,'' and ''No credit check is required or a simple one is required to start using the service.'' It differs from credit card payments in three ways:
Q What does BNPL mean?
A.
BNPL is an acronym for "Buy Now, Pay Later" and refers to a payment method that allows you to pay later.
Q What are the advantages of a BtoB EC site?
A.
By conducting BtoB business on an EC site, business operators have the advantages of being able to "acquire new customers", "make operations more efficient", and "use it for marketing".
In addition, with a B2B EC site, customers can check product information, inventory information, delivery dates, etc., regardless of time or place, and at the same time, can easily place orders. Customers also benefit from improved convenience and reduced operational burden.
Q What is the size of the BtoB EC site market?
A.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "FY2021 Electronic Commerce Market Research Report," the size of the BtoB EC market in Japan will be approximately 372.7 trillion yen by 2021. The market size has expanded to approximately 54.6 trillion yen in five years from 2017. The “EC ratio”, which indicates the proportion of EC in all B2B transactions, is also increasing year by year, reaching 35.6% in 2021.
In particular, the manufacturing industry, which includes transportation machinery, food, and electrical and information-related equipment, is growing significantly in both market size and EC rate.
Q What is a BtoB EC site?
A.
A BtoB EC site is an EC site that conducts transactions between companies and corporations. Conventional EC sites were generally in the form of BtoC targeting general consumers. However, in recent years, the B2B EC market has expanded due to an increase in the number of companies aiming to improve operational efficiency and the spread of IT tools. .
Q What is required to introduce OMO?
A.
To install OMO, you need the following:
・ A system for linking physical stores and EC sites
・Training of store staff
・Marketing strategies such as providing information to customers and implementing campaigns
Q What are the benefits of OMO?
A.
Benefits of OMO include:
・By linking physical stores and EC sites, it is possible to provide services that meet customer needs.
・Sales can be increased because customers use both online and offline
・By utilizing digital technology, store operations can be streamlined.
Q Can you give me a concrete example of OMO?
A.
Specific examples of OMOs include:
・ A service where you order products online and receive them at a physical store
・ A service to see products at a physical store and place an order on an EC site
・ A service that allows you to earn points on EC sites when you buy products at physical stores
Q What is OMO?
A.
OMO is a business model that integrates online and offline. Mainly, by linking EC sites and physical stores, we can provide services that meet customer needs.
Q What are the disadvantages of Shopify?
A.
A disadvantage of Shopify is that some functions require English skills. Most of Shopify's features are available in Japanese, but some management screens and design templates are published in English. Please note that telephone support does not support Japanese.
Also, if you want to build a highly original EC site by customization, you also need knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Q What can't be sold on Shopify?
A.
Items that cannot be sold on Shopify include age-restricted items, hazardous materials, and medical devices. Some items that are prohibited for sale can be sold with registration permission and qualifications. Be sure to check Shopify's Terms of Service in advance to see if any permissions or qualifications are required for the products you want to list.
Q What is Shopify?
A.
Shopify is a multi-channel commerce platform that allows you to launch an EC site with templates and rich functions without specialized knowledge or skills related to EC site creation. Even if you are opening an EC site for the first time, you will be able to easily sell online both in Japan and overseas. It also has excellent extensibility of functions, so it is also possible to differentiate from competitors through customization.
In addition, since it supports omni-channel, you can also collectively manage data from social media and physical stores.
Q How do I register as a Shopify Partner?
A.
Shopify Partners can register from the official Shopify Partner Program page.
In addition, among Shopify partnerships, it is necessary to clear a strict screening in order to register as "Shopify Experts" or "Shopify Plus Partners", which have deep knowledge and extensive experience.
Q What are the benefits of asking a Shopify partner?
A.
If you ask a Shopify partner, you can create and operate an EC site that takes advantage of Shopify's characteristics with a wealth of experience and highly specialized skills. By outsourcing to a partner, you can free up your own resources and concentrate on tasks other than building and operating an EC site.
Q What is a Shopify Partner?
A.
Shopify Partner is a partnership program for companies and human resources that create EC sites, their themes, and applications using Shopify, an EC site construction service.
Q What is the current state of the EC market?
A.
The EC market, which continues to expand globally, is growing significantly in Japan as well, and the size of the BtoC EC market in Japan in FY2021 is approximately 20.7 trillion yen. Internet-based commerce is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the future.
Trends that companies want to pay attention to include personalization based on customer data, omni-channel marketing, live commerce marketing, and the growth of the subscription service market.
Q What is the EC market?
A.
The EC market refers to all business models for buying and selling goods and services on the Internet. In addition, EC commerce can be divided into three types: "BtoC" between businesses and consumers, "BtoB" between businesses, and "CtoC" between consumers.
QWhat about e-commerce operations?
A.
E-commerce operations can be divided into "front-end operations" that handle EC site construction, marketing, advertising operations, etc., and "back-end operations" that operate and manage EC sites. Specifically, there are tasks such as product planning, purchasing and inventory management, EC site creation and updating, marketing, product information registration, order management, shipping, and after-sales support.
Q What does e-commerce mean?
A.
E-commerce is an abbreviation for Electronic Commerce, which translates as "electronic commerce". E-commerce is a term that encompasses electronic commerce in general, but it is generally used to mean online shopping via EC sites.
QWhat is an EC mall?
A.
An EC mall is a shopping mall-type EC site where various companies and shops open and sell products. It has the advantage that you can open a shop more easily and in a short period of time than your own EC, and it is easy to reduce the initial cost at the time of opening. If you are a major EC mall, the fact that the EC site itself has a high ability to attract customers is also attractive.
QWhat does EC stand for?
A.
EC is an abbreviation for "Electronic Commerce" and is translated as "electronic commerce". It is used to refer to general commercial transactions via online shops, etc., but it is further classified into three types: B2B for business-to-business transactions, B2C for business-to-individual transactions, and C2C for person-to-person transactions.
QWhat should I do if my credit card is used fraudulently?
A.
When a customer becomes aware of unauthorized use, the customer promptly contacts the credit card company, applies for a "chargeback" to cancel the unauthorized transaction, and requests the reissuance of the credit card. If the EC business operator notices unauthorized use, please contact the credit card company first. If fraudulent use is discovered before the product is shipped, we will put the product on hold and contact the customer to change the payment method or cancel the order.
QIs there a way to check if my credit card has been fraudulently used?
A.
Regularly checking your credit card and family card statements is important for early detection of fraudulent use. If you are a customer, you can check your usage details from your credit card company's My Page or dedicated app, and if you are an EC business operator, check your sales details and transaction details on the website of the payment service you are using.
Q Please tell me about fraudulent use of credit cards.
A.
