Is there a Place for Bitcoin in the Fashion World?

Published on: 26 October 2021 Last Updated on: 18 January 2025

When Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper for a new cryptocurrency was given a life, many expected Bitcoin to be adopted by nerds or enthusiasts who live by their own rules. But Bitcoin secured a permanent place in history as the world’s first cryptocurrency. From its humble beginnings, it established applications that have disrupted politics, media, finance, governance, and more.

Fashion and cryptocurrency

It’s a popular myth that Bitcoin’s (and the other altcoins) only purpose is to make traders money on the cryptocurrency market. But not everyone checks up the Bitcoin price because they want to invest in cryptocurrency.

Luxury brands can benefit from blockchain because it helps authenticate items and prevent counterfeiting, thus earning them an honorable reputation. Blockchain can also act as “social tokens” that build community among crypto-enthusiasts, making luxury brands more desirable for their exclusivity.

Practical uses of blockchain and Bitcoin in the Fashion World

Authentication of goods

A new wave of companies is using the blockchain to certify that their products are authentic. The seamless integration of the blockchain into e-commerce platforms allows shoppers to get more information about a product, including its provenance and how it was made. A QR code may be used on the packaging of authentic designer products, which can be scanned by smartphone users to verify their authenticity.

Cryptocurrency payments

Blockchain technology can be used to improve the efficiency of payments between parties at different stages of the supply chain. Bitcoin’s blockchain was designed with the goal of creating an entire financial system that is decentralized without having to trust any third party. Using blockchain, fashion brands can receive payments internationally quickly, securely, and economically.

Product lifecycle tracking

As more luxury brands adopt digital solutions, it is becoming increasingly necessary to track product life cycle events. With blockchain ad authentication, brands can better understand how their product is affecting the environment and manage the full life cycle of their goods.

Tackling ethical issues in Fashion

With the rising public consciousness about ethical issues related to apparel, blockchain technology will be able to address these concerns in a more elegant way that will allow brands to be more aware of their manufacturing practices. This will further encourage manufacturers to be more conscious of their ethical responsibilities.

The Future of NFT in Fashion

What is NFT? It is a digital-only item that can be traded much like a real-life artifact. Unlike images that can be endlessly broadcasted online without belonging to anyone, NFTs are carefully curated into an immersive experience that gives you the impression of owning something physical.

NFT’s are seen as the future of Fashion

In March 2021, street lifestyle brand RTFKT sold more than $3m worth of new season sneakers in just seven minutes through an NFT.

As the debate about the value of digital goods continues, consumers are starting to use cryptocurrencies to acquire luxury products. A new class of customers is paying for luxury items upfront, with cryptocurrencies tied to the value of a real-world property. Nike, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton already have NFTs for their brands, and many others follow.

Fashion fans paying with Bitcoin

While the majority of fashion brand clients do prefer to pay with a traditional method, there is a growing demographic of individuals who enjoy cryptocurrency, especially those who have made money from it. These crypto enthusiasts want to buy Bitcoin with Paybis and purchase their fashion goods with it. Some watch brands (like Hublot) are already embracing the change and will allow purchasing with Bitcoin on their online store.

Bitcoin loyalty points

Cryptocurrency can be implemented into a loyalty or rewards program, offering users incentives for purchasing from brands that accept cryptocurrencies. The amount in Bitcoin can be stored in the crypto wallets of the customers if they want to trade it at a later stage for a higher amount.

Merchants that accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment may also benefit from the advantages traditional customers have. In aggregate, 36% of customers that use cryptos to make purchases have average incomes of over $100k and purchase amounts of around $450 per order. This is compared to about half that ($200) for customers who do not use cryptos.

Summary

Bitcoin and non-fungible tokens have a decisive role in the fashion world because they allow consumers to buy goods from faraway places as well as verify their authenticity. Fashion items can be costly, so these two technologies will prevent the industry from taking advantage of scammers and counterfeiters. Not only that, reward systems and loyalty programs can save customers a ton of money, given the fact they already save from the cheaper transaction rates.

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Is Fixed Deposit the Right Place to Invest Post-Demonetization?

