As a Bitcoiner offering to trade Bitcoin with friends, it’s crucial to conduct transactions professionally, securely, and transparently. This document outlines a step-by-step routine for best practices in these activities.
1. Arrange the Meeting
- Confirm Time and Place: Agree on a mutually convenient, safe, and public location for the trade.
- Prepare Tools: Ensure your mobile wallet is fully functional and that you have sufficient fiat currency on hand if needed.
2. Check the Current Market Rate
- Access Kraken.com: Use the Kraken exchange to find the current market rate for Bitcoin.
- Document the Rate: Note the time and the exact rate for transparency.
3. Calculate the Trading Rate with Spread
- Apply a 10% Spread: Increase the market rate by 10% to account for your trading spread.
- Example: If the market rate is $10,000 per BTC, the trading rate becomes $11,000 per BTC.
- Communicate the Rate: Inform your friend of the adjusted rate before proceeding.
4. Determine the Trade Amount
- Ask Trade Details: Inquire whether your friend wishes to buy or sell Bitcoin and the amount they are interested in.
- Questions to Ask:
- “Are you looking to buy or sell Bitcoin today?”
- “How much BTC or fiat currency are you looking to trade?”
5. Calculate the Exchange Amount
- Compute the Amounts: Based on the adjusted rate, calculate the exact amount of Bitcoin or fiat currency to be exchanged.
- Buying Scenario: Fiat Amount = Bitcoin Amount × Trading Rate
- Selling Scenario: Bitcoin Amount = Fiat Amount / Trading Rate
- Provide a Breakdown: Share the calculations with your friend for clarity.
6. Confirm the Agreement
- Review the Details: Summarize the trade terms, including amounts and rates.
- Obtain Confirmation: Ask your friend to confirm if they agree with the terms.
- Example: “Do you agree to trade X BTC for Y dollars at the rate of Z per BTC?”
7. Execute the Trade Securely
- For Buying Bitcoin:
- Receive Fiat First: Accept the cash from your friend.
- Transfer Bitcoin: Send the agreed amount of Bitcoin to your friend’s wallet.
- Verify Receipt: Ensure your friend confirms receipt of Bitcoin.
- For Selling Bitcoin:
- Receive Bitcoin First: Have your friend transfer the Bitcoin to your wallet.
- Hand Over Cash: Provide the agreed amount of fiat currency to your friend.
- Confirm Transaction: Verify the Bitcoin transaction on the blockchain.
8. Post-Transaction Steps
- Provide a Receipt: Offer a simple receipt acknowledging the transaction details.
- Record the Transaction: Keep a personal record for accounting and legal purposes.
- Express Gratitude: Thank your friend for the smooth transaction.
Best Practices and Considerations
- Safety First: Always meet in a well-lit, public place with security measures like cameras.
- Legal Compliance: Be aware of and comply with local regulations regarding cryptocurrency transactions.
- Transparent Communication: Maintain open dialogue to prevent misunderstandings.
- Use Secure Networks: Ensure your mobile device is connected to a secure network to prevent hacking or interception.
- Double-Check Details: Always verify wallet addresses and transaction amounts before confirming.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with market trends and regulatory changes affecting cryptocurrency trading.
- Confidentiality: Respect privacy by keeping transaction details between the involved parties.
Note: This routine is designed to facilitate secure and professional Bitcoin trades between individuals. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.