Streets of Bitcoin: Advocates Push for Merchant Adoption in Reading

The Quest for Bitcoin Acceptance

Picture this: two Bitcoin enthusiasts taking to the streets of Reading, UK, on a mission to convince local merchants to embrace the world of cryptocurrency. Sounds like the start of a bad joke, right? Well, it’s the real deal as James Dewar from Bridge2Bitcoin and MSW from CoinCorner hit the pavement in an effort to promote Bitcoin (BTC) acceptance.

Numbers Game: The Merchant Outreach Mission

Armed with a stack of flyers and enough enthusiasm to power a small village, they approached 63 shops, cafés, and restaurants in just six hours. Roughly half of those encounters ended in a polite “no thanks,” while about a third got a nod of interest. According to Dewar, they even managed to onboard three businesses on the spot, which he described as a “3% hit rate”—not exactly winning the lottery, but satisfying when viewed in the context of Bitcoin adoption rates, which hover around 3% worldwide.

The Reluctance to Accept Cryptocurrency

Dewar humorously relates that asking about Bitcoin acceptance sometimes feels like handing out £10 notes only to watch folks turn them down. Despite the push for Bitcoin, many merchants remain skeptical—often viewing it as a fad rather than a legitimate payment option. “It’s like sales in general,” he quips. Getting your approach right can be quite the challenge when the general public’s awareness of Bitcoin is still shaky.

The Case for Bitcoin Over Other Cryptocurrencies

So, why are these advocates focused solely on Bitcoin? MSW explains the benefits: the ease of transaction, lower fees thanks to the Lightning Network, and the sheer speed that outmatches other cryptocurrencies. It’s like comparing a sports car to an old station wagon—both are getting you somewhere, but one has that thrilling edge. Why mess with alternatives when Bitcoin’s advantages make it a standout option for merchants?

Education Through Transaction: The Bigger Picture

Beyond just getting merchants on board, both Dewar and MSW emphasize that spending Bitcoin can help demystify its usage. “It’s all about buying your daily coffee or getting an ice cream,” MSW states, painting a picturesque scene of everyday transactions that could help spread Bitcoin literacy. Plus, with UK regulations benefitting short-term transactions, there’s little financial downside to promoting merchant adoption.

Final Thoughts: Why Not Ask?

While these Bitcoin advocacy outings can be tough—think rejections aplenty and the odd glare from crypto skeptics—Dewar and MSW find it rewarding. After all, pushing for change in the minds of local merchants could redefine the financial landscape one coffee shop at a time. So, what’s stopping you from asking your local business if they accept Bitcoin? You might just be surprised!