Fixed deposit is an investment option which is balanced with both: Returns and Risks. Although the investment is the most preferred option; these day’s people are seen to be disappointed with its returns. Perhaps the reason behind this disappointment can be the drop down of interest rates post-demonetization. Fixed deposit (FD) is always considered as a much favourable choice than savings since the returns earned are comparatively high. But as the rates have dropped down, the investors might have to think about parking their funds in savings rather than investing it. Before you change your mind, it is important to consider other financial institutions too, who offer fixed deposit investments. Banks are not the only ones providing the fixed deposit service; there are highly reputed NBFCs which are providing it too. The FD offered by the NBFCs are called as company fixed deposit. Despite the repo rate cut down, NBFCs still manage to offer best-fixed deposit rates which are higher than banks. Yes! You read it right, you can earn higher returns by investing in company’s fixed deposit, plus there are many schemes and facilities you can gain from. Owing to the favourable fixed deposit conditions, you no longer need to resort to less interest offering saving options. Here are some things that you should know about fixed deposit investments: 1. Secured Investment: As fixed deposit does not depend upon the market conditions, the interest offered on it is fixed throughout the loan tenure. This makes the investment a safe option to allocate your funds in. Whereas, the returns offered on the high-risk investments depends upon the market conditions which makes them risky. There is no such guarantee that you might always earn higher returns as there can be times when you might face a loss. This is not the case with fixed deposit. Besides, there are some NBFCs who are awarded ICRA’s MAAA rating and CRISIL’s FAAA rating which means, they are reliable as well as safe to invest in. 2. Flexibility: With a safe investment option, fixed deposit also provides flexibility with its tenure. You are free to choose any tenure period ranging from one year to five years. Also, you can reinvest in FD if your account matures. 3. Interest rates: The interest rate is a very important factor to consider when it comes to investments, as it decides the returns you will be earning over the fixed deposit. Fixed deposit interest rate offered by every financial institution differ, which is why it is important to compare FD rates and then apply for it. Also, as mentioned above, investing in NBFC’s fixed deposit can benefit you with higher FD returns in comparison to banks. 4. Tax deduction: In case, if you are investing a lump sum amount and the interest offered on your investment is above INR 10,000, then you might have to pay taxes. To escape from this tax deduction, you can split the money and invest it in different FD accounts. Also, you can apply for Section 80C to benefit from the tax deduction. 5. Senior citizen fixed deposit: If you are a senior citizen, you can benefit here, as you can invest your pension funds and earn higher FD returns compared to normal FD accounts by parking your funds in senior citizen fixed deposit. Although post-demonetization has brought down interest rates on normal FD account, the rates offered on senior citizen fixed deposits have increased. Though rates offered on a fixed deposit have dropped down, investing in a company fixed deposit can earn you higher returns. If you are planning for an investment, then NBFCs such as Bajaj Finserv offers highest Interest on FD Rate as well as provide different schemes and facilities that can benefit you. Read More : How To Get Low Cost Life Insurance For Seniors 10 Tips To Design The Perfect Business Card

Best Small Business Loans To Look Into In 2024– Are You Eligible For The Loan?