The main methods of fraudulent use include "phishing," which leads users to a fake website from a fake email to enter their credit card number and PIN, "spoofing," which uses fraudulently obtained credit card information to pretend to be the member themselves, and impersonation. There are "Internet shopping fraud" that sells products on EC sites, and "skimming" that reads magnetic data on credit cards with a scanner.
QWhat is the mechanism to prevent unauthorized use of the credit card security code (CVV2/CVC2)?
A.
The security code is not included in the credit card's magnetic information and is visible only to the credit card holder. Therefore, there is no risk of being stolen by skimming to read magnetic information on credit cards.
It also helps prevent crimes such as fraudulent use of forged credit card numbers and expiration dates.
QWhat is the credit card security code (CVV2/CVC2)?
A.
A 3-digit or 4-digit number printed directly on the face of a credit card. It is essential to enter a security code for online payments, and it plays an important role in preventing unauthorized use of credit cards and increasing safety.
Q What are the points for choosing smartphone payment?
A.
Compare smartphone payment usage rate and main user demographicsinstallation equipment and costsoperation costs (payment fees), and payment cycle, and select a service that matches the target and environment of the store or EC site where it is introduced. is important to choose. In particular, there is a time lag between payments and payments for smartphone payments, so it is necessary to check the payment cycle to ensure that there is no hindrance to management.
Q What types of smartphone payments are there?
A.
"Carrier billing" that pays with mobile phone charges, "Contactless IC payment" such as Apple Pay and Google Pay that can be used by importing electronic money into a smartphone payment app and registering a credit card, There are three main types of payment: "QR code payment," in which the displayed QR code is read by the store, or the QR code presented by the store is read by the customer.
QI have already developed an interface for the SB payment service, but is it possible to use cross-border packs with the same API?
A.
No. In order to use the cross-border pack payment, it is necessary to develop an interface that is different from the payment lead that you are currently using. Please contact us to request the relevant specifications.
QWhat payment methods can be used for cross-border packs?
A.
Currently, only WeChat Pay is available, but we will continue to add payment options in the future.
Q Will SBPS provide EC site construction and product delivery services?
A.
It will be a direct contract and service provision with our partner company.
After applying, we will inform you of the agency.
Q Is it better to introduce many payment services?
A.
Many customers leave the EC site if they cannot use the payment service they want to use. In order to serve a wide range of customers, it is important to introduce as many payment services as possible.
Q How do you choose the payment service to be introduced on the EC site?
A.
It is necessary to consider both compatibility with your company's products and services and compatibility with your customer base. Please see here for details.
Q What are the payment services often used on EC sites?
A.
There are 6 types: Credit Card Payment, CVS Payment, Mobile Carrier Billing, cash on delivery, BNPL(Buy now pay later), and bank transfer.
Q What is the flow and preparations for introducing LINE Pay?
A.
We will guide you from the application to the Online Payment Service in about 3 weeks to 2 months. Please feel free to contact us for the specifications of each payment methods and the application procedure. Please check here for details.
Q What is the purchasing process using LINE Pay on EC?
A.
After selecting LINE Pay as the payment method, log in to the LINE app to complete the payment. No need to enter payment information.
Q What is LINE Pay?
A.
It is a mobile remittance / payment service that allows you to make payments on EC sites through the LINE app. You can charge your balance by various methods such as bank account and convenience store payment.
Q Are there any conditions for devices that can use Google Pay?
A.
Any browser that supports Google can be used on any device.
Q Can I introduce Google Pay as a payment methods for smartphone apps?
A.
You can install it by implementing the Google Pay API in your smartphone app.
Q What is Google Pay?
A.
A contactless payment service that can be used on Android devices. Payment will be made using the credit card information registered in your Google account.
Q What is the flow and preparations for introducing Apple Pay?
A.
To apply for Apple Pay, you need to have an Apple Developer account and have a sandbox ready. Please see here for details.
Q What is the purchasing process using Apple Pay on EC?
A.
After selecting Apple Pay as the payment method, authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID to complete the payment. You don't have to enter your credit card number or address.
Q What is Apple Pay?
A.
A contactless payment service that can be used on iPhone and Apple Watch. Payment will be made using the credit card information registered in Apple Pay.
Q What are the benefits of introducing a BNPL(Buy now pay later)service for EC sites?
A.
Even people who do not have a credit card can make purchases, which will lead to an expansion of the customer base. In addition, since there is no need to enter payment information or authenticate yourself, you can easily make payments even during gaps such as when traveling by train, and you can prevent the car from falling out.
Q What are the benefits of using BNPL(Buy now pay later)for customers?
A.
The advantages are that there are few security risks and customers can shop with peace of mind, and even those who do not have a credit card can easily shop.
Q What is BNPL(Buy now pay later)?
A.
This is a payment methods that allows customers to pay the price at convenience stores, banks, post offices, etc. after receiving the products purchased on the EC site.
Q What do you need to get customers who enter the EC site to shop smoothly?
A.
You can lower the purchasing hurdles of users by providing a function that allows you to cart in directly from the LP, or by introducing online payment (Rakuten Pay, PayPay, etc.) that saves the user the trouble of registering as a new member.
Q Why do EC sites need SEO?
A.
In order to increase sales on the EC site, it is necessary to increase the access to the product sales page. By creating SEO-conscious articles on owned media, gathering potential customers, and increasing the number of visits to EC sites, you can increase sales.
Q Why do you run owned media on your EC site?
A.
"Page content that makes it easy to sell products" and "Page content that makes it easy to raise the search ranking" are completely different things. The product sales page specializes in "page content that makes it easy to sell the product", and owned media needs to divide roles such as creating SEO-specific content in order to attract potential customers.
Q Should I introduce both PSP and storage agency?
A.
If you want to introduce a PSP, you do not need to introduce a storage agent. PSP is an agency service that supports various payment methods such as Credit Card Payment, Mobile Carrier Billing, and BNPL(Buy now pay later), including CVS Payment that storage agency supports.
Q What are the merits of introducing PSP and storage agency?
A.
By increasing the choices of payment methods other than credit cards, it is more likely that customers who have given up on purchasing products will be able to purchase them. In addition, since payment information can be centrally managed, management man-hours can be significantly reduced.
Q What is the difference between PSP and storage agency?
A.
"PSP" is a service that stands between the EC merchants and the settlement institution and acts on behalf of the settlement-related business. We support various payment methods such as Credit Card Payment, Mobile Carrier Billing, and CVS Payment. "Storage agency" is an agency service that mainly specializes in CVS Payment.
Q Why is the need for mobile payments increasing?
A.
Needs are increasing due to the ease with which payments can be completed with a single smartphone and the attractiveness of accumulating points.
Q What is the difference between mobile payment and Credit Card Payment?
A.
Not only credit cards but also bank accounts and e-commerce are linked to mobile payments, so even people who do not have a credit card can easily use it.
Q What kind of mobile payments are there?
A.
