ST. LOUIS (KSDK) - Some are calling it the wave of the future. One local business owner calls it a game changer.
They're talking about Bitcoin.
Bitcoins are digital money that can be sent through the Internet. They're different from other kinds of online payments because they can be sent directly from person-to-person without going through a bank or clearinghouse.
Riley Goodwin, owner of Riley's Flowers in Soulard, started accepting Bitcoins a few months ago through his Riley's Florist website.
Goodwin said it started as an experiment to help draw in more customers during what is typically slow time for the flower business.
He said accepting BitCoins is a win-win for businesses and their customers. Goodwin typically pays a 3 percent processing fee to accept credit and debit card payments. He says Bitcoin fees are around 1 percent.
"And customers can use Bitcoins to purchase almost anything," Goodwin said. "People have used Bitcoins to buy houses and cars. So we figured, why not try it with a flower shop?"
Goodwin's acceptance of Bitcoins along with partnering with BloomNation has helped him garner customers from across the country.
He feels Bitcoin is the currency of the future.
"In the last couple of years there's been a spike in interest. So yeah, I think it's going to be around for a long, long time."
Check out more about Bitcoin here and how to get started.
