Re: Overstock To let International Customers Pay With Bitcoin

The problem with international shipping is import tax. Not that we can't buy with bitcoins.

Import tax will be there even if you pay using credit card.

But you will save some money on foreign transaction fee using bitcoin.

I also expect overstock to give some discount for those using bitcoins, after some time.
After all, they make some savings on the credit card transaction charges.

This is true in theory but in reality the shops usually increase by 3-5% the price if the costumer pays with btc.

I think most merchants charge nothing extra for their customers paying in bitcoin. The issue is that they should be giving a discount because they are incurring less fees when receiving payment in bitcoin.

There are a few merchants that have gotten a bad deal from their bitcoin payment provider who are unknowingly charging a higher price for bitcoin.

And there are some who charge a 'transaction fee' if you pay using bitcoins. Roll Eyes

http://www.coindesk.com/airbaltic-accepts-bitcoin-missed-opportunity/

These companies are few and far between and will likely not receive the full benefits of accepting bitcoin that other merchants get. Also airlines often try to nickel and dime their customers as much as possible because they have to keep the actual cost of the ticket as low as possible to appear to be competitive.

These companies say "We accept bitcoins" just to get media attention. Once they receive publicity, they don't really care. They seem to be real short-sighted.

Both overstock and newegg seem to care about bitcoin. From what I can tell they are well aware of the benefits of accepting bitcoin from a technical and cost perspective and are likely trying to realize additional benefits of accepting bitcoin from expanding their market share.