There are "contactless IC payment" represented by Apple Pay and Google Pay, and "QR code payment" that reads and pays the QR code.
Q How can I reduce the time and effort required to introduce QR code payment?
A.
When introducing QR code payment, we recommend using a PSP. From multiple QR code payment services, we will select the most suitable service for the merchants and take over the introduction procedure.
Q What kind of QR code payment is there?
A.
There are two types: the "store scan method" in which the customer displays the QR code on the dedicated app and reads it by the merchants merchants and the "user scan method" in which the business operator displays the QR code and reads it by the customer.
Q What is the difference between QR code payment and Credit Card Payment?
A.
Compared to Credit Card Payment, QR code payment has the characteristics of "smooth payment" and "reducing initial costs". A dedicated terminal is required for the credit card at the time of introduction, but QR code payment can be supported if you have a smartphone or tablet.
Q What are the specific contents of front-end and back-end operations required to operate the EC site?
A.
Front-end business is business that leads to sales, such as product planning, purchasing and inventory management, EC site production / improvement, and marketing. The back-end business is to support sales such as product information registration, order management, shipping work, and after-sales support.
Q What can you do to prevent cart withdrawal on the EC site?
A.
More than 60% of customers will leave if their favorite payment method cannot be used on the EC site. In order to prevent cart abandonment, it is important to have a wide variety of payment methods that meet the needs of various customers.
Q What kind of operations are there in the operation of EC sites?
A.
The operation of the EC site is divided into "front-end business" that leads to attracting customers and sales of products, and "back-end business" that supports sales and enhances customer satisfaction.
Q What are the points to make it easier for you to purchase products with D2C?
A.
It is important to select the right product for D2C and to have the payment method you want. For products that can be purchased on multiple sites, there may be differences in payment methods and point services that accompany payment methods.
Q What product genre is suitable for D2C?
A.
It can be said that the product genre that many people purchase from their own EC is relatively suitable for D2C. According to a questionnaire conducted on 1,924 men and women in their 20s and 80s, the products that they often purchase at their own EC were supplements / health foods, cosmetics, PCs / cameras / audios, clothes, innerwear / underwear.
Q What is the difference between B2C and D2C?
A.
B2C refers to all transactions between businesses and consumers. Among them, D2C is the one in which the manufacturer directly deals with the consumer without going through a store.
Q What are the necessary preparations to start cross-border EC?
A.
It is necessary to prepare products, check local laws, regulations, and business practices, secure personnel and budget, and select store opening methods. Please see here for details.
Q How do you judge whether your product is suitable for cross-border e-commerce stores?
A.
Research whether there is a real need for your product in the target country or region. It is also necessary to consider the labor and cost of transportation. Generally, it is said that digital products that do not require transportation labor and cost are suitable for cross-border EC.
Q What kind of cross-border EC is there?
A.
Cross-border e-commerce is divided into four types, depending on the business method: cross-border e-commerce operated by the company, opening of stores in overseas EC malls, cross-border e-commerce utilizing bonded areas, and cross-border e-commerce for agency sales. Please see here for details.
Q What are the required procedures for introducing international brand Credit Card Payment?
A.
In the case of a direct contract, it is necessary to conclude a separate contract with the company providing each service. For example, with Visa and JCB, you have to sign a contract with each and follow the procedures. In the case of a contract via a payment agency, the procedure is completed by signing a contract with one payment agency. See here for details.
Q What is the flow of introducing cashless payment?
A.
The introduction of cashless payment can be roughly divided into two types: direct contract and contract via a payment agency. In either case, we will introduce the process of application, preparation and examination of required documents, final application, introduction of payment system, and start of use. In the case of a direct contract, it is necessary to introduce each payment method, but when going through a payment agency, it is possible to introduce multiple payment methods at once. See here for details.
Q Why should I introduce cashless payment?
A.
By introducing cashless payment, we can respond to inbound demand, improve the efficiency of cash register work, reduce the risk of uncollected payments, improve the purchase unit price, reduce the hassle and risk of cash management, and use purchase history data for marketing. and many other benefits. See here for details.
Is it effective to review the UI of the Q site and the membership registration form to prevent the basket from dropping?
A.
Customers may withdraw because the site is difficult to see and the membership registration procedure is complicated. It is also effective to arrange the UI so that customers can use the site smoothly, and to introduce a system that allows customers to purchase without registering as a member.
Q How many payment methods should I use to prevent the basket from dropping?
A.
In addition to credit cards, it is important to support CVS Payment, Mobile Carrier Billing, ID payments, and BNPL(Buy now pay later). By using the PSP service, it is possible to efficiently respond to various payment methods.
Q. What are the advantages of CVS payments?
A.
The advantages of CVS payments include expanded sales opportunities, reduced risk of uncollected payments and product cancellations, and real-time payment notifications.
Q. How much does it cost to introduce credit card payments?
A.
In addition to the initial cost incurred only once when introducing a payment service, the monthly fee paid as the basic fee for the payment system, the payment fee paid to the card company or PSP company as a few percent of the product price, and the PSP system Running costs include transaction costs incurred when performing payment processing.
Q. What are the advantages of introducing credit card payments for an e-commerce business?
A.
Credit Card Payment are highly beneficial to customers and are the most popular payment service among cashless payments. By introducing Credit Card Payment, we can expect to appeal to many customers and expand sales opportunities. Since it is often used for expensive shopping, you can expect an increase in the average spend per customer.
Q. What are the advantages of using a credit card PSP agency?
A.
Contracting directly with many credit card companies is very time-consuming. By using a PSP, you do not need to make separate contracts with each credit card company. Sales receipts can also be consolidated, so it is possible to reduce the burden of receipt management work. Implementing a payment system on an e-commerce site can also keep costs down by simply connecting it to the system of a PSP.
Q. What are the rates and initial fees?
A.
We provide individualized estimates based on the payment methods you wish to use, the products and services you sell, and the scale of your business. Feel free to get in touch.
Q. Are there any products that aren’t supported when introducing payment services?
A.
We are unable to support products that are offensive to public order and morals. In addition, some products may not be supported depending on the each payment agency’s vetting process.
Q. I am a sole proprietor, can I apply?
A.
It depends on the service you wish to use. For our Online Payment Services, we only accept contracts with corporate customers located in Japan. Our “Payment Terminal Service” for payment services for in-stores is available even for sole proprietors.
Q. I don't have a website yet. Can I still apply?
A.
Yes, you can. However, during vetting, you will be required to submit materials confirming the contents of your service (business) and price structure, and declare in advance your notation based on the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.

