Submit your message cardhere.
Q:
I have a green "Co-op Voucher" (University of Tokyo Consumer Cooperative). Can I use this voucher at the Travel Center? I
would like to use it for Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets and express train tickets.
A:
You can also use this to purchase tickets, so
please inform a staff member when making your purchase.
Q:
I tried to apply for membership with the Co-op online, but I found it extremely inconvenient that I could only upload my ID in jpg/gif/png format. The iPhone's native functions don't support converting to these file formats, so I'd like to see an improvement to allow uploading in jpeg format. While it's currently possible to convert to the specified file format using a third-party service or a PC, considering the risks of uploading my ID to a third-party service and the hassle of having to take my PC out, I would really like to see jpeg uploads made possible
A:
to allow uploads in JPEG format
We have modified the program
Please try again.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Thank you also for your valuable feedback.
Q:
I would like to ask about the new cash registers that were introduced on September 1st. I understand that you are having difficulty adapting to the new machines at your co-op facilities, especially in the cafeteria. I apologize for asking this question when you are already struggling to adapt, but I have three questions regarding this
・What could be the cause?
It could simply be that customers are unfamiliar with the new machine and are taking longer to operate it, or it could be a system malfunction. However, we have heard from cashiers that the response is slower compared to the previous machine, and after some observation, we have noticed that the user interface of the machine itself has deteriorated, such as the requirement to enter a PIN for credit card payments, the slower printing speed of receipts, and the increased number of operations required due to the introduction of tablets. In this regard, we would like to hear from those who actually operate the registers, and also hear how the cooperative perceives the cause.
• Are there any current countermeasures?
If there are any countermeasures being implemented or considered to address the above causes, please let us know.
・Do you have a plan to improve the time efficiency of the cash registers and raise it to previous levels by the start of the semester (early October)?
If the semester starts as it is now, we expect the cafeteria and shops to be much more crowded than before. Speaking frankly as a user, if that happens, it will be more realistic to use facilities other than the co-op when I don't have much time. I believe you are aware that the start of the semester (around October 3rd) is one of the deadlines for improving the situation, but do you have a plan for improvement at this point? If the cause of the problem is familiarity or a malfunction, there is room for improvement, but if it is a problem with the machine itself, I think a fundamental solution will be difficult. Only a short time has passed since the problem was discovered, but I would like to hear your thoughts at this point, taking into account the cause and countermeasures.
Please feel free to answer only the parts you are able to answer, so thank you for your consideration
A:
Thank you for always using the University of Tokyo Co-op. We sincerely apologize for the concern caused by the recent change in cash registers. Thank you also for your inquiry. Below are our answers, mainly regarding requests concerning the Central Cafeteria. We sincerely apologize for the delay in our response.
I. Causes 0) We faced the first day of the cash register change without sufficient familiarity and preparation. 1) There was a mistake in changing the UI of the cash register operation screen (the order in which the food menus are displayed). Previously, the cash registers operated with menu screens on the cash register panel that were specific to each cafeteria. In the Central Cafeteria, the initial default standard delivery screen was used during the change, and the number of steps required to call up menus has increased significantly. 2) After payment at the cash register, there is a time lag due to the panel operation required to welcome the next customer. Multiple button operations that were not necessary with the previous cash registers have been added, causing time lag and stress. 3) This is due to a time lag when linking the cash register to the Stella terminal (multi-payment terminal) and the specification that requires credit card PIN entry.
II. Regarding countermeasures: 1) We will be changing from a standard screen to a UI that is uniquely reorganized for each cafeteria, which is expected to improve screen operation. 2) A system specification change is planned that will automatically transition to the initial screen after payment at the register. 3) Credit card PIN entry will be disabled up to a certain amount. There is currently no solution for the time lag between the register and the Stella terminal, as this is a specification issue.
III. Regarding the target date at the start of Semester A: 1) Improvements are expected in the Central Cafeteria during the week of September 12th. 2) We have been informed that due to system specification changes, it will not be possible to meet the October 3rd deadline. 3) A modification will be implemented around September 15th that will eliminate the need for PIN entry up to a certain amount.
In addition, it has been found that payments using cafeteria money and cash payments are relatively faster because they do not require the Stella terminal. We will consider setting up separate registers for cafeteria money and cash only, and measures to encourage the use of cafeteria money. We do not yet have a clear timeframe for returning to the previous level by the start of Semester A, but we will continue to make necessary improvements. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your continued support.
