Quote from: spoonbender on November 25, 2013, 07:38:17 PM

Danny, you have also listed cash (personal check?) - so I would assume this would be done thru the mail?

No. Definitely not personal check. Cash. Like $20 bills (or $50 bills, or $100 bills). And yes, thru the mail is one option. A better option is face-to-face exchange.

Quote from: spoonbender on November 25, 2013, 07:38:17 PM

I did check out localbitcoins.com, but there's nothing within 500 miles of where I live.
I notice that the great majority of exchanges are outside the US, and that makes it more complicated for me

It sounds like you are in the U.S.

I find it quite surprising to hear that there is anywhere in the U.S. that is more than 500 miles from the nearest person listing bitcoins on localbitcoins.com

Regardless, you'll find that there are many people offering bitcons on localbitcoins in exchange for MoneyGram, Western Union, GreenDot MoneyPak, or cash deposit into their bank account. With these options there is no need for them to be within 500 miles of you.

Quote from: spoonbender on November 25, 2013, 07:38:17 PM

I notice that the great majority of exchanges are outside the US, and that makes it more complicated for me. I'm thinking my best bet might be to go with a US exchange such as CampBX (accepts personal checks & postal money orders) or Kraken (could set up wires, depending on fees).

I generally avoid the exchanges. They are more hassle than I want to deal with.

Quote from: spoonbender on November 25, 2013, 07:38:17 PM

I didn't realize that it was going to be so hard to just get going with this.

Transferring bitcoins is extremely easy. It's the paying with USD in a non-reversible manner that is difficult. The system of payments set up by the financial industry for USD is simply too easy to take advantage of for fraud. This is one of the many benefits that bitcoin provides that gives it value.

Quote from: spoonbender on November 25, 2013, 07:38:17 PM

:-( And I didn't understand there would be multiple middlemen (the exchange and the payment service) between me and my bitcoin. Why does it have to be so complicated?

I eliminate all the middlemen by paying for my bitcoins directly. I find someone who has bitcoins and wants USD. I give them USD. They give me bitcoins. No middle-men to take fees, and no hassles. Not complicated at all.

If you like, you can send me some money, and I'll send you bitcoins. Here's a link to my thread with the price and payment methods that I accept:

Quote from: DannyHamilton on August 15, 2013, 01:36:49 PM

Currently available amount of Bitcoins:
65 BTC

Current pricing:
Since, the spread between Gox and BitStamp pricing varies, I'll use whichever of the following is cheaper.

BitStamp_last + 6%
MtGox_last + 4%

Discounts available for large value purchases.

Payment methods I will accept:

1. Cash in Mail- You send me cash via Priority or Express mail. We lock in price and I release BTC when received.

2. U.S. postal money order in Mail - You purchase a U.S. postal money order and send it to me via First Class postage. We lock in price and I release BTC when received.

3. Western Union You send me money via Western Union for same day pickup at agent location, once picked up I release the BTC. Maximum $900 per day. Currently still available today $900.

4. MoneyGram You send me money via MoneyGram for same day pickup at agent location, once picked up I release the BTC. Maximum $900 per day. Currently still available today $900.

5. Greater Chicagoland meetup We meet up and trade cash for my bitcoins. Travel fee of $0.50 per mile if I have to travel more than 10 miles to meet you.

6. Suggest other options I'm willing to consider other options that result in cash in my hands without first passing through my bank or PayPal.