Paintball manufacturing is a cutthroat business as evidenced by the many manufacturers that have come and gone over the years. In the never-ending fight for consumer's dollars, manufacturers are always searching to do something a little better or a little different than their competitors. The problem that I see, though, is that all of the manufacturers have lately seemed to be doing about the same thing. What really differentiates Planet Eclipse from APS? Both have a new high-end gun out about every year and are available at the same stores. How about Tippmann from Kingman? Both can be purchased at Wal-Mart and both just released a new line of paintball pistols. Then Kee, which now seemingly owns one out of two paintball brands, really is just one company with different faces.
The problem with each of these companies is that they don't distinguish themselves in any meaningful way. Sure, you can prefer an individual brand or gun, but that usually just boils down to gut preference; nothing seems to really differentiate comparably priced paintball guns.
My question, then, is what would make you choose one manufacturer over another? Do you care if the gun is made locally as opposed to being produced abroad? Do you want top-of-the-line customer service? Do you want a network of local, certified airsmiths? Do you want a butt-to-barrel warranty? Do you simply want a manufacturer to produce something that's different while still being fun to play with? Or, are you just so in love with a certain brand that nothing anybody else can do will ever make you switch?
There are manufacturers who read this blog, so now's your time to tell them what they can do to get your money.
Comments
I think a lot of it depends on the culture built around the brand. What’s makes an Angel different from an Ego? In many cases, it’s the pro teams who shoot the gun, what your friends and teammates shoot, the logo you wear on your jersey or sticker you put on your hopper. In other words–the marketing.
I think many players “identify” with specific brands… and often, esp. at the entry level, players get started on what their friends or (increasingly common) parents use. You won’t see someone “raised on” Tippmanns shooting a Spyder. Someone who starts w/ an Ion will probably move up to a Shocker, etc. etc.
So then the questions become:
1). Which manufacturers are doing more to recruit new players into the sport? and
2). Which companies are building the strongest culture around their brand?
I disagree that companies aren’t differentiating themselves…many companies in paintball are doing this really well.
I mean, the same can be said for any product. What’s the difference between a pro-sumer Nikon DSLR camera and a Canon prosumer DSLR camera? A Sony TV v. Panasonic? A Dell PC v. an HP? Feature for feature, comparably priced products across brands are very similar.
All things considered, I think paintball manufacturers are doing a good job of differentiating themselves.
Me? I look for reliability, a gun that’s easy to use, easy to tech (w/ good tech support) and, yes, I do want a little bit of a coolness factor involved.
David,
I completely agree with your post and your insight on the matter. That question is the ultimate question that all paintball manufacturers should ask themselves. I will keep myself anonymous but I work for a paintball manufacturing company and definitely work on solutions to solve this particular problem.
In my opinion the number one problem of paintball manufacturers (I have plenty of opinions on the current state of paintball as a general whole but we’ll stick to manufacturing at this time) is the fact that all manufacturers are looking tap into that mid to high end market but neglecting the entry level players. Paintball is a sport that has a healthy following but nothing compared to traditional sports like basketball, baseball, football, etc. therefore paintball constantly needs new recruits into the sport. With the entry level products gradually becoming limited, new players have less to choose from therefore not allowing them to have the same type of enthusiasm towards the sport as they should. Look throughout the industry, name one manufacturer who has put an effort into coming out with a new or improved entry level product? There are the Ego’s, DM’s, Impulse, Luxe and so on and so forth but nothing that can help the new players. The statistics prove it, we need new players, casual players and scenario players to keep this industry growing. If we don’t grow the sport we can forget about the future of paintball industry.
I have been in the industry for over 18 years now and have seen the game change over the years.
I think that the paintball manufacturers need to focus more on the quality and workmanship of there products instead of trying to mass produce disposable type products.
Another thing they could do better would be to not sell directly to the public, and instead help support there dealers and retailers by providing them with more point of sale materials, parts and repair kits. This would give the end user a better experience as they would then have a local store that they could ask questions, get parts, and help to keep there gun maintained.
How about: find a way to BRING THE PRICE OF PAINT DOWN. I know, I know, it’s much cheaper than it was. BUT- It’s still expensive. Why do you think airsoft is doing so well? It’s so much more economical. I’m trying to bring my kids into paintball (10 and 13), but I can’t afford to go very often when it costs so much for all 3 of us.
How about some really good guns at reasonable prices.It gets pretty bad when I can go out and buy an AK 47 and several clips and a couple hundred rounds of ammo cheaper than you can buy some paintball guns without a hopper or air tank.Guys,I know your guns are great and they shoot 20-30 BPS and they are really cool looking and all,but paintball is a hobby for most of us.The dirt bike industry never learned this either.Most people dont need a full blown 250cc racer to putt through the woods.Just because thats what the pros use, dont mean thats what we need.
I honestly think that manufacturers need to quit selling to mass market stores such as Walmart, including all of the rest without names.
People need to be educated about paintball. People do not get educated about paintball by buying the cheapest poorest quality equipment at a store that just doesn’t care.
Walmart names the price they buy at, they have the power to. Do you think that your local field/store gets to tell their distributor how much they are going to charge for their product. Walmart makes it more expensive for us.
If people started buying quality paintball equipment from their local field/store, not only would they receive a positive education, but they would have a much better paintball experience, while possibly learning our understanding of the beautiful sport paintball can be.
This sport has done much morphing since its inception. In the beginning, it was a grass roots movement. It grew, and it was a GOOD thing. It was a new family of people, who enjoyed the competition, thrill, and sport in the game. Things about paintball were much more genuine. The people associated with the sport and its growth; manufacturers, field owners, players.
Manufacturers used to make quality equipment, because the manufacturers were actually paintballers. Not greedy corporations who swallow every piece of the industry they can.
Field owners, I am one with all of you. If it were not for the die hard comprising our group, paintball would not exist. It is our duty to make sure that paintball grows. Our job to share the wealth of information that is paintball.
Players, many of you are contributing to the death of paintball. Few of you take the time to care. Be decent people out there. Show people respect. Play fair. Encourage others to either try the sport, or encourage yourself to help others become better.
Quit selling to Big box stores. Bring life back to our sport.
It’s a crazy idea, I know. Sometimes the craziest ideas work the best.
As someone who has been in the industry for a while, the companies that make good quality products that are more innovative will last.
People always want the newest products as long as it has a substantial increase in performance.