Q:
Why switch to an app when the previous payment method using transportation IC cards for the cafeteria pass was perfectly convenient? Problems include the need for a smartphone, the requirement for multiple registrations and logins within the app, poor signal reception at the Hongo Central Cafeteria, and the need to launch the app before payment. It is unnatural to require a smartphone for the cafeteria pass, which should have been usable with just a deposit and a certain amount of money added to the pass. Furthermore, the transition was carried out unilaterally and rapidly without any consideration of student opinions, which can only be described as a disregard for users. Secondly, there is the requirement for multiple logins within the app. Since students are already registered for the cafeteria pass, further registration and logins should be unnecessary, and it feels like an unnecessarily complicated process is being demanded. Thirdly, due to structural issues, the signal reception at the Hongo Central Cafeteria is poor, and even if the university's wireless network is used, congestion is expected during peak hours. Finally, it is possible that the checkout process will become more complicated. Using the app requires multiple steps, including unlocking the smartphone, logging in, selecting payment options, and choosing a cafeteria pass. This is expected to make the already crowded cafeteria even more congested during peak hours, despite the one-touch cafeteria pass system.
We would like an explanation as to why this negative change, which no student has requested, was implemented. Ideally, we would like to revert to the system using transportation IC cards.
A:
Thank you for your continued patronage of the Co-op. Thank you for your comment. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money. The Gakushoku Pass system was linked to a POS register (manufactured by Toshiba TEC) that was used jointly by not only the University of Tokyo Co-op but also many other university co-ops in the Tokyo area. As part of a major system overhaul across the nationwide university co-op group, including the Tokyo area, the registers will also be changed. The Gakushoku Pass system, which was previously only used in the Tokyo area, has also been updated to a smartphone app: Gakushoku Money. We apologize for the inconvenience this system will cause our members. While the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money is due to the nationwide system overhaul, all previous features (cashless use at co-op cafeterias, limited use for eating in, and viewing usage history and nutrition information on your personal page) will remain the same. In the future, we plan to implement point rewards for individual items, events, fairs, and other events. Additionally, the Co-op sells food items such as lunch boxes and drinks not only in the cafeteria but also in the store, but after the transition to the cafeteria money system, the scope of use has been expanded to include food items at the store. By promoting the spread of use between the cafeteria and the store, we hope to alleviate congestion as much as possible. Finally, we would like to individually consult and provide support to members who do not have smartphones but currently use the cafeteria pass. From a system perspective, we believe it is necessary to consider using and paying via methods other than smartphones. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the system changeover. We appreciate your continued support
Q:
Regarding checking your balance after transferring from Gakushoku Pass to the app
I still can't check my previous balance on the app, but I wonder if I'll be able to check it from the "Payment" section on September 1st. My balance isn't displayed on my Univcoop My Portal, so I'm worried about how to check it
A:
The final remaining balance of your Gakushoku Pass up until August 21st can currently be viewed on the traditional Gakushoku Pass My Page. As of August 22nd, the payment service for the Gakushoku Pass has been suspended, so please rest assured that there will be no changes to your remaining balance. The remaining balance will be transferred via the system, and you will be able to check it by logging in from September 1st using the "Payment" button. Please be aware that there has been a delay in providing information on payment and deposit methods and history confirmation
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We will notify you via in-app notifications before you can start using the service, so please wait a little longer
Q:
When I used the bundle sale, I noticed the amount on the receipt didn't match, and then I realized
ら、割引き額が間違っていることに気づきました。書籍部で聞いたところ、割引額の1の位が切り捨てであると言われました。そんなことはどこにも書いていませんでした。端数が積み重なったら合計金額はかなり変わってきます。このようなことがあるので生協に対する「学生から金を貪る悪質な団体」というイメージが強まるのです。返金してもらいたいぐらいです。
A:
about the current discount calculation method
We sincerely apologize for not adequately informing you
・From September 1st, all university co-op stores will be updated to a new register system, and
the new registers will calculate discounts in 1-yen increments.
switch from cash discounts to point rewards with the change to the new registers,
but the University of Tokyo Co-op will continue to offer cash discounts.
・Until the above update (until the end of August),
we will post the discount calculation method near the registers.
We plan to post it from the time of opening on August 4th.
Based on your feedback,
we are considering reviewing the information provided when joining the co-op.
using the expressions and descriptions we have used so far
We will strive to communicate more accurately
Q:
Regarding the discontinuation of the student cafeteria pass.
It appears that the student cafeteria pass will be discontinued, but I feel that the explanation for this discontinuation is insufficient. Please explain the rational reasons for discontinuing it, how the app is superior to the student cafeteria pass, and why the student cafeteria pass cannot replace it. Also, there are likely a small number of subscribers who do not own smartphones, and it is unfair to unilaterally discontinue the student cafeteria pass and demand that they switch to the app without providing any alternative measures for them. I believe an explanation is needed for this as well. I await a sincere response.