Applications / Vetting / Contracts

Q. I don't have a website yet. Can I still apply?
A.
Yes, you can. However, during vetting, you will be required to submit materials confirming the contents of your service (business) and price structure, and declare in advance your notation based on the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
Q. I am a sole proprietor, can I apply?
A.
It depends on the service you wish to use. For our Online Payment Services, we only accept contracts with corporate customers located in Japan. Our “Payment Terminal Service” for payment services for in-stores is available even for sole proprietors.
Q. I am thinking of transferring to a different service. Is it possible to process the transfer changes?
A.
In principle, the service transferred from must be cancelled, and the service transferred to will require a new contract. *Online Payment ASP Merchant Agreement Article 48 (Prohibition of transfer of status)
Q. Are online payments and in-person payments available through a single contract?
A.
Contracts are required for both online payments and in-person payments respectively.
Q. I'm worried if I can pass the vetting in terms of my product. Is it possible to have it pre-screened?
A.
Pre-vetting through the credit card companies (VISA / MasterCard) is possible prior the main application. *Please note that the pre-vetting does not necessarily guarantee the results of the main vetting.
Q. When switching from another PSP agency, is vetting required for the payment methods I already use?
A.
Another round of vetting is normally required. However, in the event you have direct contracts with the settlement institutions, you may be able to switch via procedures other than vetting. Please ask our sales staff for more details.
Q. I operate a shopping mall. Can I use your services?
A.
Yes, you can. We have a track record of introducing our services in this area.
Q. I have a store in a shopping mall. Can I use your services?
A.
You may be able to use our services. When considering our services, please also contact your mall’s operator in advance.
Q. How long does it take to start using the services from the application?
A.
It takes a minimum of 3 weeks to 2 months, but the service start time will vary depending on the content of the services and payment methods. For details, please see the application documents for each payment service and approximate timing of service start.
Q. How can I apply?
A.
Please contact us from the link below. If you include information such as an overview of your services, products handled, value handled, average unit price, average payment value, desired payment methods, desired start time, etc. in your inquiry, we will be able to provide you with smooth guidance.
Q. Are any documents needed when applying?
A.
Yes, there are. The documents will differ depending on the payment methods you apply for, so we will inform you of what is required when you apply.
Q. Are there any conditions regarding service content?
A.
We have set certain restrictions on service content. (Services that are offensive to public order and morals, etc.) For more information, please contact us via the link below.
Q. Are contracts required for each payment method?
A.
No, they are not required. We will make contracts with each financial institution on your behalf, which normally need to be made individually. However, some payment methods do require a direct contract.

