I am far from a Bitcoin expert, but I believe in it's potential. I have a small amount of Bitcoin. I've used various on-line and local wallets. I've also written some code for basic website/wallet integration. Recently, during a phone call with a friend, I was asked to explain to a smart but "non-technical" person how to get his first Bitcoin.
While thinking out loud as to the "easiest" way to start out with Bitcoin - which wallet to use, which website/service for buying it - I realized that going from no Bitcoin knowledge to a wallet with a Bitcoin in it is not trivial. It's not like someone simply handing you a dollar bill for instance.
After trying to explain how to download and install a wallet, then wait a day for it to sync with the blockchain, I eventually said to simply use an on-line wallet at first. As for buying a Bitcoin, I explained meetups and LocalBitcoins.com, but those both required either driving into the city, or depositing cash into someone's bank account. The other option was an exchange which required a wire transfer along with sending a copy of a driver's license. By the time I got to options like purse.io for buying Amazon gift certificates then swapping them for Bitcoin, he was over it. I was told, "Never mind, but thanks anyway."
While I'm sure that a more knowledgeable person would have been able to do a much better job than I, I am sure that many other Bitcoin enthusiasts have had similar experiences.
In the end I realized that I should have just offered to come over, walk the guy through setting-up a simple on-line wallet, and have the guy give me cash for one of my Bitcoins (I could simply buy another one to replace it).
This brings me to the point of this thread. I know that there are a lot of people out there, curious about Bitcoin, but not willing or able to get over the initial hurdles of figuring out how to store it (or spend it for that matter), and actually exchanging money for something that you're confused about.
I am thinking of being a beginner's Bitcoin consultant of sorts. I could explain their wallet options over the phone or skype, walk them through getting it set-up, then meet them (locals) somewhere near their home to exchange Bitcoin directly in a non-intimidating environment. I don't expect to make much (if any) money (at least initially anyway). I was thinking of a flat consulting/convenience fee of $20 to $40, or something like that. I don't know if something like this is even feasible - I realize that as a business model, there's very little upside and no scalability.
At this point, I really just want to help people get into Bitcoin, and make some/any money in the process if I can. In addition, this would be a way to get into the market so to speak, which at this point is really payment enough for me.
The main points would be:
1. A real person to answer your questions, and help with wallet set-up/installation.
2. Friendly cash/Bitcoin transactions close to home (unlike LocalBitcoins which are all downtown, at least in this area).
Here are my questions:
1. Do you guys think this type of service would be appealing to anyone?
2. Do any of you know of something like this already available?
3. It's still a sort of rough plan, do any of you have your own ideas on ways for refine it?
Any ideas, questions, or insights would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
This definitely sounds like a good idea. There are many persons that don't want to find out how things work on it's own. They prefer paying a small amount and get it learned much faster then. So i think your idea might work... maybe if you offer it online and you are mobile. Then you might find enough customers.
Good luck with that.
