TMN’s In-House Prepaid Service Adopted by U CO-OP

Transaction Media Networks Inc. (TMN)’s in-house prepaid service has been adopted by U CO-OP, a consumers’ cooperative operating in Kanagawa, Shizuoka, and Yamanashi Prefectures.

TMN’s in-house prepaid service has allowed the three U CO-OP membership functions (Point Card, U CO-OP Membership Card, and Prepaid Card) into a single physical card, while allowing the same functions to the existing U CO-OP smartphone app.

All U CO-OP storefronts began accepting the new version of the physical card ToMaCa and its smartphone app equivalent Mobile ToMaCa from October 1st, 2023.

Background and Purpose behind U CO-OP’s Decision

Japan’s electronic payment has grown over the years, but its percentage among all payment methods is below 40%, signifying that cash payment is still a preferred choice within the nation. U CO-OP’s storefronts have researched that cash payments amount to over 50% of all payments, and the slow checkout has been the pressing issue in all storefronts.

U CO-OP is in its 10th year anniversary since its inception has constantly strived to improve its member experience, and it has decided to adopt TMN’s in-house prepaid service that is already adopted by other consumers’ cooperatives to reduce checkout time, answer to smartphone payment demands, and customer loyalty improvements.

TMN’s in-house prepaid service can create in-house e-cash, membership and points managements, coupons, and other wide variety of functions, and have a possibility to increase further functions based on the storefronts’ need and changes in operational environment.

Pros for U CO-OP Members

• Reduce waiting time and stress during checkouts by allowing faster payments away from cash
• U CO-OP membership card, point card, and the prepaid card are bundled into a single physical card or in a smartphone app

Pros for U CO-OP

• Reduce cash handling and increase in operational efficiency through increased percentage of electronic payment methods as a whole
• Limit cost increase by introducing in-house e-cash
• Strengthen customer loyalty

What’s Next?

TMN will continue to provide new and innovative settlement solutions that can improve storefront operation and customer convenience, through knowledge and experience garnered from working with various storefronts and their settlement needs.

What is ToMaCa?

ToMaCa is a prepaid style in-house E-Cash that is accepted in U CO-OP storefronts. Its smartphone app equivalent Mobile ToMaCa is available through U CO-OP's official smartphone app Pokke App.

ToMaCa’s Features

• ■Convenience：
• Present ToMaCa or Mobile ToMaCa at checkout for a convenient shopping experience
• Prepaid features are chargeable at charging machines located in store for a smooth payment*
• Point card, U CO-OP Membership Card, and Prepaid Card are all bundled in one card

• *Not available in all locations

• ■Economical：
• Bonus payout available for ToMaCa prepaid charging, making it more economical than cash payment*

• *Subject to change without prior notice

　　　　　　　

The Payment Bar Code on Mobile ToMaCa uses TMN’s one-time passcode, making it secure to use by U CO-OP members.