What would you pay?

[13special]

I was wondering, what would you pay for a great airsoft game? And what would you expect to get for your money? (as it applies to airsoft games, for anyone that got the wrong impression). Clearly most feel that a national OP is worth paying quite a bit for, so paying to play airsoft is not a terrible idea, but how much, and what should you expect? If you don't like long posts, but are intrested enough to read this far, skip the next paragraph.

The question stems from my own airsoft experience. I have moved around a ton, and have lived/played airsoft with clubs in six different states. That is not including the national Ops that I have attended. I have seen a pretty broad range of ways to play. In one there would be an extememly well planned out op every weekend (clubs would rotate) at a different public field. Clubs took pride in putting on a cool op and usually provided thier own props. All for free. No one there would have ever thought of paying to play airsoft. In others, there were similar games that charged a small fee to play. In others, there were outdoor fields that you payed to get on, then organized your own games, as well as indoor cqb areans that did the same. I was looking into another move, and searching around for what was available there when I wondered what would I pay if I could?

I would pay in the $10 range for:

A well thought out op on public land. It would require someone putting in some time and thought into a few good scenarios and a place to BBQ a lunch that I brought. Someone to take the time to chrono guns and keep the kiddies out. (under 16 IMO), and kick out the "Jack Bauer" wannabes who "dodge" BBs. That seems like something most guys do for free here although not every week, but if they didn't I would throw down ten bones on it. I think most guys would too.

I would pay $30-$40 for:

All of those things on a friday night op/saturday game. Esspecially if most people there had tracer units. They would probably have to throw in lunch on saturday, and maybe a free raffle or something. Again, the scenarios would have to be really organized and have a cool story line.

I would pay $50 ish for:

Those things on a field that someone built some legit buildings on. Or some really good sandbag bunkers

What would you pay, and what would you expect for your money?

[Morgann0]

I already paid.  And it was 200. Not 3000.

[babybackribs]

Maybe you guys should actually try something before you bash it.  Like actually being a man, not just talking about it.

[seanm028]

Maybe you guys should actually try something before you bash it.  Like actually being a man, not just talking about it.

Look at the location on your very own profile - "On the border shooting spicks".  Real mature, man.  Racial slurs and everything.

[Uchiha Itachi]

3k was a hypothetical number to show what they could eventually charge. So if you did not see the original blog I suggest you don't quote 2nd party text. Marauders was nothing special...they just had a field in close proximity to the city.

[13special]

Lets not get off track here. This is not a thread about Maruaders Airsoft in any way, please post comments about thier organization in the approprate thread. 3k is a number that has been thrown around, so I posted what I thought it would be worth. You might be missing the point of the thread. If you want to add something, please do, but review the last line of the first post before you do. thanks

[Dust2Dust]

If I follow correctly, this thread is "what would you pay for an annual membership, and what would you expect out of it?"  

Is that correct?

If so, I wouldn't pay over $750 for an annual membership.  I would expect monthly scenarios with atleast 50 people, a field with various bunkers, plywood/cinderblock buildings, a staging area that is shaded and has swamp coolers, lunch included with every game, and not some shitty hot dog/cheese burger cookout.  I'd expect top quality fields that are maintained, a secure parking lot, and a paved road out to the field, that way you can take a car without fear of any damage being caused to it on the way out.  I'd expect a staff that doesn't play every game, and they would supervise the games.  They would chrono every gun, and make sure that there is proper safety equipment at the field at all times (up to date first aid equipment, AED defibrillator, trained CPR/First aid staff members, or certified EMTs on staff).  For $750 a person, I would expect that.  

But again, I would expect that $750 to go a long way.  I know it's not 100% logical for $750, but thats why you would have sponsors for the field (Get local resturants, sporting good stores, airsoft stores, etc... to post banners, have a small shop, and sell food there).

[azsarge]

One thing to consider is the cost of actually holding a decently detailed game.  

When we did that op at BT a few years back (OP: dragons head, IIRC) we spent over 1500 on props, pyro, etc, collectively.  There were no awards, patches, pins, shirts, and we did everything ourselves.

Frankly, I think 250 for national OP is a deal, considering what goes into it.

Charging for Official AA games has never been the norm.  I don't think most of us would do that.  However, donations have ALWAYS been appreciated.  Money for sandbags, camo nets, and other props would go toward enhancing gameplay.

[13special]

If I follow correctly, this thread is "what would you pay for an annual membership, and what would you expect out of it?"  

Is that correct?

Right on. Either an annual membership to a field or group, or on a per game basis.

I like your idea about a staff that doesn't play. AZ is the first place that I have been where the staff at a paid event plays. It seems like with all that goes into a cool game, there would be too much to do to play.

[dxh]

Maybe you guys should actually try something before you bash it.  Like actually being a man, not just talking about it.

[Ghostsequel]

Priceless, Dave.  I love it.

I think a lot of the issues involved with paying for games revolves around where the money goes.  If it's held at a pretty cool field like the old Southwest Paintball, I'd be willing to pay for playing on it.  Something like that takes money, and it's a business running the place.  I was fine with paying admission when AA held a game there.

If AA were to do a game involving vehicles, props, etc, I'd pitch in.  My money goes into contributing towards the game.

I actually played at Sandstorm to see what a Marauders game was like.  The price was reasonable, and they brought out some really cool military vehicles and stuff.  It was a good time.  What got me was within a few months, the price for admission to comparable ops there had doubled, and everything I heard was that nothing new was added.  Price jumped for some unknown reason.  So seeing as how I didn't feel like my money was actually going to the game, I chose not to support it.

(As said, this isn't a thread about Marauders.  If anyone has problems or comments about my thoughts, PM me.)

[babybackribs]

Maybe you guys should actually try something before you bash it.  Like actually being a man, not just talking about it.

Look at the location on your very own profile - "On the border shooting spicks".  Real mature, man.  Racial slurs and everything.

At least it's doing something to help the country.

[KOBO]

Maybe you guys should actually try something before you bash it.  Like actually being a man, not just talking about it.

Look at the location on your very own profile - "On the border shooting spicks".  Real mature, man.  Racial slurs and everything.

At least it's doing something to help the country.

Please, in your infinite wisdom, explain how you feel you are helping the country by “shooting spickâ€￾ About as helpful as rednecks in the south.

We have some great games already with the official game and the others games that are scheduled that are free to attend. Going to a field does offer a nice change of pace from time to time however. I have no problem paying a fee that is within reason as long as the majority of the payment goes towards maintaining the field and not just a huge profit margin. I have no problem with people making some money for their time and effort but I would expect the majority to go into the field making it worth playing there, like I said we already have great games without the use of a field. It appears a lot of us do not have a problem throwing in money as long as it is going towards the game experience.

[dxh]

Maybe you guys should actually try something before you bash it.  Like actually being a man, not just talking about it.

Look at the location on your very own profile - "On the border shooting spicks".  Real mature, man.  Racial slurs and everything.

At least it's doing something to help the country.

Your Location tag is helping no one in any country, except maybe the Republic of Asshole.  If anything else, its just adding more fuel to the flame for the P.C. Police.

[man_down]

well the best games are the free games but nothing in todays world is free so i would say $15-20  would be a good game