Planning to investigate some small business loans? What are the best options out there? Most importantly, how can these loan options help you? Contrary to popular belief, it is more complex than filling out a form and getting your loan approved. That too from the very first source! There is eligibility, which you must fulfill from your end, and criteria that the small business loan providers must ensure. These are subjective to individuals and the business they are trying to build. For example, which provider should you go for when you need a quick loan of a larger or smaller amount? So, without any further ado, let’s get into the blog post What Are Small Business Loans? What are exactly small business loans? The criteria? Is it different than other forms of business loans? Small business loans are classified under money lending for commercial purposes Like any other business loan. There are several reasons why you would consider lending. Do not worry if it is for operational expenses and you fall short! Not everyone accesses such loans just for their initial business investment or to extend their business to new grounds. In fact, it is common for people to underestimate their expenditure margin when they are starting their business. In fact, in 2020, 56% of all small business loans were to manage operational costs. While only 31% of loans were for expansion opportunities.1 The Best Small Business Loans Here are the best small business loans to investigate: 1. SBA 7(a) Loan LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of Acceptance SBA 7(a) Loan680+Two years$100,000+$5 million5-10 business days This government-backed loan program offers competitive rates and long terms for various needs. Pros: Low interest rates Long repayment terms Cons: Lengthy application process Strict qualification criteria 2. Kabbage Business Line Of Credit LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceKabbage Business Line of Credit640+1 year$50,000+$250,000 Same day This is a revolving line of credit with a quick application process for managing cash flow. Pros: Fast funding Flexible access to funds Cons: High APR Limited revolving credit line (although that is how they advertise). 3. OnDeck Term Loan LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceOnDeck Term Loan600+1 year$100,000+$250,000 24 hours This loan offers short-term loans with quick approval, which is ideal for fast access to capital. Pros Fast Funding Discounts for repeat customers Cons High interest rates Frequent repayments 4. BlueVine Business Line Of Credit LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceBlueVine Business Line of Credit600+Six months$100,000+$250,000 24-72 hours Flexible line of credit with fast approval, useful for managing cash flow. Pros Quick funding No early repayment fees. Cons Higher rates for lower credit scores. Limited to revolving credit. 5. Fundbox Line Of Credit LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceFundbox Line of Credit600+Six months$50,000+$150,000 As fast as the next business day It provides a simple, quick line of credit ideal for immediate cash flow needs. Pros Easy qualification Quick access to funds Cons Lower Loan Amounts Shorter Repayment terms 6. Lendio Loan Marketplace LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceLendio Loan Marketplace550+Six months$50,000+$5 million On the loan amount This type of loan is a great help to small business owners. Rather than just one loan, this is a marketplace that connects businesses with multiple lenders for various loan types. Pros Wide range of loan options. Easy comparison of the offer. Cons Can receive multiple calls from lenders, which can be irritating. Not all lenders have favorable terms. 7. American Express Business Loan LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAmerican Express Business Loan660+1 yearNot specified$50,000 3-5 days This fixed-rate loan is available only to pre-approved American Express Business Card members. Pros Fixed rates No origination fee Cons Only available to pre-approved members. Relatively small maximum loan amount. Therefore, if you plan to get a small business loan in the foreseeable future, getting an American Express Business Card is better. 8. Accion Opportunity Fund LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAccion Opportunity Fund550+1 yearNot specified$250,000 1-3 weeks Offers loans to underserved small business owners, including minorities and women. Pros Focus on underserved businesses. Personalized support Cons Longer approval process. It may have a higher interest rate. 9. Credibly Small Business Loan LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceCredibly Small Business Loan500+Six months$15,000/month$400,000 24-48 hours (about two days) Provides working capital loans and merchant cash advances with flexible terms. Pros Fast funding Flexible repayment options Cons Higher cost of financing. Frequent repayments Small Business Loans With Separate Criterions Now, we will be delving into the different criteria and which small business loan provider would be best! 1. Startup Needing Initial Capital "I just started my business and need funds to get it. What are my options?" Best Loan: Fundera by NerdWallet Offers access to multiple loan options, including startup loans, even with lower credit scores and minimal business history. 2. Expanding An Established Business "I’ve been in business for two years and want to expand. What loan should I consider?" Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan Ideal for established businesses needing significant funding for expansion, with favorable terms and interest rates. 3. Need For Quick Cash Flow Solutions "I need quick access to cash to manage cash flow. What’s the fastest option?" Best Loan: Kabbage Business Line of Credit Offers quick application and approval processes, with funds available on the same day for urgent cash flow needs. 4. Managing Seasonal Inventory And Expenses "My business is seasonal, and I need funds to purchase inventory before the busy season. What loan fits this need?" Best Loan: OnDeck Term Loan It provides short-term loans with quick funding, ideal for managing seasonal inventory purchases and expenses. 5. New Business Owner With Limited Credit "I have a low credit score and a new business. Are there any loan options available for me?" Best Loan: Credibly Small Business Loan Accepts lower credit scores and offers working capital loans, making it accessible to newer businesses with limited credit. 6. Needing A Flexible Line Of Credit "I want a flexible financing option. This is to cover unexpected expenses as they arise. What should I look for?" Best Loan: BlueVine Business Line of Credit It offers a flexible line of credit with fast approval. Plus, it is suitable for covering unexpected expenses. 7. Seeking Low Interest Rates And Long Terms "I’m looking for a loan with low interest rates and long repayment terms. What’s the best choice?" Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan It is known for its low interest rates and long repayment terms. Therefore, it is ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective funding. 8. Socially Responsible Business Owner "I want to support a loan provider that helps underserved communities. What are my options?" Best Loan: Accion Opportunity Fund Focuses on providing loans to underserved small business owners. In fact, it also includes minorities and women, with personalized support. 