Small poll for BitcoinTalk lovers

[joker_josue]

Not calling into question what has been said so far about privacy, which I understand and agree with some points.

I see that most of the time, using Bitcoin to buy things is something that can be very complicated or risky, based on the aspects mentioned.

Is it more comfortable for you to buy directly from a street store, paying with Bitcoin? Or are the fears the same?

[Pmalek]

Is it more comfortable for you to buy directly from a street store, paying with Bitcoin? Or are the fears the same?

Yeah, that's like a cash transaction. They don't know my name and where I live and I don't need to know their either. That is of course they aren't using a payment processor that requires full KYC, which doesn't make it worth my time to: a) undergo KYC, and b) spend more money than I would if I paid with cash (considering the network fees + the service processing fees by the payment processor.   

[joker_josue]

Yeah, that's like a cash transaction. They don't know my name and where I live and I don't need to know their either. That is of course they aren't using a payment processor that requires full KYC, which doesn't make it worth my time to: a) undergo KYC, and b) spend more money than I would if I paid with cash (considering the network fees + the service processing fees by the payment processor.   

So in your opinion, payments by Bitcoin are only viable if they are P2P? Or was it able to shop online, if so what kind of service?

[Pmalek]

So in your opinion, payments by Bitcoin are only viable if they are P2P?

No, not necessarily. But it's surely the best way to go about it. 

Or was it able to shop online, if so what kind of service?

I have purchased airplane tickets when going on holiday with Bitcoin in the past. Obviously, you can't remain anonymous when you buy airplane tickets whether you do it with any type of fiat or crypto, so that's ok. Online shopping is similar. If you are buying a product, you are probably going to ship it to your home. So they have to know who you are no matter how you pay.

But if I physically walk into a shop, I find cash to be a more attractive payment option than crypto.
If the bill is $50, I pay and leave. No extra charges and not additional time wasting.
If you are paying with crypto, you might have to register an account with the crypto-to-fiat payment processor or undergo some sort of KYC (Bitpay for example). You are wasting time doing that.
And then when it's time to pay, there are additional charges. Network fees + processing charges. So instead of paying just $50 and leaving, I now need to pay $55 worth of BTC or something. I need more time to complete the deal since I have to register with Bitpay, and I handed over some or all of my personal information that they now have on file on a server somewhere. I don't see any benefits in what I just did.   

[LoyceV]

Although I'd like to have something small as a coffee mug for cold winter days, providing that it doesn't cost a fortune to purchase. The combination of small-scale production and high shipping costs throughout Europe may be unsettling, and I wouldn't want a simple mug with a Bitcointalk logo to cost me over $25.

If you get a design for a forum mug, you can have it printed locally. That still gives the problem of the webshop knowing you're into Bitcoin, but it's probably cheaper than centralized printing and international shipping.
I checked a few mug printing websites, and found printed mugs for €18 including shipping. For larger amounts, it's 10 for €92 and 50 for €363. I expect prices can go lower if you search better than I did.

And then when it's time to pay, there are additional charges. Network fees + processing charges. So instead of paying just $50 and leaving, I now need to pay $55 worth of BTC or something. I need more time to complete the deal since I have to register with Bitpay, and I handed over some or all of my personal information that they now have on file on a server somewhere. I don't see any benefits in what I just did.

Avoid Bitpay or any other payment service that requires to you register while paying. Pay with LN. Fees are negligible, payment is fast.

[Pmalek]

Avoid Bitpay or any other payment service that requires to you register while paying.

Sure, but if I need/want that service/goods and Bitpay is what they use, that's what I need to do. Ledger, for example, uses Bitpay. If you only want to pay with BTC and buy on their official shop, Bitway is what you will using.

Pay with LN. Fees are negligible, payment is fast.

True, but again, it depends on the shop and what they use/accept/don't accept. Some places are more crypto-friendly than others. If you want to spend your coins in one that has a bad offer of shops, you can either accept to do it their way or not use crypto at all.

[aoluain]

Me too, as are many others! I would be interested in a collectible item and with a unique
design rather than something simple like a BTC symbol and HODL or something.

So yes I would be interested but not a mug or cap or tee.

What kind of product would you find interesting?

I suppose something with a unique design or unique piece of art depicting Bitcointalk.org.

