Print 2 Media becomes first printer to accept Bitcoin payment

Wide-format specialist Print 2 Media has laid claim to being the first printer in the world to accept online payment by virtual currency Bitcoin.

The Liskeard, Cornwall-based firm started accepting the increasingly popular digital currency alongside other traditional payment methods around two weeks ago.

Print buyers are able to make a payment by entering an address into their virtual Bitcoin wallet, or by scanning a QR code using their tablet or mobile phone.

Print 2 Media web development specialist Dave Dean said: “The idea came about because we’re generally interested in new technologies and Bitcoin’s fairly new and has been making big news in the past year. It will also possibly provide a more convenient method of payment for some of our customers.”

Director Glenn Wrigley added: “Bitcoin seemed a natural addition and I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more businesses getting on board with it over the next few years. As far as we're aware, no other printer in the world is offering this service.”

Print 2 Media, which was established in 2008, employs four staff and has a turnover of around £400,000. It operates two 1.6m-wide Roland DG solvent printers and a Fujifilm Acuity LED 1600, which was installed at the start of 2014.

The firm produces signage, display stands, banners, wallpaper, PoS, posters, leaflets and business cards for customers including event organisers and B2B customers.