9. Looking For A Fast And Easy Application Process "I need a loan. However, I don't want to go through a long application process. Which loan is easy to apply for?" Best Loan: Fundbox Line of Credit Offers a simple, quick application process with funds available before the next business day. 10. Needing A Small, Short-Term Loan "I need a small amount of money quickly for a short-term need. What’s the best option?" Best Loan: American Express Business Loan It provides small, fixed-rate loans with a quick approval process, which is ideal for short-term financial needs. Related: How To Use An SBA Loan For Business Purchase Eligibility For Small Business Loans You might find the best loan provider. However, when it comes to eligibility, rejection can be common. Regarding personal loans, good mortgage lending (a property that you place as collateral when taking the loan) makes loan acceptance easier. However, when it comes to business loans, the rules are a little different. The loan lender (bank or private) must closely investigate your business expenditure, cash flow, and profit margin. If you do not have a steady personal and business credit score (unless you are building your business from scratch, in which case the rules will be different), getting your small business loan approved can be challenging. Do not worry; this is not to scare you. However, ensure you take the time to investigate your and improve financial health. Here are some of the absolute eligibilities when it comes to small business loans. 1. Your Business Needs To Be Nonprofit Unfortunately, you cannot have a nonprofit organization and demand a small business loan. Your business must be making some profit through a steady income. 2. A Lucrative Business Idea, Aka The Cash-Flow Since business loans do not depend on collateral submission, lenders are mostly concerned about the business idea. Most importantly, is there a demand for such business in the market? Will there be enough opportunities to build a steady cash flow? Is there any stock market share for businesses with the same ideation? The loan they offer you will depend on the potential profit you can make from that base. Plus, it must be backed by solid data. 3. Your Credit Score Although we have already mentioned the credit score for each loan provider, you need to be serious about your creditworthiness. Any loan provider will scrutinize your personal and business credit score. Any suspicious activity (including something as simple as an unpaid credit card bill) can put you under the radar. Eventually, it does not make you a good candidate for a loan. In other cases, your business credit score also plays a crucial role. What is your total business income? Is it holistic with your business expenditure? What is your business credit card transaction history? Are you able to balance your bills alongside your monthly operational costs? ...and many more. You must submit all your financial documents, especially if you are planning to expand through different business locations and real estate. How your business funds are handled becomes crucial in such a case. Secured & Unsecured Loan Starting a business? Want a small business loan? Then, you should understand the importance of collateral in such a business. Most importantly, do you even need to submit collateral to get your loan sanctioned? Secure business loans will charge you some collateral (cash money, real estate property, gold bonds, etc.). Meanwhile, unsecured loans do not charge any collateral. Which is better as Small Business Loans As someone just starting a business, I know the advantages/disadvantages of both kinds of loans will depend on your criteria and loan amount. So, let’s discuss the overall pros and cons of both! Secured Loans Let’s begin with the kind of loans that require collateral. Pros ConsLower Interest RatesLonger Approval RatesHigher Loan Amounts (because of the collateral)Risk of Losing AssetLonger Repayment Period (you can elongate your loan repayment term for two decades)Not everything can be collateral. It, after, depends on the bank. Unsecured Loans Now, let’s talk about loans without collateral. ProsConsYou Need No CollateralAutomatically, the maximum loan amount is less.Quick Loan ApprovalHigher Interest RatesFlexible for all types of loansThe repayment period is a short When Should You Get What? For the ease of your own understanding, here is when you should get what! Secured Loans Might Be Better If You need a larger loan amount. Can provide valuable collateral. You want lower interest rates and longer repayment terms. If your business has significant assets that can be used as collateral. Unsecured Loans Might Be Better If You do not have assets to offer as collateral. Need funds quickly. You prefer not to risk losing business or personal assets. The business needs a smaller loan amount. You can check the listicle above for a good idea of which secure/unsecured small business loans would be better for you. Types Of Small Business Loans These are the types of small business loans which you should investigate: Term Loans: You borrow a set amount and pay it back over time with fixed payments. SBA Loans: The government backs these loans, giving you good terms for your business. Business Lines of Credit: You get access to a credit line like a credit card. Invoice Financing: You can get cash based on your unpaid invoices. Equipment Loans: This loan helps you buy business equipment. Merchant Cash Advances: You get an advance on your future credit card sales. Microloans: These small loans are often given by nonprofits to help you start. Commercial Real Estate Loans: Use these loans to buy or fix up your business property. Personal Loans for Business: You can use your personal credit for business needs. Franchise Loans: These loans help you start or grow a franchise business. The Final Note! The choice between a secured and an unsecured small business loan ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances. a secured loan might be more suitable If you have valuable assets and prefer lower interest rates. On the other hand, if you need quick access to funds and prefer not to put up collateral, an unsecured loan could be the better option. Always consider the terms and conditions carefully and consult a financial advisor to make the best decision for your business. Things to remember before you get a small business loan: Have a solid, chalked-out plan for how you will repay it. You wouldn’t want to lose your collateral. Do not take hasty loans because you have fulfilled a business milestone. Remember, a loan is not a temporary fix; it is a debt for years to come. Therefore, be careful before sanctioning a loan. Finally, be candid about your financial decision. Keeping it discreet to get a quicker loan approval will only cause you trouble later. What do you think? Should getting a small business loan come after so many considerations, or should it be a little easier? Do let us know in the comment section below! Read Also: Core Banking Solutions: A Game Changer? Alternative Business Financing – What Is It And How Do You Do It? Ways To Apply For A Personal Loan & The Reasons To Opt For This Loan.