Is it more comfortable for you to buy directly from a street store, paying with Bitcoin? Or are the fears the same?

Yeah, that's like a cash transaction. They don't know my name and where I live and I don't need to know their either. That is of course they aren't using a payment processor that requires full KYC, which doesn't make it worth my time to: a) undergo KYC, and b) spend more money than I would if I paid with cash (considering the network fees + the service processing fees by the payment processor.   

That's a good point actually, using a walk in shop to buy doesn't necessitate us giving any
personal information other than a name ^{fake or real} and a contact number

[dkbit98]

If you get a design for a forum mug, you can have it printed locally. That still gives the problem of the webshop knowing you're into Bitcoin, but it's probably cheaper than centralized printing and international shipping.

I do prefer downloading stuff whenever I can and printing them locally, that can be 3d printing or anything else.
You can print bunch of random stuff along with Bitcoin, so your local webshop won't really know what interest you, but they don't really care if you print bitcoin, apple or fbi logo if you pay them money.
There is always an option that you can buy a printer and even start your own printing business and accept bitcoin payments.

As for privacy reasons, people can always create a new forum account to order and receive stuff, they can also use alternative delivery addresses and PO boxes.
Sure, this address will be connected with Bitcointalk forum, but they won't know your main account, and you don't have to use this alternative account ever again.

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

My vote was No thanks.
I don't want others to know my place and post code.
Long ago I won a t-shirt from sportsbet but then decided to give it away to anyone who was interested.

So, here it's not that I do not want to have a merchandise. Being anonymous gives me freedom to speak my mind without worrying me having followed by anyone.

[joker_josue]

That's a good point actually, using a walk in shop to buy doesn't necessitate us giving any
personal information other than a name ^{fake or real} and a contact number

A curiosity question: you don't usually buy anything online?
Or shop online but avoid using bitcoin?

[Ultegra134]

Although I'd like to have something small as a coffee mug for cold winter days, providing that it doesn't cost a fortune to purchase. The combination of small-scale production and high shipping costs throughout Europe may be unsettling, and I wouldn't want a simple mug with a Bitcointalk logo to cost me over $25.

If you get a design for a forum mug, you can have it printed locally. That still gives the problem of the webshop knowing you're into Bitcoin, but it's probably cheaper than centralized printing and international shipping.
I checked a few mug printing websites, and found printed mugs for €18 including shipping. For larger amounts, it's 10 for €92 and 50 for €363. I expect prices can go lower if you search better than I did.

That's actually a great idea, which I didn't think of myself. On top of that, you can get a personalized coffee mug for as little as €7 online, plus shipping, which is €2–3 at most. Not a bad deal at all. T-shirts can also be done locally at a relatively low cost, but as I said, I'm tired of answering the same Bitcoin-related questions every time.

I might actually purchase a coffee mug in the upcoming days. I'll let you know if I do.

[joker_josue]

Although I'd like to have something small as a coffee mug for cold winter days, providing that it doesn't cost a fortune to purchase. The combination of small-scale production and high shipping costs throughout Europe may be unsettling, and I wouldn't want a simple mug with a Bitcointalk logo to cost me over $25.

If you get a design for a forum mug, you can have it printed locally. That still gives the problem of the webshop knowing you're into Bitcoin, but it's probably cheaper than centralized printing and international shipping.
I checked a few mug printing websites, and found printed mugs for €18 including shipping. For larger amounts, it's 10 for €92 and 50 for €363. I expect prices can go lower if you search better than I did.

That's actually a great idea, which I didn't think of myself. On top of that, you can get a personalized coffee mug for as little as €7 online, plus shipping, which is €2–3 at most. Not a bad deal at all. T-shirts can also be done locally at a relatively low cost, but as I said, I'm tired of answering the same Bitcoin-related questions every time.

I might actually purchase a coffee mug in the upcoming days. I'll let you know if I do.

So, could it be much more interesting for you to make a set of graphics, which you could print on the desired support?

[Ultegra134]

Although I'd like to have something small as a coffee mug for cold winter days, providing that it doesn't cost a fortune to purchase. The combination of small-scale production and high shipping costs throughout Europe may be unsettling, and I wouldn't want a simple mug with a Bitcointalk logo to cost me over $25.

