Incoherent Previous Post

It was late, (as one can see in the time stamp) and I'm not a writer (my constant excuse). Although being disorganized is something I have cannot make excuses for since I am supposed to be an entreprenure.

Buying Airsoft Stuff:

1. Expect no sticker prices. Since Airsoft has some legal problems left over from Marcos' martial law period (simply that that states any PROJECTILE throwing implement is illegal; and don't get me started at how Filipinos don't have the right to bear arms- and how that it is why we are in this mess) shops are discrete and really don't pay any taxes or have any permits on the matter. It is basically buyer beware.
   
2. Canvas, Canvas, Canvas. Airsoft is rather an expensive sport, so taking your sweet time to get all the prices and Quantifying why your' getting into this hobby is important. Write it (priorities and price notes) down, so that once you commit you can go back to why and not get all to frustrated with the prices.
3. Choose your merchant wisely. Lito is the best in my opinion and when it comes to his stuff, even if the quality can be shabby the cost and incovenience to fix it is as much as the ones more conveniently on sale. He is the best merchant for beginners because his prices allow you to form your own opinion what you want out of your gear. When it comes to GUNs, on the other hand, look carefully: Inventory Size and Variety, Possible Overhead Costs (Digy shop vs. Shop in a Mall; Staff), and Other Patrons.

Choosing your Merchant.

1. Location. Location indiciates overhead costs and patronage. A low-rent location with a lot of Patrons is the Ideal.
   
2. Patrons. Visiting something more than twice, even 3x or more, observe the kind of patrons. Rich patrons vs Patrons closer to your economic level speak about the price and the deals you can make.
3. Staff. Staff act as both security and sales, unfortunately they can run the operating price of a shop and therefor the products price up.
   
4. Inventory. A HUGE inventory is a plus, because it means either he has a good sales or he is keeping his costs down by keeping everything there. Small inventory or No inventory is actually bad, the merchant is likely opportunistic in suckering you to buy. Note the "likely" because there are exceptions. Selling other stuff other than guns and peripherals can be a Plus, because the merchant has anciliary income that may allow him to bring down his gun sales margins so that he could probably sell more of them. Understand that despite the large amount of people playing, this is atrickling business because there is no way to advertise agressively without having to give the goverment some of the action.
   
5. Organization. Tuks, I admit, has the most organized inventory, except that it is actually in their residential home (which is bad in the semi-legal ness of this hobby).
   
6. Price Expectation. Carrying these kinds of guns and selling them requires a High Margin to be sustainable. Guns from China, from what I heard, costs $30-50 (Php1500 to 2500) and is usually smuggled through customs. So selling x3 its base price is what justifies the many risks involved. If you have an uncle that goes to china, maybe you can get the gun at $40. But to expect the merchant to give up some of his profit from this hi risk item really depends on how skilled the merchant is in lowering his operating costs.