TOKYO, May 28, 2013 – Rakuten GORA, the golf reservation service of Rakuten Inc., today announced the launch of the “Rakuten Check-in Service,” which enables users to undergo sign-free check-inat golf courses.
“Rakuten Check-in Service” is a service whereby users can complete the check-in procedures at golf courses simply by presenting a dedicated card or their personal smart phone’s screen when checking-in,* 1 and having the golf course identify them by using a bar code reader. Up until now, users have had to enter information such as their name, address, and phone number on a mounted piece of paper every time they check-in at the front desk. But through the introduction of this free of charge service, users can cut down on the time and effort of annoying reception procedures simply by presenting a dedicated card or personal screen. Additionally, the service has been set up so that each time someone checks-in they accumulate Rakuten Super Points.*2*3
This allows golf courses to alleviate congestion and save labor on staff at reception during check-in, thereby achieving greater operating efficiency. Furthermore, since the user’s information is outputted in printed text, it makes it easier to read and simplifies data entry into databases, which in turn allows for the information to be utilized effectively. For the first three months of the start of the campaign and service, Rakuten will be providing the initial equipment involved in introducing the service for free.
In its early stages, “Rakuten GORA” will be aiming to introduce this service at 1,000 courses, and then at all courses available on “Rakuten GORA” within three years’ time. In addition, Rakuten is setting its sights not just on golf courses, but also to expanding the service to golf practice ranges and shops. It will also strive to acquire new Rakuten members and achieve greater synergy than ever before with Rakuten Ichiba, as it continues to provide its users with even better services.
* 1 Users can either download the special smartphone app or display their personal screen from their own page on “Rakuten GORA” via their smartphone.
*2 Users must become Rakuten members in order to accumulate Rakuten Super Points.
*3 All users of the check-in service will be awarded 10 Rakuten Super Points. For those who make a reservation via “Rakuten GORA,” 50 points will be awarded to both the person who made the reservation and to their companions.