Get shops to accept Bitcoins

[N12]

Let’s collect some ideas of what shops could be interested in Bitcoin and collectively send mails to them, explaining to them why they should accept Bitcoin.

I think that the target group would need to be "geeks" or "nerds", as this community primarily consists of them. Also, shops that have an interested in anonymity will certainly consider accepting Bitcoins.

Thinkgeek was suggested in IRC and I think it’s a good idea, but maybe too big at this moment though.

More suggestions?

Tangibles:

• Newegg
• Thinkgeek
• getDigital
• SparkFun Electronics
• 3D Supply
• bytelove

Internet Services:

• Slicehost
• Linode

Other:

• Flattr
• cam4

[1714619896]

1714619896

[Matt Corallo]

Maybe one of the VPS Hosting sites (Slicehost, Linode, etc).  It seems like a perfect match (anonymity of bitcoin, and hosting).  I know there are ones which accept it, but one of the major ones would be nice.

[error]

Maybe one of the VPS Hosting sites (Slicehost, Linode, etc).  It seems like a perfect match (anonymity of bitcoin, and hosting).  I know there are ones which accept it, but one of the major ones would be nice.

Ha. I have been thinking of starting a VPS host. Though at this point I don't know what demand will be like, so I don't know whether it would be worth it.

[SmokeTooMuch]

3dsupply.de
getdigital.de

[Matt Corallo]

Can someone write up a post that explains clearly why companies should accept BTC.  ie what all the advantages are and why some of the disadvantages are outweighed.  This could allow people to just send companies a link to read about why they should use bitcoin, not just an explanation of what bitcoin is.

[jimbobway]

ThinkGeek, NewEgg, ... why not target the big ones?  Doesn't hurt.

[Matt Corallo]

I started a piratepad where we can try to write something which explains why businesses should consider using bitcoins as a payment option.  You can just link to bitcoinme, but I think sending an email that says "accept bitcoins, see more here" is not going to win anyone over.  In any case you can read and edit the pad here.  It is by no means done, but its a start.

[Ryland R. Taylor-Almanza]

sparkfun.com

[casascius]

I had also started a Wiki article

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_accept_Bitcoin,_for_small_businesses

I was unable to get the Pirate Pad page to load.  Its server does not appear to be accepting http connections on port 80.

[Matt Corallo]

I had also started a Wiki article

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_accept_Bitcoin,_for_small_businesses

I was unable to get the Pirate Pad page to load.  Its server does not appear to be accepting http connections on port 80.

Saw that, its a good article on HOW to accept it but not WHY shops should consider accepting it.  Also, piratepad appears to have been having some issues on its servers, they seem fine now.

[N12]

I started a piratepad where we can try to write something which explains why businesses should consider using bitcoins as a payment option.  You can just link to bitcoinme, but I think sending an email that says "accept bitcoins, see more here" is not going to win anyone over.  In any case you can read and edit the pad here.  It is by no means done, but its a start.

I think this deserves more attention. We certainly need a good summary of the benefits for merchants if we want them to accept Bitcoin. This way, we can just email them all with some personalized changes and get the word out.

New suggestions for shops/services are also welcome, I’ll keep the list up-to-date.

[cw]

bytelove.com looks like a good candidate. I bet there are a good amount of people willing to buy The Pirate Bay T-Shirts and similar for bitcoins.

[joepie91]

Flattr.

[Distribution]

Is there anyway to know who accepted egold? I think they would be prime. Unlike egold, we don't store their Bitcoins in a safe so that the government can seize them. But it's still anonymous and not fiat money.

[Ian Maxwell]

This may be too obvious, but adult sites like cam4 might be interested. The more anonymous they can make their transactions, the more appealing they are to their customers.

Thinkgeek is actually a reasonable target since it matches their customer base---they can angle it as a cool new geeky thing they're doing, and get good PR even if it doesn't work out for them.

Cafepress might be too big, but is worth a shot. They could just give their merchants the option of accepting BTC or not.

[N12]

Note this thread, by the way. That should provide higher incentive.

Services like cam4 is a very good idea in my opinion. Thanks for your input.

[Ian Maxwell]

Maybe have an ADULT or NSFW warning next to cam4 above? I don't want to get someone fired accidentally.

[Sedo]

How about Mojang (from Minecraft)? I created a topic on their feedback platform.
http://getsatisfaction.com/mojang/topics/add_bitcoin_to_payment_options

I could use help getting upvotes and replys to bump it up.

[cw]

Well-established privacy-hardcore hosting services look like an ideal match too:
http://cb3rob.net/
http://heihachi.net/

Both already provide anonymous payment means (Heihachi accepts Ukash, cb3rob might accept special arrangements).