Payment Methods (Services)

Payment Services in General

Q What are the payment methods for Shopify?
A.
In addition to "Shopify Payment", the official payment service provided by Shopify, carrier payment, convenience store payment, bank transfer payment, deferred payment payment, and QR code payment that can be used in combination with payment agency companies can be used. .
Q What is Shopify Payments?
A.
What is Shopify Payments? Shopify Payments is the official payment service provided by Shopify. Shopify Payments features no initial costs, fixed monthly costs, no transaction fees, and no transfer fees.
Q. What is the key point when selecting a PSP agency?
A.
The key point when selecting a PSP agency is to confirm whether their usage fees, types of payment methods handled, security systems, system stability and flexibility, and level of support suit your company.
Q. What are the types of fees charged by PSPs?
A.
PSP fees include initial fees, monthly fees, settlement fees, and transaction fees.
Q. How can I introduce online payments?
A.
There are two ways to introduce online payments: (1) using a PSP agency; and (2) contracting directly with the settlement institutions providing the services. Method (1) of using a PSP agency can reduce the time and effort required for initial contracts, system development, and post-implementation management.
Q. Which type of online payment should I introduce?
A.
When selecting online payments, it is important to make a choice according to your customer base, products, and security systems.
Q. Are there any products that aren’t supported when introducing payment services?
A.
We are unable to support products that are offensive to public order and morals. In addition, some products may not be supported depending on the each payment agency’s vetting process.
Q. What kind of payment methods do you offer?
A.
We handle a variety of payment methods such as credit card payments, CVS payments, mobile carrier billing, Alipay, and electronic money settlement.
Q. Are there restrictions on the sales amount depending on the payment method?
A.
There are restrictions for each payment method.
Q. Can I use your Online Payment Services to sell small amounts of digital content?
A.
Yes, you can.
Q. I run a website that’s dedicated for smartphones. Is it possible to optimize the payment screen?
A.
Yes, you can. We offer an option to customize the payment screen based on your website.

Credit Card Payment

QWhat is the difference between a credit card company and an international brand?
A.
Credit card companies partner with international brands to license their payment networks to issue credit cards. Credit card companies are partnering with international brands to expand the countries and regions where credit cards are accepted.
QWhat is the market share of international credit card brands?
A.
Visa has the highest market share among international credit card brands in Japan, accounting for approximately 51% of the total. JCB followed by Mastercard. Visa and Mastercard are easy to use overseas, while JCB is popular among those who value services within Japan.
QWhat is an international credit card brand?
A.
International brands are credit card brands that can be used in countries and regions around the world, such as Visa and Mastercard. International brands have their own payment system networks and license their network usage to partner card companies.
Q. What are the advantages of using a PSP agency when introducing credit card payments?
A.
The advantage of using a PSP agency is that you do not have to contract with each credit card company individually and can integrate your sales deposits, allowing you reduce the man-hours spent dealing with contracts and managing deposits. Installing the payment system on your e-commerce site only involves connecting it to the PSP agency’s system, so you can also keep costs down.
Q. What are the advantages of introducing credit card payments for merchants?
A.
The advantages for merchants are that you can (1) expect your number of customers to grow, (2) anticipate an increase in sales, and (3) reduce the risk of uncollected payments and the burden of managing deposits.
Q. What are the costs to merchants when introducing credit card payments?
A.
Largely speaking, there are initial fees and running costs. Running costs include monthly fees paid as a basic fee for the payment system, settlement fees paid to the card company or PSP agency as a percent of the product price, and transaction fees that occur when processing payments through the PSP agency’s system.
Q. I do recurring billing on a membership site, but payment errors occur when a customer's card has expired. Do you have any solution for this?
A.
By using our Credit Card Account Update Service, you can reduce the rate of payment errors due to card expiry.
Q. I am considering introducing credit card payments. What card brands can be used with your services?
A.
We have comprehensive merchant contracts with more than 30 card companies. By contracting with us, you can accept 6 major international brands (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club International, and Discover). We also offer China UnionPay, compatible with the Chinese card brand "UnionPay."
Q. Can customers use cards issued overseas?
A.
Yes, you can. In principle, cards issued in any country can be used, but some may not be accepted depending on your service overview and at the card companies’ discretion.
Q. How will my store name be displayed on the customer’s credit card receipt?
A.
The name of the store (service) applied for on your application will be shown. (Example: ○○○ Service)
Q. Are installment or revolving payments available?
A.
Yes, you can. We support installment payments and revolving payments as stipulated by the card companies. If you wish to provide installment or revolving payments, please inform us when applying.
Q. What is the Identity Authentication Service (3-D Secure)?
A.
The Identity Authentication Service (3-D Secure) is a service that verifies an individual’s identify by having them enter a password registered in advance with their card issuer in addition to their card number, expiration date, and other details during payment in order to make online credit card payments more secure.
Q. What are the advantages of introducing the Identity Authentication Service (3-D Secure)?
A.
Introducing the Identity Authentication Service (3-D Secure) reduces the risk of lost sales due to chargebacks. Chargeback refers to card companies refusing to pay for sales in the event a credit card is misused due to theft.
However, in principle card companies do not chargeback payments that have passed identity authentication (with some exceptions and rules for each card brand), so you can expect to secure your sales.
Q. Which card brands support the Identity Authentication Service (3-D Secure)?
A.
The service can be used with 4 international brands: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and AMEX. The name of the service differs for each brand, but is used the same way.
Q. I don't want to retain my customers’ credit card information in-house.
A.
We offer system connection methods that process payments without leaving credit card information on your side. The credit card information will be held by us in strict confidence.
Q. Do you support installment payments?
A.
We support installment payments and revolving payments.
Q. What is your sales deposit cycle?
A.
You can select between one or two deposits per month.
Q. What are the costs to introduce your services?
A.
We will propose the most suitable plan according to the needs of your business and provide an estimate. Feel free to get in touch.
Q. Do you offer payment terminals that can be used at storefronts?
A.
We offer a Payment Terminal Service that allows you to process credit card payments using a smartphone or tablet.
Q. Are refunds possible?
A.
One-time billing charges can be refunded for up to 6 months, including the purchase request processing date. Refunds are not supported for recurring billing, so please contact our Merchant Support if you need to issue a refund.

