Silk Road forums

Discussion => Security => Topic started by: KatEverdeen209 on May 11, 2012, 11:59 pm

Title: buying btc in person?
Post by: KatEverdeen209 on May 11, 2012, 11:59 pm
I know some people who don't order them online though it seems it may be safer is there a way to find where in town one might be able to buy some? I asked them but it seems they have found out through word of mouth. So I guess what I'm saying is there a directory or maybe a common type of store where I could look to buy some coin?
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: fourtwo on May 12, 2012, 05:44 am
I too have wondered the same thing.  In my searches, I found three or so such sites. None of them appeared to be too active. I was thinking about trying to create some type of exchange in major cities such as LA, NYC, and Chicago. What would the legality of such an exchange be? I think a the main problem with past ventures was finding people trying to rid themselves of bitcoins in such a manner. On the other hand, I can see such a system properly done being the best way to truly preserve anonymity.

If you don't mind me asking, are you near any of those three cities I listed?
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: Kappacino on May 12, 2012, 10:41 am
If you're in the UK, there's a guy here (think he's called vladimir or something similar) I believe who will do bitcoins for cash in the post. Just pay the £3 or whatever it is for tracked post so you're 100% certain it won't get lost/stolen.

As for buying in person, I think there are sites where you can arrange that. You should try the bitcoin messageboards/IRC
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: Prawl42 on May 12, 2012, 01:29 pm
If you start opening physical BTC exchanges like they have currency exchanges then i would imagine the government coming in and starting to monitor/regulate btc sales, they will find a way :p
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: vlad1m1r on May 12, 2012, 02:54 pm
If you're in the UK, there's a guy here (think he's called vladimir or something similar) I believe who will do bitcoins for cash in the post. Just pay the £3 or whatever it is for tracked post so you're 100% certain it won't get lost/stolen.

As for buying in person, I think there are sites where you can arrange that. You should try the bitcoin messageboards/IRC

Many thanks to you Kappacino for thinking of me and some excellent advice about sending by Recorded Delivery. I offer this service for people in the UK/Europe (Please see my link at the bottom of this message for full details)

After an unkind comment earlier today however I should point out that this is not the only method to buy BTC in person. A look on your local Craigslist will probably show people with BTC for sale.

As far as I can tell the only safe ways to do this would be for both parties to use a mobile app / laptop with internet connection to send / confirm receipt of the coins to an electronic wallet OR for the seller to bring a paper wallet, the private keys of which could be redeemed online by the buyer while the seller waits. Has anyone had personal experience of this?

V.

Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: vlad1m1r on May 12, 2012, 02:56 pm
I too have wondered the same thing.  In my searches, I found three or so such sites. None of them appeared to be too active. I was thinking about trying to create some type of exchange in major cities such as LA, NYC, and Chicago. What would the legality of such an exchange be? I think a the main problem with past ventures was finding people trying to rid themselves of bitcoins in such a manner. On the other hand, I can see such a system properly done being the best way to truly preserve anonymity.

If you don't mind me asking, are you near any of those three cities I listed?

As a BTC exchanger I have delved into this issue and bearing in mind my knowledge of your laws in the US is rather patchy, there doesn't seem to be anything illegal in itself in buying and selling BTC for cash - of course if you make a profit from this service in theory you should declare this on your tax return. It's something of a moot point in any case as the very idea of such an exchange is that it is anonymous.

V.
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: Cpt. Meow on May 12, 2012, 03:04 pm
Check this out, add yourself if you're brave enough  8)

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/In_Person_Traders
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: vlad1m1r on May 12, 2012, 03:24 pm
Check this out, add yourself if you're brave enough  8)

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/In_Person_Traders

+1 To Cpt Meow for expanding our horizons!

V.
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: fourtwo on May 13, 2012, 05:37 pm
I have seen the map posted by Cpt Meow which is cool, but very sparse. I would really like to see a more well established system, at least for all major cities.
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: vlad1m1r on May 13, 2012, 05:43 pm
You mean like a Public directory? Surely LEO would just try to have legislation brought in requiring them to ask for ID / ban the practice / arrest them for trafficking?

V.

I have seen the map posted by Cpt Meow which is cool, but very sparse. I would really like to see a more well established system, at least for all major cities.
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: KatEverdeen209 on May 13, 2012, 05:55 pm
The map is kind of what I was looking for. Just thought there would be a lot more. Idk how my friend just straight found a place around the corner for him according to that I'd have to take a 10hr or so drive LOL
not worth it

I kind of figured it would be at a bunch of "we buy gold" places or next to moneypaks at CVS LOL

You buy a card which covers a fee like moneypak and boom just load money on to it
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: Prawl42 on May 13, 2012, 06:01 pm
as i said above if places start opening i would think they would try to regulate/track sales
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: KatEverdeen209 on May 13, 2012, 06:21 pm
Yea I hear you there man =]
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: fourtwo on May 13, 2012, 07:10 pm
Would it be illegal to act as a middle man so that neither party ever meets the other during the exchange? This also assumes that the middle man is doing this out of the good of his heart for no profit.
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: vlad1m1r on May 13, 2012, 08:14 pm
Would it be illegal to act as a middle man so that neither party ever meets the other during the exchange? This also assumes that the middle man is doing this out of the good of his heart for no profit.

No, buying and selling Bitcoin in itself isn't illegal.

V.
Title: Re: buying btc in person?
Post by: punkhippy on May 14, 2012, 02:34 am
Put out an ad on your local craigslist that says: "will pay cash for your bitcoin in person only". Then maybe you can save your bit coin address on a flash drive and go to their place. but I'd snoop the area out first before approaching. I don't know how wise this would be