B Corps Vs Public Benefit Corporations: Understanding Ethical Investing

With threats like global warming and inhumane practices frequently making headlines, consumers' desire to support positive social reform is growing. While the sentiment is positive, not all businesses are truthful about their efforts to promote a better world or working environment. Now that people are paying attention to the impact of their consumer and investment choices, businesses attempting half-truths and public manipulation is a big deal. Stunts like this are not surprising; it's just business, after all. But is it? As more and more news stories emerge about the suffering caused by corrupt business practices, consumers are becoming increasingly adamant about supporting businesses that stand by social and environmental protection. Indeed, people are becoming more informed about the social and ecological impacts of the businesses they support. Preserving the genuineness of ethical investing is possible with some insight into the differences between the two main types of benefit corporations. Despite titles that officialize these corporations, things are not as they seem. To stress the importance of ethical investing, we did some digging. Read on to learn about B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations and how to spot the red flags within both for-profit structures. B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations Businesses that strive to optimize their profits while promoting as much positive social impact as possible are called Benefit Corporations. To understand B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations, you’ll need to make sense of the terms behind both structures. For a business to be considered a Benefit Corporation, it must do either of the following: Obtain B Lab certification. Businesses taking this approach are referred to as "B Corps." Become registered under a state government with the title of a Benefit Corporation. Companies that take this route go by Public Benefit Corporations. In comparing B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations, you’ll find that both have socially conscious implications, but it is important to note that the PBCs came after the start of B Lab. Legal limitations interfere with a company's goal to become either type of benefit corporation. PBCs: Are They Good Or Bad? The Public Benefit Corporation structure allows businesses to remain protected regardless of social impact. PBCs must meet specific guidelines to maintain social consciousness, but ultimately, businesses can fully realize themselves without worrying about the significance of public benefit efforts. PBCs may be perceived negatively by socially-conscious consumers aware of these preconditions. Debating B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations leaves PBCs in the dust for these consumers. At the same time, B Lab is not without its scrutiny. B Lab requires that B Corps pay a yearly fee depending on revenue. Some believe that B Lab looks the other way against public deception if it means accumulating more in annual charges. Do Your Research The amount of heart behind B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations is challenging to identify. Ultimately, both approaches are questionable, suggesting that people involving themselves with such companies should do their research before following through on purchases, partnerships, or investments. Read Also: Benefits of Investing in City Centre Property Is Investment Managers A Good Career Path In 2021? Top 5 Investment Decisions You Need To Make In Your Thirties

Is there a Place for Bitcoin in the Fashion World?

Fashion and cryptocurrency