CVS Payment

Q What are the costs to merchants for CVS payments?
A.
Costs to e-commerce merchants include initial introductory fees, monthly fees, and per payment fees.
Q. What kind of CVS payments are there?
A.
There are generally two types of CVS payments, payment slips and payment numbers.
Q. How can I introduce CVS payments on an online shopping website?
A.
There are two ways to introduce CVS payments: (1) using a PSP agency; and (2) contracting directly with the settlement institutions providing the services. Method (1) of using a PSP agency allows you to introduce and manage multiple CVS payments at once, reducing man-hours spent.
Q. What are the fees for CVS payments?
A.
Costs to e-commerce merchants generally include initial introductory fees, monthly fees, and per payment fees.
Q. Is recurring billing possible with CVS payments?
A.
Only one-time billing is supported for CVS Payments online. For payment methods that allow for recurring billing, please see the link below.
Q. I would like to introduce CVS payments. Do I need a contract or system connection with each convenience store?
A.
You can introduce convenience store payments simply by applying through us without having to go through the procedures for each store.
*Some separate contract procedures may be required of you depending on the receiving agency used.
Q. How can I check sales made through CVS payments?
A.
You can check sales through our Admin portal / Payment management tool. In addition, we will notify you when there has been a payment from a customer.
Q. What are CVS payments?
A.
They are payment services that allow you to pay at major convenience stores.
Your customers can pay by simply presenting a number at a convenience store that was displayed on screen when purchasing products on your e-commerce site.
In addition, since they are a payment method that can be used by anyone regardless of age unlike credit card payments, they are used by many merchants.
Q. What are the advantages of introducing CVS payments?
A.
Since payments can be confirmed in real time at the convenience stores, you can ship products post-payment. They are used by e-commerce sites for product sales in particular.
Q. Is it possible to set a payment deadline?
A.
You can set payment deadlines as desired. Deadlines can be set from the date following purchase up to a maximum of 59 days later.
Q. How will I be notified of the payment from the convenience store?
A.
When a customer (user) pays at a convenience store, we will notify you in near real time.
Q. Is there a maximum amount per payment?
A.
The upper limit is 299,999 yen.

Mobile Carrier Billings

Q. What is Mobile Carrier Billing?
A.
They are payment services that allow you to pay for the price of a purchased product together with your mobile phone fees. Since there is no need to enter credit card information, customers can enjoy shopping with ease and peace of mind anytime and anywhere, even on the train or on the move, making it one of the best payment methods for smartphone users.
Q. Which mobile carriers do you support?
A.
We support SoftBank, docomo, and au.
Q. What are the advantages of introducing mobile carrier billings?
A.
Customers can shop using just their mobile phone PIN number without the trouble of having to enter their credit card number, lowering the hurdles to purchase your products so you can expect increased sales. Also, by being listed on each carrier’s portal site for users and other media, you can anticipate an influx of new users.
Q. Is it possible to introduce mobile carrier billings even for feature phones?
A.
It depends on the mobile carrier. Please contact us for more information.
Q. Are there any services that carrier payments cannot be used for?
A.
Yes, there are.
Many of our merchants are centered around product sales and digital content, but we may not be able to provide carrier payments for other types of services. Please get in touch and we will provide an answer after asking about nature of your services.
Q. Are refunds possible?
A.
Yes, you can. Partial refunds are also possible.
However, there are some instances in which refunds cannot be made, such as when the customer has cancelled their phone contract.
Q. Is recurring billing possible?
A.
Yes, you can. Please note that we may not be able to provide recurring billing depending on the services you provide.
Q. Are mobile carrier billings available on SIM-free smartphones? And is it possible to make payments on a PC or tablet?
A.
If the customer has a contract with a mobile carrier, they can use carrier payments even on SIM-free devices through the authentication processes at the time of purchase.

Prepaid Card Payments

Q. What are prepaid card payments?
A.
They are a payment method that allows you to pay when using a service by entering a number printed on a prepaid card purchased at a convenience store or elsewhere.
Q. What are the advantages of introducing prepaid card payments?
A.
They are most often used for small payments online, such as for digital content sales. Since it is a prepaid form of payment, there is no need to enter any personal information such as a credit card number and there are no age restrictions, so they are in high demand by customers.
Q. What prepaid cards can be used?
A.
We support WebMoney, NETCASH, BitCash, and JCB PREMO.
Q. Are refunds possible?
A.
Yes, you can issue refunds by putting in a request with us. We will issue the refund to the prepaid card ID or wallet used.

