# Gavin Andresen
# 2010-12-07 21:01:32
# https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2134.msg27862#msg27862

Thanks for all the great feedback! @p{par}

Maybe one way to think about ClearCoin is as a tool to help manage risk between buyer and seller. @p{par}

If the buyer completely trusts the seller, then you don't need ClearCoin@p{--} just send bitcoins directly. @p{brk}
If the seller completely trusts the buyer, then just send the product first. @p{par}

Usually there's some level of trust/mistrust between buyer and seller.  If you use ClearCoin in creative ways, you should be able to come up with a way of using ClearCoin that balances the risks to both buyers and sellers. @p{par}

To take davout's example:  The person paying could deposit 20% of the funds in a ClearCoin account, then immediately release that 20% as a "good faith payment".  Then they deposit the other 80%. @p{par}

That gives an 80/20 risk split.   "Half now, half on delivery" type arrangements can be done the same way. @p{par}

davidonpda:  You can choose how long your coins will be tied up when you create the escrow account@p{--} one month, six months, or a year.  Of course, the longer they're held the more comfortable the person on the other side of the transaction will be. @p{par}

PS to Vinnie:  ClearWing Software is the company; ClearCoin is the service. @p{brk}