In the digital age, online transactions are becoming increasingly common, whether for buying goods or services. However, alongside this convenience, the risk of fraud is also on the rise. One solution to avoid these issues is by using a "Rekening Bersama" (Rekber), or joint account system.
Rekber serves as an intermediary that holds the buyer's payment until the goods or services are received as agreed. This system provides a safer and more comfortable experience for both buyers and sellers during transactions.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Rekber, including its definition, benefits, how it works, the types of services available, and the steps for using it. By understanding Rekber in depth, you can confidently engage in online transactions with reduced risk.
What is Rekber?
Rekber, or Joint Account, is an intermediary service used in online transactions to ensure safety for both buyers and sellers.
In this system, the buyer's payment is held by a Rekber provider until the purchased goods or services are received as agreed. After confirmation, the payment is forwarded to the seller, minimizing the risk of fraud.
Why is Rekber Popular?
Here are some reasons why Rekber is a popular choice in online transactions:
- Guaranteed Security
Rekber helps reduce the risk of fraud by holding the buyer’s funds with a third party until the transaction is completed. This ensures that the seller cannot run off with the money before shipping the product or providing the service. - Increased Buyer Trust in Sellers
With Rekber, buyers feel more secure because the payment is not forwarded to the seller until the product has been received in good condition. This boosts trust, especially in first-time transactions between buyers and sellers. - Reduced Concerns About Product Delivery
In online transactions, there's often a worry about whether the goods will actually be shipped. With Rekber, the seller only receives payment once the buyer confirms the item has been received in satisfactory condition, providing peace of mind for both parties.
Also Read: Online Payment: Definition, How it Works, and Benefits
How Does Rekber Work?
The Rekber system is actually quite simple. Below are the steps involved in the process:
- Agreement Between Seller and Buyer
Before the transaction takes place, both parties must agree to use Rekber services. This is important as not everyone is willing to use this system. - Buyer Makes Payment to the Rekber Account
After selecting the desired product, the buyer proceeds with payment by transferring the funds to the Rekber account managed by the provider. - Seller Waits for Payment Confirmation
The Rekber provider will verify if the buyer's payment has been successfully received before confirming to the seller to proceed with the transaction. - Packaging and Shipping the Product
Once the payment is confirmed, the seller will package and ship the product to the buyer’s address. - Confirmation of Product Receipt
After the product is delivered, the buyer must confirm that the product matches the order in terms of condition and completeness. - Return Process if There Is a Problem
If the product is damaged or doesn’t meet expectations and the seller has a return policy, the buyer can return the product. The seller should then send a replacement product. - Funds Sent to the Seller
Once the buyer confirms that the product is received in good condition, the Rekber service will release the funds to the seller, thus completing the transaction safely and fairly for both parties.
Types of Rekber Services
Here are the types of Rekber services available:
- Personal Rekber: Managed by trusted individuals in a specific community and typically used for smaller-scale transactions.
- Marketplace Rekber: Provided by online marketplaces like Tokopedia, Shopee, or Bukalapak, where funds are held until the transaction is completed.
- Third-Party Rekber: Offered by specialized companies as intermediaries for online transactions to ensure secure and transparent payments.
How Secure is Rekber?
Generally, Rekber is a very secure payment method. However, one of the main challenges is the potential for fraud, such as escrow scams or wire fraud. Cybercriminals often target both sellers and buyers, especially in high-value product transactions, as escrow accounts sometimes hold large sums of money.
Does this mean you should avoid using Rekber? Certainly not! By taking some precautions, your transactions can remain safe and protected.
First, make sure to use a Rekber service provider with a proven, reliable security system. Avoid using unverified Rekber providers. Additionally, always check the transfer amount and recipient information before completing any transaction. For business owners, it’s crucial to request transaction proof from the buyer via the Rekber provider.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that Rekber is a practical solution for both business owners and customers conducting transactions for products and services. Not only does it build trust between buyers and sellers, but it also ensures security and convenience in every payment.
Also Read: Here Are The Virtual Account Codes For Funds From All Banks
Rekber Systems
Rekber systems can be divided into a few mechanisms. The manual method relies on individuals or specific communities to organize and oversee transactions directly.
The automatic method is applied by marketplace platforms where the system holds funds and transfers them to the seller once the transaction is completed. There is also a hybrid method that combines manual and automated features to enhance security and transparency in each transaction.
How to Use Rekber
Here are the steps to use Rekber securely:
- Choose the Rekber provider you will use.
- Agree with the seller on the price, condition of the product, and other terms.
- Transfer the funds to the Rekber account as per the instructions.
- The seller ships the product or provides the service.
- After receiving and inspecting the product, the buyer confirms with Rekber.
- Rekber releases the funds to the seller if the product or service is in accordance with the agreement.
Tips for Using Rekber Effectively
To ensure a smooth transaction using Rekber, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure both parties agree to use Rekber before proceeding with the transaction.
- Choose a Rekber provider with clear and transparent policies.
- Don’t hesitate to inquire about the procedure before using the Rekber service.
- Keep a record of the transaction as documentation in case any issues arise.
Also Read: What is Payment? Understanding the Types and Differences
By using Rekber, online transactions can be carried out with greater safety and confidence, free from worries about fraud. Choose a trusted Rekber provider and always ensure that the terms of the transaction are clearly agreed upon.