Electronic money settlement

Q. What is electronic money settlement?
A.
It is a payment method using Rakuten Edy, Mobile Suica, and other types of electronic money to make payments.
Q. What are the benefits of introducing electronic money settlement?
A.
With the popularization of Rakuten Edy and Suica, electronic money is growing rapidly as a means of making small payments. In addition, the increasing ownership of mobile phones and use of Osaifu-Keitai will also lead to new customer acquisition.
Q. Which forms of electronic money can be used?
A.
We support Rakuten Edy and Mobile Suica.

Pay-Easy

Q. Will the customer be charged a fee when paying with Pay-Easy?
A.
No fees are charged. Customers are only required to pay for the product.
Q. Is it possible to set a payment deadline?
A.
Yes, you can. You must set the payment deadline between the date following purchase and 59 days thereafter.
Q. Will the customer be notified by email of the information required for payment when a purchase has been made with Pay-Easy?
A.
Only when using our Link type connection will the customer by notified by SBPS of the payment information via email.
Q. Do customers need to register to pay with Pay-Easy?
A.
No, they do not. Customers can pay using only the recipient number, customer number, and confirmation number issued at the time of payment.
Q. What is Pay-Easy?
A.
Pay-Easy is a service provided by Japan Post Bank (formerly the post office) and financial institutions that allow you to pay for things such as for online shopping through online banking and at ATMs, which previously had to be paid for in cash at banks or convenience stores with invoices and payment slips. Unlike bank transfers, customers do not need to enter the account number they are transferring money to, and payments are completed even during nights and weekends.
Q. What are the benefits of introducing Pay-Easy?
A.
Pay-Easy is beginning to grow in popularity as a payment method for online banking, which is rapidly gaining users. Online banking users can complete their payments without having to go to a bank or convenience store, making it easy and hassle-free.

Invoice Payments

Q. Can I change the design of the invoice freely?
A.
Some parts can be changed while some cannot. It is possible to display your business’ logo. For more information, please contact our sales department.
Q. Are settlement fees the same for all three payment methods?
A.
The fees differ for each. For more information, please contact our sales department.
Q. Is it possible to set a payment deadline?
A.
You can choose a payment deadline between the date following purchase and 60 days thereafter. However, you cannot set deadlines for each individual purchase.
Q. Is it possible to reissue payment slips?
A.
Yes, you can reissue them via the management tool we provide. However, an issuance fee will be incurred separately.

Implementation / Fees

Q. What is the key point when choosing online payments?
A.
The key point for choosing online payments is to select payment methods that suit your company from the perspectives of (1) customer base, (2) sales content, and (3) security.
Q. What types of online payments are there?
A.
Online payments include credit card payments, CVS payments, mobile carrier billings, BNPL (Buy now pay later), and prepaid payments.
Q. How can I introduce online payments?
A.
There are two ways to introduce online payments: (1) using a PSP agency; and (2) contracting directly with the settlement institutions providing the services. Method (1) of using a PSP agency can reduce the time and effort required for implementation and management.
Q. What are the rates and initial fees?
A.
We provide individualized estimates based on the payment methods you wish to use, the products and services you sell, and the scale of your business. Feel free to get in touch.
Q. What is the process flow from application to start of use?
A.
(1) Submit the application form (Excel) to begin the vetting. (2) Once the vetting is completed, we will arrange a system environment specifically for you. (3) Once you connect to this system environment, it can be used in actual operation. For details, please see the “Implementation and fees” page below.
Q. Is any support for the installation process?
A.
Yes, there are. Our staff provides various types of support according to the contents of your services. In addition to helping you introduce our services, we also provide general support for payment services including inquiries from merchants and financial institutions, usage inquiries, and research requests.

Systems

Q What kind of payment methods should I use to prevent the basket from dropping?
A.
If the payment methods is limited, it is one of the causes of dropping the basket. Introducing many payment methods that suit the customer base will help prevent baskets from dropping.
Q. Can I ask SB Payment Service to build an e-commerce site for me?
A.
While we do not build e-commerce sites, we can discuss your needs and introduce an affiliated e-commerce site building service. See below for details.
Q. What are the system specifications?
A.
You can check system specifications as well as details on our solutions on our technical support site "Developer Console." (Registration is required.)
Q. Are there any services that do not require system development?
A.
Our Email Payment Link Service (pay-as-you-go credit card payments) does not require system development.
Q. Is any special software needed to install the payment services?
A.
While it may depend on the service provided, special software is generally not necessary. For more information, please contact us from the link below.
Q. Which development environments (OS, programming languages, etc.) are supported?
A.
We do not specify any development environments in particular. However, depending on the service provided, there may be restrictions on the specifications. For more information, please contact us from the link below.
Q. For payments made online, are there any restrictions on the type of computer or browser used?
A.
There are no restrictions, but we recommend Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. There are no restrictions on the type of computer.
Q. How can I incorporate your payment systems?
A.
We will provide you with the system specifications after you apply. The system specifications include explanations and sample scripts for connecting to our payment services, so you can proceed with system development efficiently.
Q. Is it possible to link your services to our in-house systems?
A.
Yes, you can. For details on connections and workflows, please contact us via the link below.
Q. I am planning an e-commerce site aimed at customers overseas, can I use your services?
A.
We offer Alipay, a payment method that can be used on e-commerce sites for customers in China. There are some restrictions with regard to credit card payments, so please consult with us in advance.
Q. Can I use your services on a rental server?
A.
Yes, you can. Please check with the operator of your rental server to confirm if it is possible to use our payment services.
Q. Can I still use the shopping cart that I’m already using?
A.
Please check with the operator of your shopping cart to confirm if it is possible to use it with our payment services.
Q. Do you offer shopping carts?
A.
While we do not offer them, we can introduce you to shopping cart merchants that are already linked with our payment services.
Q. Can I freely create my own payment screen?
A.
Yes, you can. We offer a service that allows you to freely customize the payment screen.
Q. How long does it take to authenticate credit card payments?
A.
We are able to achieve high-speed processing of 1 to 3 seconds (*actual values) (1/2 to 1/3 of conventional speeds). By enabling comfortable interactions with your customers, we contribute to the improvement of your business’ services.
Q. Do you offer a payment management screen?
A.
Yes, there are. With the management tool we provide, you can easily handle various payment-related tasks.
Q. Do you offer a test payment environment?
A.
Yes, there are. A free account is needed, but you can use the test environment from our Developer Console.
Q. What types of system connection methods are available?
A.
You can choose from Link type, API type, or Tool-type connections depending on your business environment and scale.
Q. If I’m using a dedicated domain, can you still support non-retainment of credit card information?
A.
Yes, we support non-retainment.