If you get a design for a forum mug, you can have it printed locally. That still gives the problem of the webshop knowing you're into Bitcoin, but it's probably cheaper than centralized printing and international shipping.
I checked a few mug printing websites, and found printed mugs for €18 including shipping. For larger amounts, it's 10 for €92 and 50 for €363. I expect prices can go lower if you search better than I did.

That's actually a great idea, which I didn't think of myself. On top of that, you can get a personalized coffee mug for as little as €7 online, plus shipping, which is €2–3 at most. Not a bad deal at all. T-shirts can also be done locally at a relatively low cost, but as I said, I'm tired of answering the same Bitcoin-related questions every time.

I might actually purchase a coffee mug in the upcoming days. I'll let you know if I do.

So, could it be much more interesting for you to make a set of graphics, which you could print on the desired support?

Personally, I could also make a simple design myself too. It wouldn't include much, something like "I love Bitcointalk" with a heart emoji. You could potentially come up with a few designs for t-shirts, mugs, and caps, I guess, and sell them here for a few bucks each. In my case, buying a customized mug won't cost more than €10, I don't know about other countries, but it'll be hard for you to beat such a price. Thus, I suppose coming up with a few designs wouldn't be a bad idea, and it would overcome most of these issues (privacy, costs, etc) other members mentioned.

[LoyceV]

Personally, I could also make a simple design myself too. It wouldn't include much, something like "I love Bitcointalk" with a heart emoji.

How about a QR-code that shows up when the mug gets hot?

[joker_josue]

How about a QR-code that shows up when the mug gets hot?

Very interesting suggestion!
And that QR-Code would point to the forum, is that it?

[Sarah Azhari]

How about a QR-code that shows up when the mug gets hot?

Very interesting suggestion!
And that QR-Code would point to the forum, is that it?

yes, but is it not appropriate in what you mean in OP right?
The QR code doesn't show what I like, I think it's better if directly to the bitcoin picture that shows up when the mug gets hot. If possible, can it be implemented to t-shirts?, bitcoin picture that shows up when t-shirts wet with sweat?

[Awaklara]

How about a QR-code that shows up when the mug gets hot?

Very interesting suggestion!
And that QR-Code would point to the forum, is that it?

I've seen something like that in a social media ad. would be quite an interesting product. a mug that changes color or image when exposed to hot water.

can such technology also be applied to hats or mouse pads? not because of the hot water, but maybe because of the light rays in the room.

[joker_josue]

yes, but is it not appropriate in what you mean in OP right?
The QR code doesn't show what I like, I think it's better if directly to the bitcoin picture that shows up when the mug gets hot. If possible, can it be implemented to t-shirts?, bitcoin picture that shows up when t-shirts wet with sweat?

It is true that the information does not appear directly when creating this type of article. But, it makes its use safer, based on the concerns that some users have indicated here.

A simple QR code does not clearly say that you like Bitcoin. But it might make a friend or family member ask what that QR code is all about. It is then up to each one to decide what to say, thus being able to approach the topic in the most comfortable and safe way for them.

I think we've all seen ourselves, people wearing t-shirts (for example), with just a simple letter, icon or any other element, which clearly doesn't say its meaning. Maybe we didn't know what it was, or maybe we asked if it was a person we know.

Let's say it's a way of supporting something, without saying it directly.

[LoyceV]

And that QR-Code would point to the forum, is that it?

Or an addy. Or for the brave: a BIP38 encrypted private key

The QR code doesn't show what I like, I think it's better if directly to the bitcoin picture that shows up when the mug gets hot.

QR-codes with high error correction can have a logo in the middle.

bitcoin picture that shows up when t-shirts wet with sweat?

"Look at that smelly guy promoting Bitcoin"

[Mpamaegbu]

Nope, not interested, mainly because of the reason mentioned by Loyce. I didn't even pick up the "Scambuster of the year award" (which was a t-shirt) so I wouldn't be interested using any other forum related merchandise.

I thought about that too while the awards were going on and I felt it was an oversight by the organiser to have included prizes that demanded physical receiving addresses knowing it defiles part of what this forum promotes – privacy. I hope in the next award such will be monetized, rather than handed out as t-shirts or plaques.