Paintball startup

[Levirate]

Hello everyone, I'm not the most active person here but I'm trying to get a little more active. I am currently in college and trying to start a paintball business, but don't have a lot of things worked out for it yet. My current plan is to start an apparel/accessory shop, then move on to more serious things such as masks. I'm just looking for advice that you might have, ideas that you would like to see in the paintball community, that kind of thing. My goal with the entire thing is to try to take paintball mainstream and market it to people who are already playing sports. I'll be keeping everyone on here updated about how it goes, and I'll post the website once it gets put up.

[Jimmydee]

Depends where you live and the interest or demand for paintball, i would say it’s going to be tough business. There are already so many websites selling the same stuff but at different prices. I would avoid it

[freedom]

good luck
i dabbled 15 years ago: a 5% loss on every transaction was acceptable since i eventually just viewed everything as a hobby...

[Ecapnation]

Do you enjoy losing money? THEN PAINTBALL IS FOR YOU!

[Toestr]

My current plan is to start an apparel/accessory shop, then move on to more serious things such as masks...My goal with the entire thing is to try to take paintball mainstream and market it to people who are already playing sports.

What you've described is basically HK Army. Be aware that the market is already pretty saturated with people trying to do the niche 'sport'/streetwear hypebeast crossover thing. Do you have something that will distinguish yourself from all the other brands?

[JeeperCreeper]

I love the spirit, but its tough business. Paintball is a luxury, and often the first thing to get cut when the cost of living is up. Players have seen so many innovations, some good, and tons of overhyped marketing schemes. So even if you have something new, players will be apprehensive to jump on it.

I'm in a niche inside of niche sport. I dont ever expect my business to blow up and let me go full time only doing paintball, but I make enough to play paintball with my friends. Its also a very good way to meet new people, too. Mine is definitely more of a creative outlet. I love building things.

I've been thinking more about sustainability, because I would love to continue to work for myself, but more geared towards doing what I'd love to do. I'd love to become a real machinist, because then I'm not limited to paintball. I can branch out into other things that can make money consistently. Paintball would still be there, but only as part of a business. You gotta plan ahead.

But after all of that, I still say go for it. Many businesses have started in backyard sheds. And with internet stores, it's pretty easy to sell online these days. Just do your research on the market first. If the top companies aren't selling their gear, your likely going to have a tough time as well. Dont let paperwork pile up. It's a lot easier to do it for an hour a week, rather than letting it pile up and you have to backtrack.

[006blackjack]

Agree with previous comments.

But also good on you for wanting to try and commitment is half the battle. Just don't get caught up in the hype/agg HK marketing that has taken over the community.

[lhamilton1807]

Levirate I’m interested in seeing what you decide to do considering the feedback you’ve received so far

[flyweightnate]

As said above, tough market.

However, soft goods is probably the single highest- margin segment, so if you get a good design, you will have a little more room for error without going upside down on it all. Make sure the first release is a good one.

Masks... yikes. I can't think of a single element of the sport, except maybe air cylinders, more likely to lead to huge liabilities. I'd leave that alone and stick to headbands and hats if you really want to be on someone's noggin.

I'd say the "clever" slogans (mostly involving the word "balls") have seen their day in the sun and aren't what anyone wants anymore, whether the parents buying the gear for their kids or the mid-career types who can actually afford a hobby in this economy. Find some good, visually appealing designs, preferably a departure from all the flames and smoke and ghosts and brass knuckles that have saturated the market, and don't get over your skis, and there's a chance you can make something good of it. Even if it's just a fun experience where you broke even, it would be a huge win and teach you a lot for when you have more resources at your disposal later.

[jokers]

So something I am curious about is the idea of masks. I know Angel was not able to come to market with a mask and at the time they had a large backing for it. However with 3d printing, and new manufacturing processes maybe mask design would be easier to get into.

[Trbo323]

Man besides apparel if you want to do something in paintball the entry level market is basically wide open.

There's really not many cheap markers anymore (emeks are good but expensive, that shouldn't make them the only option)

Theres only a few decent hoppers under $100

NXe used to have good packs at $30, not so much anymore

It's been a while since I looked but the cheapest thermal lens mask was around $60

Sent from my motorola edge 5G UW (2021) using Tapatalk

[Sniperfan]

I've done the hobby-based business thing twice, paintball being one of the times.

Both eventually sucked. Hobbies are the first thing people will cut out if the economy goes south.

Find a niche, if you must. If it's your passion go for it but your love for it will blind you.

[Siress]

College, eh? Have you considered paintball themed food truck yoga porn with cryptocurency loans?