On top of the reputation feature, DealCoin offers an additional feature to enable its members to find out more about unknow dealers; we call it Need-to-know Privacy. We encourage dealers to link their account to up to 4 different social network profiles from LinkedIn, Google+, Facebook or Twitter. This private information is made available only to members about to trade with a dealer. Prior to accepting a deal, our members may choose to connect with and get to know a dealer via their social network of choice. The most transparent dealers will probably be the most requested ones.

Additionally we are planning to launch a series of premium services to add additional layers of security for our members, starting with a BTC escrow service in November 2013.

As for price fluctuations taking place while the payment takes place, I understand this may be an issue for active speculators like day traders. For such speculators, soon-to-be regulated exchanges like Mt Gox would be the place where they maybe able to turn around quickly. I suspect most of the dealers on DealCoin (and LocalBitcoins) would probably also have an account with Mt Gox or one of their competitors. But in my opinion, Bitcoin is useful for more than just day traders. Consider people travelling in foreign places who prefer using bitcoins instead of carrying cash or travelers cheques. Upon arrival in their travel destinations, they probably won't have access to a local bank account to connect to Mt Gox. Consider also the unbanked who do not have access to a bank account and may wish to participate in the Bitcoin economy or may wish to sell bitcoins sent to them by family members abroad. We are still in the early days of Bitcoin and as more people recognize the benefits of this currency, some will be guided to use regulated exchanges while some will choose to use services like DealCoin.