Operations (including billing, deposits, and refunds)

Q. Who pays for refunds due to chargebacks?
A.
Sales canceled due to chargebacks will be paid by the merchant if the credit card user's identity has not been verified, or by the credit card company if the credit card user's identity has been verified.
Q. What is the difference between chargeback and refund?
A.
Chargeback is a mechanism in which the credit card company cancels the payment and refunds the money to the user. Refund refers to the merchant canceling the payment and returning the money to the customer.
Q. What is the role of a PSP agency?
A.
The role of the PSP agency is to support e-commerce merchants with contract procedures and system configuration to reduce the burden and enable them to use various payment methods.
Q. What is a PSP agency?
A.
A PSP agency is a company that stands between settlement institutions and e-commerce merchants who want to introduce various payment methods such as credit card payments, CVS Payments, and mobile mobile carrier billings, providing bulk contracts and management systems.
Q. What should e-commerce merchants do in actual cases of fraudulent use?
A.
When the credit card holder who notices the unauthorized use informs the credit card company that the transaction has been rejected, the credit card company conducts an investigation. If it is judged as a chargeback, the EC merchants 's sales will be canceled and a refund will be issued. Communication with customers and consultations with the police also need to be handled by the e-commerce merchants.
Q. How can I prevent fraudulent credit card use?
A.
Unauthorized use can be reduced by utilizing security measures and fraud detection services. Security measures include the use of personal authentication services (3-D Secure) and security codes. In particular, if you introduce a personal authentication service (3-D Secure), there is no need for merchants to bear the burden of refunds due to chargebacks. In addition, by introducing a fraud detection service, fraudulent transactions involving Credit Card Payment can be detected at an early stage.
Q. What are the main causes of chargebacks?
A.
The causes of chargebacks can be broadly divided into two categories: fraudulent use and non-fraudulent use. The causes of fraudulent use are theft or loss of credit cards, information leakage due to phishing scams, computer viruses, and skimming. Non-fraudulent causes include non-receipt of goods and refusal of payment.
Q. Is the deposit cycle only monthly?
A.
In principle, the deposit cycle for credit card payments is once or twice monthly, and once monthly for other payment methods. The number of deposits can be increased with some payment methods with the addition of an optional paid service.
Q Are there any materials / information that need to be submitted for introduction?
A.
You will need to submit an Excel-based application form that we have prepared (including company information, service information, account for deposit, contact information, etc.). In addition, depending on the payment methods, you may be required to submit a register book.
Q. I run a store. Can I use credit cards for monthly billing?
A.
This can be done by applying for a in-store credit card payment terminal and our Online Payment Services. Please contact our sales staff for details.
Q. Can I do continuous monthly charges such as for membership fees?
A.
Yes, you can. We offer a billing method called recurring billing (simplified). By using this, we will process the payments continuously on your behalf. It can be used with credit card payments, mobile carrier billings, and other payment methods.
Q. Can I process payments of different amounts on a regular basis? For campaigns and such, I would like to charge half price at 2,500 yen for the first month and 5,000 yen continuously after that.
A.
Yes, you can. We offer a billing method called Recurring billing (fixed term/pay-as-you-go), which allows you to determine the amounts and payment schedule. It can be used with credit card payments, mobile carrier billings, and other payment methods.
Q. What are the closing dates and sales deposit dates?
A.
In general, close is at the end of each month and payment is made at the end of the following month. For other requests, please contact us.
Q. How can I check my sales?
A.
You can use our sales management tool. It can be used not only to confirm sales, but as a business and sales management tool for searching payment histories, aggregation, billing, payment reconciliation management, creating ledgers.
Q. Is it possible to process cancellations and returns online?
A.
You can process these with the management tool we provide. However, please note that refunds cannot be processed for CVS and Pay-Easy payments.

Other (partners, security, etc.)

Q. Do you offer a solution for preventing fraudulent use?
A.
Both free and paid options are available. See below for details.
Q. Can partner contracts be made for both online payments and terminal payments?
A.
Yes, you can. There a number of partnership systems that we can introduce, so please contact our partner support desk. Please note that you may be asked about possible clients and other matters prior to contract.