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December 14, 2011, 06:31:20 PM |
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This question may be a result of some feedback I provided. I bought a Christmas gift from Cheaper in Bitcoins because I wanted to support the Bitcoin economy, and also to have a real example I can tell people about that demonstrates the practical usefulness of Bitcoin. But the fact is I could have bought the same item for less from Amazon, plus gotten free shipping, plus probably received the item sooner. A few Bitcoin enthusiasts may buy under those conditions, but most people will shop around for the best price.
The real question is how a small Bitcoin business can offer products without being undercut by mega-stores. One way is to offer less mainstream products that aren't sold by the big stores.
Here is an example: My wife and I saw a tissue box cover that we liked in a store, but it was the wrong shape (long rather than square). I looked online and found that the size we wanted exists, but I could not find anywhere to buy it. I found the manufacturer in Thailand, but they sell to stores and hotels, not individuals. If you stocked products like that directly from small manufacturers, no direct price comparison would be possible (though people could still compare with similar products).
Another example: A store that sells funny T-shirts could pretty easily be the only place offering specific T-shirt designs. Maybe it would be possible to team up with a local store that doesn't have an online presence.
Of course it's great to be able to buy mainstream products for bitcoins as well, as long as prices are competitive.
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