Net Protections, Inc. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shin Shibata; “Net Protections”) is pleased to announce that its BNPL service atone is available to all Ticket PIA users from October.
The decision was made following its successful test introduction on Ticket PIA, the ticket sales platform operated by PIA Corporation, on a limited basis in March 2021, during which, the percentage of customers using the service and the number of new members acquired increased as it gradually became more widely available.
Reason for Implementation
Up until now, transactions on Ticket PIA were mainly carried out via credit card or prepayment at convenience stores. However, there were issues with these existing payment methods, including the fact that some users do not have credit cards and some do not want to use them even if they have them. Moreover, a real-time payment method was needed for sports and other events where tickets are sold right up until the event starts.
While looking into new payment services with both the functionality to solve the above issues and the name recognition to give users peace of mind, they set their sights on atone.
atone is a BNPL service that does not require a credit card. Because payment is made later, it can be used with events for which tickets are sold right up until they start. Registration can be completed easily on a smartphone, and lump-sum payments are made once a month. Customers can select convenience store payment, ATM payment, direct debit, and other payment options according to their preference.
This introduction of a BNPL service other than credit cards in a ticket sales business in Japan is a new, mostly unprecedented initiative, and the expected improvement of convenience for Ticket PIA users is what led to the introduction of atone.
Results of the test introduction of atone
In Phase 1, which started in the spring of 2021, the service was introduced only for certain first-come, first-served sales, while in Phase 2, which started in the spring of 2022, it was introduced for all such sales. Comparing the two phases, usage nearly quadrupled in the second phase. In addition, whereas most Ticket PIA users are in their 30s, we found that BNPL use was highest among the combined group of teenagers and those in their 20s, accounting for around 17% and 39%, respectively, while those in their 30s accounted for around 19%.
Based on these results, Phase 3, in which the service will be made available to all users, is expected to stimulate use among young people and lead to the acquisition of new customers.
About Ticket PIA
Launched in 1984, Ticket PIA was the first online ticket sales system in Japan. At any given time, there are 20,000 registered events, including musical and theatrical performances, sporting events, movies, and leisure events. It has one of the highest transaction volumes in Japan, issuing as many as 75 million tickets annually. Ticket PIA boasts the top share in the ticket sales market owing to its strengths that include technology, systems, and expertise cultivated in ticket sales on top of its diverse sales channels, 17.5 million-strong membership base, and extensive track record in international conventions.
Click here for details：https://t.pia.jp/
About atone
atone is a cardless Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service well-known for its simplicity and clarity. With its point reward program, atone stores can approach 5.29 million non-credit card users (※1) and expect the increase of new customer acquisition, LTV, and repeat purchase rate. atone can be used in various fields such as e-commerce, digital content, and even physical stores. Customers can consolidate their orders into a single invoice in the month and pay in the following month. Also, 0.5% of the purchase is rewarded as NP points and can be used for discounts anytime. For the first-time users, it is possible to pay with atone immediately with a simple sign-up, and users can easily check the usage status and purchase history on the app.
For further information regarding atone(Japanese only)：https://atone.be/
※1) Based on the number of the registered NP members as of March 31, 2022
About PIA Corporation
Company name
PIA Corporation (Code: 4337, Prime Market of Tokyo Stock Exchange)
Head Office
Shibuya First Tower, 1-2-20 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
URL：https://corporate.pia.jp/
Business Description
Sales of tickets for musical and theatrical performances, sporting events, movies, and other events
Planning, production, and management of concerts and other events
Provision of various solution services for entertainment organizers (such as sports organizations, theatrical companies, and broadcasting stations), concert halls, theatres, stadiums, and more
General ticketing services for international events such as the Olympics
Planning and management of Pia Arena MM and other concert halls and theatres
Planning and editing of publications, distribution of online media, and operation of smartphone apps, particularly in the domain of entertainment and leisure
Management of PIA member organization and provision of various services such as PIA card
Various businesses related to general entertainment, including participation in CSR activities such as the PIA Film Festival (PFF), PIA Research Institute, and Team Smile
About Net Protections, Inc.
Net Protections, Inc. is a pioneer of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services in Japan. In 2002, Net Protections launched its first service, NP Atobarai, a BNPL that guarantees risk-free transactions for businesses and provides a deferred payment for customers in Japan for the first time. NP Atobarai is used by numerous enterprises with over 15 million users (※2) and has surpassed 340 million transactions as of March, 2022. In 2011, Net Protections released NP Kakebarai, a BNPL service for BtoB. NP Kakebarai has grown 130% yearly and played a role as the dominant BtoB payment service in Japan. In 2017, Net Protections launched atone, BtoC BNPL service that can be used at not only e-commerce, but also digital content and physical retailers. In 2018, Net Protections released AFTEE, BtoC BNPL service in Taiwan. Net Protections has accumulated transaction data and knowledge since its first service launched, which has enabled it to build a sophisticated credit screening system and solid operation skills. Net Protections always pursues creating a society where everyone can do business safely and easily.
【Company Name】
Net Protections, Inc.
(Net Protections Holdings, Inc.[Code: 7383, Prime Market of Tokyo Stock Exchange] Group)
【Representative】
Shin Shibata, CEO
【Website】
https://corp.netprotections.com/en/
【Services】
BtoC e-commerce Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service, NP Atobarai
BtoB BNPL Service, NP Kakebarai
BtoC BNPL service for on-site services, NP Atobarai air
BtoC cardless BNPL service, atone
BtoC BNPL Service in Taiwan, AFTEE
Point reward program, NP Point Club
【Founded】
January, 2000
【Capital】
JPY 100 million
【Head Office】
SUMITOMO FUDOSAN KOJIMACHI FIRST BUILDING 5F, 4-2-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083 Japan
※2）The number of individual unique users of NP Atobarai based on the matching of duplicative names and phone numbers between April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022
Direct any inquiries regarding this release to:
Net Protections PR
Email: pr@netprotections.co.jp