A:
We apologize for any inconvenience caused regarding the transition from cafeteria pass to cafeteria money
The Gakushoku Pass system was linked to a POS register (Toshiba TEC) that was used jointly not only by the University of Tokyo Co-op but also by many other university co-ops in the Tokyo area. As part of a large-scale system overhaul across the nationwide university co-op group, including the Tokyo area, the registers will also be changed, and the Gakushoku Pass system, which was only used in the Tokyo area, will be revamped and made into a smartphone app. Since the services that have been provided through the Gakushoku Pass will continue to be available even after the overhaul, we have decided to ask members to switch to Gakushoku Money. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this system switchover will cause our members
The transition from the Student Cafeteria Pass to Student Cafeteria Money is due to a nationwide system renewal as described above, but the existing functions (cashless use at the Co-op cafeteria, limited use for eating, and viewing of usage history and nutritional information on My Page) will basically be maintained. In the future, we also plan to implement point accrual for individual items and events/fairs.
Currently, alleviating congestion at the University of Tokyo Co-op, especially at the Komaba campus cafeteria during peak lunch hours, is one of the most pressing requests from our members.
We believe that the increasing number of Student Cafeteria Pass holders and the fact that the Pass is limited to cafeteria menus are contributing factors to this congestion. The Co-op handles food items such as bento boxes and beverages not only at the cafeteria but also at its stores, so after the transition to Student Cafeteria Money, we would like to expand the scope of use to include food items at the stores as well, making it a system that further supports "eating" on campus. We hope that by promoting the dispersion of usage between the cafeteria and stores, we can contribute to alleviating congestion as much as possible.
Finally, regarding members who do not own a smartphone but are currently using the cafeteria pass, we would like to discuss and address this matter on an individual basis. We believe it is
necessary to consider alternative payment methods other than smartphones from a system perspective.
Q:
Tosho Card Next is being sold at a discount at discount shops, so to help reduce the burden of book costs for students, we would like you to consider the following:
1. Negotiate with major discount ticket shops (such as Ticket Ranger, J Market, or Ticketty) to have them install a book card vending machine in the university bookstore and have the shop replenish the book cards as needed. Alternatively, you can take on consignment sales from the discount ticket shop and sell them to students at a discounted price at the bookstore counter
2. The University of Tokyo Co-op will purchase Next Book Cards in bulk from major gift certificate shops at bulk rates and sell them to students at the University Bookstore (and faculty and staff if there are any surplus). In this case, it would probably be necessary to obtain a secondhand goods dealer license under the Secondhand Goods Dealers Act, but since they are planning to obtain a license in order to start trading in computers, I think the hurdle is low
In addition, please consider other items that might be useful to students that are sold at discount ticket shops, such as JAL and ANA shareholder discount coupons (for returning home, etc.), stamps, and JR Orange Cards (some major discount ticket shops sell stamps at a discount of nearly 20%, and Orange Cards at a discount of nearly 10%). While it
is possible for individual students to use discount ticket shops, they are small individual customers and therefore cannot receive the large-volume rates, and shipping costs tend to be a burden for small transactions, so we would like university cooperatives to handle large-volume transactions.
Q:
You requested that we sell the book vouchers at a discount, similar to those sold at discount voucher shops. We apologize for the delay in responding, as we had to check the procurement conditions from discount voucher shops based on the information you provided.
In conclusion, it is difficult to sell the book vouchers at a discount even if we purchase them from discount voucher shops.
This is because, if we were to purchase the book vouchers from the discount voucher shop you provided
, the cost would be higher than the purchase price of new book vouchers.
the cooperative also incurs certain expenses to run its business, so
it is difficult for us to sell at the same price we purchase them.
Q:
I have a question. Following the recent announcement regarding the abolition of the Gakushoku Pass, there is information that the University of Tokyo may follow the trend of other university co-ops and abolish the 10% discount on books for members. Regarding this, I would like to ask whether a decision has been made at this point regarding the abolition of the discount, and whether abolition is being considered at the management level
In addition, as we believe there are many students, faculty and staff members who are interested in this matter, we would also like to request that an official announcement be made in either case
A:
Regarding your inquiry regarding whether the 10% discount on books offered to members will be abolished, the University of Tokyo Co-op has no plans to abolish the current discount on books offered to members
Q:
I know an international student who is a heavy user of the cafeteria, even walking all the way from the Komaba Research Campus to the Komaba First Cafeteria to eat. Since they can't read Japanese, I thought they would be happy if there were message cards that could be written in English. I
also think that creating English versions of the message cards would be very useful in understanding the difficulties and misunderstandings that non-Japanese speaking users of the cafeteria may have.
A:
Even now, some people are submitting complaints in English at places like the central cafeteria, but your point is valid and we will consider some kind of response. We have signs in stores and on forms, butcontact information for the University of Tokyo Consumer Cooperative (utcoop.or.jp), so please give us some time.
