Konbini payments, which allow people to pay at convenience stores with little hassle, are widely used in Japan. There are two types: the traditional payment slip option and the paperless method, which emerged with the spread of the internet.

In recent years, the mass adoption of smartphones and the growth of cashless transactions have led to the expansion of paperless Konbini payments. These payments are made using a number or barcode displayed on a smartphone or computer screen instead of a physical slip. This approach enhances accessibility and offers various other upsides to organizations and consumers. A good understanding of its features and benefits is key for business implementation.

Let’s look at the differences between this method and the slip-based one, how the process unfolds for customers at convenience stores, how the pre- and post-payment systems differ, and the advantages that paperless Konbini payments offer.

What’s in this article?

• What are paperless Konbini payments?
  
• How to make a paperless Konbini payment
  
• Pre- and post-payment paperless Konbini options
  
• Benefits of implementing paperless Konbini payments for businesses
  
• Benefits of using paperless Konbini payments for customers
  
• The future of paperless Konbini payments
  

What are paperless Konbini payments?

Paperless Konbini payments on ecommerce sites have increased in recent years. In the past, customers had to take a paper payment slip to a convenience store to make their payment. Now, they complete the transaction at the counter using a barcode or online payment number displayed on their smartphone. Not having to produce a physical slip significantly enhances the checkout experience.

Differences with the payment slip method

Konbini payments include the paperless and paper-based versions, which involve a payment slip. Before the spread of the internet, the latter was common for taxes, utility bills, and mail-order purchases, among other things. This requires customers to remember to take that form—without it, it’s impossible to make the payment. It also requires businesses to issue and mail the slip, which means more paperwork.

Many businesses now shift to the paper-free route to reduce costs and boost convenience, though the payment slip method remains very popular.

How to make a paperless Konbini payment

Before implementing paperless Konbini payments, businesses should understand the process from the customers’ perspective. Here are the basic steps:

1. Select the convenience store payment option

Choose “Konbini payment” when buying products or services online.

2. Save the barcode or number

Once the purchase is complete, the business sends a confirmation email—you will use the barcode or number there to pay in-store. Tip: jotting it down can ease the process.

3. Enter the number at the counter or in-store terminal

The online store sends you various numbers, including the order, customer, confirmation, telephone, and payment receipt numbers. Use the ones sent at checkout on the terminal.

Now that we know how the process unfolds, let’s look at the steps required for each convenience store chain. These will differ depending on whether you use a barcode or the convenience store terminal.

FamilyMart

With a barcode. Display it on your phone, have it scanned by the cashier, and pay.

With a multicopy machine. You will need the first and second numbers to pay using the multicopy machine. Enter them in the machine to issue an application slip, then take it to the counter and pay.

Lawson or MINISTOP

With Loppi. Enter the two numbers into Loppi—an information terminal—to generate a receipt, hand it to the clerk within 30 minutes, and pay in cash.

Seicomart

With a barcode. Display it on your phone, have it scanned by the cashier, and pay.

With a number. Tell the cashier you are making an internet payment, enter receipt and phone numbers on the register’s touch panel, then pay.

7-Eleven

With a barcode. Display it on your phone, have it scanned by the cashier, and pay.

With a 13-digit payment slip number. Give the cashier the 13-digit number from the slip and pay.

Not all receiving agents work with every chain. When adopting Konbini checkouts, businesses must check whether the agency handles their chosen convenience store chain upstream. Businesses also need to be aware that Konbini payments incur fees.

Pre- and post-payment paperless Konbini options

Both form-based and paper-free options support prepayment and post-payment. The difference hinges on whether the customer shopping on an ecommerce site pays before or after receiving the order.

Prepayment

The shopper orders on the ecommerce site, and the item is shipped once the payment has been processed. Unpaid carts aren’t a problem because the business receives the money upfront, but any hiccup at the convenience store (e.g., cancellation before the deadline) can spark complaints. Before implementing the prepayment system, businesses need to conduct tests and minimize issues as much as possible.

Post-payment

The customer pays after they’ve received their order. Because of how this type of payment is designed, businesses risk being unable to collect the money owed if the shopper forgets or refuses to pay. Customers find this transaction type more attractive than prepayments because they don’t need to worry about the product not arriving or other issues. Some agencies offer a service to collect on behalf of businesses, which can help in certain cases.

Benefits of implementing paperless Konbini payments for businesses

Cost reduction

The paper payment slip method incurs printing, packaging, and postage costs. Going paper-free allows businesses to reduce these expenses.

Promotion of the business’s SDG agenda

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are international advancement objectives to achieve a better, more sustainable society. The transition to paperless contributes to protecting the environment and combating climate change—as such, it’s featured in the SDGs and can help improve brand image.

Customer base expansion

Paperless Konbini payments represent an opportunity to reach a new, younger demographic. Students and others without credit cards can use smartphones to pay, raising revenue potential.

Benefits of using paperless Konbini payments for customers

Convenient payments at any time

Customers making purchases on ecommerce sites no longer have to wait for a physical payment slip to arrive by mail—they can pay any time at a convenience store.

Easy access to payment history

Because the order and payment history can be checked using an app, a website, or their email, customers no longer need to hang on to paper receipts, which makes it easier to manage household finances.

No worries related to losing the payment slip

Making the transaction with a smartphone eliminates the hassle of taking the paper payment slip to the store and risk losing it.

The future of paperless Konbini payments

Paperless Konbini payments benefit both businesses and shoppers through lower costs, a reduced environmental impact, and greater convenience. The adoption of this method is set to grow in the future.

Stripe Payments supports paper-free Konbini checkouts and can be used at major Japanese convenience store chains such as FamilyMart, Lawson, MINISTOP, and Seicomart. With Payment Element, Checkout, and Invoicing, Konbini payments can be enabled easily from the Dashboard. Using Payment Links lets businesses start accepting them immediately—no coding or website needed.

If your business is considering a paperless Konbini option, contact Stripe.