The cryptocurrency we know as Bitcoin was seriously on the rise in 2016 and it looks like it’s shooting for the stars in 2017 too. In fact, online luxury marketplaces that deal exclusively in Bitcoin are more popular than ever, reported crypto trading platform Immediate Edge earlier this year.
Bitcoin is arguably the most famous digital currency in the world having gained a reputation for being a secure, safe and efficient alternative to traditional money. Bitcoin is so trusted that it has even been embraced by the iGaming industry, inspiring online sites like BitCasino, which deals exclusively in the cryptocurrency. Not only can players go here to play all of the slots and casino games that can be found on more traditional online casinos exclusively in Bitcoin, but they are better off doing so, as it provides a level playing field for players all over the world (regardless of what their local currency is). The online casino can also help you learn more about Bitcoin itself.
As Bitcoin gains popularity, many online and physical stores including Expedia and Wholefoods are now accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment. In fact, Bitcoin-friendly stores are so prevalent that there are location service sites such as Coinmap with maps featuring all your local stores that accept Bitcoin.
This got us thinking about whether online luxury marketplaces that deal exclusively in Bitcoin exist. Good news, because they absolutely do!
BitPremier
Back in 2014, the Wall Street Journal reported that a Lake Tahoe home had been sold for no less than 2,739 Bitcoins, the equivalent of $1.6 million. The man behind this real estate transaction was none other than Alan Silbert, founder and CEO of BitPremier.
Touted as the Bitcoin luxury marketplace, BitPremier is exclusively geared towards Bitcoin users who wish to purchase sports cars, lavish yachts, property and even private islands. Other Bitcoiners sell these items, making BitPremier the ultimate Bitcoin alternative to eBay.
Silbert told Inside Bitcoins that he came up with the idea for BitPremier back in March 2013 after realizing that there was “a void in the Bitcoin ecosystem where a luxury marketplace could serve the community well.” At the time, you could buy mugs, t-shirts and other random commodities using the digital currency, but Silbert aimed to elevate the power of Bitcoin by selling unique, luxury offerings.
As of writing this article, some of the most recent lots placed on BitPremier include a plot of land in Croatia (74.675 Bitcoin), a three-bedroom home in Hollywood Riviera (1,856.482 Bitcoin) and an FP Lavezzi 40’ sail catamaran (271.884 Bitcoin).
eBitLuxury
However, BitPremier isn’t the only luxury online Bitcoin marketplace in town, as eBitLuxury is also home to a number of unique, extravagant items that cannot be found anywhere else, all sold by other Bitcoiners.
Founder and CEO of eBitLuxury Dr Peter Wuffli, the former CEO of Zurich-based UBS, is renowned for his inclusive and ethical attitude towards business, so it is no surprise that he was interested in creating an online store that fellow Bitcoiners could use. Dr Wuffli began buying Bitcoins in February 2013, when they cost just $22, having been encouraged by his younger brother Barry. The two realised that there was a gap in the market and thus eBitLuxury was established in May 2013.
Since then, eBitLuxury has helped to broker one of the largest Bitcoin transactions ever with the sale of a two-bedroom villa in Seminyak, Bali for $650,000 or 950 Bitcoins. By far one of the most unique items currently on sale at eBitLuxury is a BitSat Nano-Satellite, worth $800,000 or around 994 Bitcoins. That’s right: an actual personal satellite.
So, if you ever find yourself rolling in Bitcoin you now know where you need to head to buy yourself everything you could ever possibly need, be it a private island or your own satellite.
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries risk, do so at your own risk and we advise people to never invest more money than they can afford to lose and to seek professional advice before doing so.
