Airsoft expansion

[callumt29]

Re: Airsoft expansion

Hmmm... I think it would be hippocriticle of me to say it's a bad thing because I only started about 5 months ago but I think it's one of those things that is nice to keep on the downside. However, as said earlier, it would gain more money, faster stock etc, etc. So it has its bad points and good points.

[jfox61]

Re: Airsoft expansion

No, you wouldn't get faster stock, it would just run out quicker. Prices WILL NOT drop, why would they? They have to import the goods, as there's no British manufacturer of airsoft guns.

So, with the increase in import charges, and as said above the increase of VAT to 20% prices will actually go up. Retailers MAY order more stuff in one go but I doubt it, and as for parts, if they don't get them in for us now, why would they get them in in the future.

As I say, I think the main change will be possibly more sites so the availability of going to one closer to home may be likely, and possibly cheaper walkon fees.

[Silent Bouh]

Re: Airsoft expansion

Also ever the pessimist all I see from retailers or site owners is a faginlike rubbing of hands at the extra profit. Can you actually see any company saying "ooh there's thousands of players now let's drop our prices". It won't happen.

You obviously don't trust the nuances of supply and demand. More demand equals more companies, foreign and hopefully even domestic (if ever the UK decides to have a manufacturing industry again) trying to tap into the possible profit, meaning more competitive pricing. Subsequently the increased demand and manufacturing volumes mean technological improvements come faster. You never know, one day soon there might be such a thing as a reliable GBB.

IMO, with the downfall of China's production, there's a niche for lower budget gun manufacturers outside of China to come to the fore (e.g. HK/Taiwan). Fair enough VAT and import duties will have their effect, but taxes are designed to hurt, but not stop people buying. Airsoft has a growing market and exposure and you'll probably find people will be willing to bear the extra £30 or so slapped onto their AEG.

[TS_Welshy]

Re: Airsoft expansion

as for the 'nuances' of supply and demand, more demand actually means higher prices.. providing supply doesn't change.

demand shifts right along the supply curve and BAM. more people competing for the same thing means that you have to pay more if you wanna be the one that gets it.

And there's my A-level actually being useful. wowee :D

but in real life, it's more komplk8td dan dattt

[Silent Bouh]

Re: Airsoft expansion

My comment was assuming the increased demand generates increased business opportunities = more companies making airsoft guns = greater supply of more varied products. It already happened with Walkmans and countless others - the moment everyone else started making them, their price dropped. The reason everyone else started making them was because they were popular (i.e. they made money).

It is complicated, but these things stretch beyond formulaic analysis - I am saying supply WILL change, like it already has from the early days of TM. Stop being so pessimistic!

[jfox61]

Re: Airsoft expansion

My comment was assuming the increased demand generates increased business opportunities = more companies making airsoft guns = greater supply of more varied products. It already happened with Walkmans and countless others - the moment everyone else started making them, their price dropped. The reason everyone else started making them was because they were popular (i.e. they made money).

It is complicated, but these things stretch beyond formulaic analysis - I am saying supply WILL change, like it already has from the early days of TM. Stop being so pessimistic!

That's already happened. Think Chinasoft. Oh and by the way Chinese companies haven't "gone". A few have relocated and other are using different names. But they are still there.

Unfortunately, many companies don't have much of a profit margin on RIF's, so where's this price cutting going to come from that you seem to think will happen?

But your post also contradicts itself. On the one hand you say more
companies manufacturing, will make for cheaper products, and then you say we will be happy paying £30 more for our gun. So which is it?

The other "products" you talk of are also aimed at a mass market worldwide. They make millions of units to sell. Millions of units means prices can be kept low.

In a saturated market like Mp3 players, it makes sense. Airsoft guns are different you don't have a mass market, it is a niche hobby with guns manufactured in thousands, not 100's of thousands so production costs are higher and therefore harder to pass savings on to the consumer. I maintain more players does not equal reduced prices.

[richardy]

Re: Airsoft expansion

silent bouh is right, its all about retailers and the amount of them.. if there is only 2 retailers and all of them constantly sell out of there products well before the next order, they might well indeed raise prices to slow the flow of sales out the door before the next order. i e increased prices due to demand. The key is more retailers, and supporting the new ones. with more retailers comes competition, the new retailer wants customers and as a result will try slightly lower pricing to do it. The competiton can either low as well to maintain its customer base, or if its happy with losing a few and still going strong they can maintain there pricing if they are big enough. Then another new retailer does the same to the new new ones.. eventually even the biggest and the most established will have to lower prices to compete.. but there simply isnt enough "major" importers in the uk, 90% of shops actually buy from the 4 big shops people compain about so why do the big shops need to lower prices.. theres no reason.

[Aeviv]

Re: Airsoft expansion

Personally, I love seeing new people at the games. Its great to see the hobby expanding and people taking an interest and an understanding, plus its a great way to meet friends.
I do agree that there are issues with new players on the field. Ive seen alot of cheating by new players or younger players, but also, disappointingly, by people who have spent alot of money on kit, and Ive seen very fair and honourable play by new players.
Personally Ive got no prejudice against any players experience, we were all there once, and some are faster learners than others. The issue I have is when new players think they know everything or start trying to boss people about, commonly known as 'air cadet syndrome'. No offense meant to air cadets, but I have often (and I mean often), heard players on a first game or so, bossing people around with lines like 'Im in the army/ Im in the ATC/ I play paintball/ (or worryingly recently- heard this at GZ the other week) Ive played COD- I know what im doing.' Most new players, and most people from those backgrounds who do play airsoft are like the majority of airsofters- decent blokes/lasses. But I have noticed that sort of phrase multiple times in recent years.

I suppose its like anything. If people come into the hobby understanding they are new, learn the ropes, get respected for fair and solid play, people won't ever mind
IF they, however, come in acting like they own the place, ordering people about and generally being a bit of a d**k, then I wouldnt want to play alongside them.

[Fizzy]

Re: Airsoft expansion

The issue I have is when new players think they know everything or start trying to boss people about, commonly known as 'air cadet syndrome'. No offense meant to air cadets, but I have often (and I mean often), heard players on a first game or so, bossing people around with lines like 'Im in the army/ Im in the ATC/ I play paintball/ (or worryingly recently- heard this at GZ the other week) Ive played COD- I know what im doing.' Most new players, and most people from those backgrounds who do play airsoft are like the majority of airsofters- decent blokes/lasses. But I have noticed that sort of phrase multiple times in recent years.

It's certainly not limited to Air Cadets. The amount of 'cadets' that claim they have 'military experience' ALWAYS makes me chuckle

But, having more people playing airsoft is a good thing. Yes, new players can be a little annoying at first, but they have to start somewhere so us more experienced players need to be patient with them and help them out. As for busy sites, I like it when there's a good number, but sites can suffer from overcrowding. I know a few people have mentioned this at The Mall in the past, and I must admit, I'm put off this years GZW because of the amount of people on site spoils the fun somewhat, for me anyway.

[B.E.N.]

Re: Airsoft expansion

We were all noobs once, and didn't enter the field as pro-operators right off the bat, worth remembering. I see airsoft expanding as only a good thing.

Wow... It happened again!