Huge new UK Airsoft Retailer - AirsoftZoneUK

[hwagan]

Hello!

 

I’m pleased and moderately aroused to announce the existence and imminent opening of a new UK Airsoft Retailer in Essex – AirsoftZone UK!

 

I’ve had authorisation from the Mods for this post, and whilst I’m not financially/otherwise officially affiliated with AZUK, I am friends with the staff and the engineer and I’ve offered my services in advertising their wonderful new venture all over the forums.

 

Anyhow; Here’s the blurb lifted straight from their website to give you an idea of what they’re all about:

 

“The Airsoft Zone team is made up of a group of extremely experienced skirmishers with considerable experience in Airsoft retail, engineering, property management, graphic design and high finance. We believe this pool of knowledge has given us the ability to stock items that are both high quality and reliable, and in many cases used by us. This should give you the customer (from complete novice to experienced skirmisher) the faith in us, to buy from us in the safe knowledge that you will receive the best possible service. Therefore feel free to browse our website and / or give us a call for advice or just appallingly biased opinions.”

 

I’ve known the staff a fair while now since meeting Jon the engineer at my local site a couple of years ago as well as the other guys from their previous Airsoft retail work, and Jon’s been fixing my broken guns/selling me bits of AR15 ever since. As a result, I and a couple of others were invited to their showroom for a sneak preview of the place.

 

The store and warehouse is based in Romford, and it’s nice and easy to find, just off of a main road. It’s accessible via public transport as well, which is always a plus. Most of the building is devoted to warehouse space, with the showroom at the front of the store. The showroom is very nice; Not particularly massive, but with a good range of products on display as well as a small fitting room to try on tactical gear and pose with guns to see how awesome you look. They’ve got most of the G&G and G&P AEG’s for you to have a look at, as well as G&G’s gas sniper rifles and G&P’s support guns and 870 series. Being the nice folk they are, they’ll happily chronograph a new gun on the spot to ensure it meets limits, and if not they’ll try a couple of the same model to find one that does. They also have a decent range of G&G two-tones for new players.

 

Here’s the showroom:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I left with a brand new G&P M4 V5 after no less than 3 hours of deliberation, and my friend Tony left with a customised G&P 870 shotgun, which Jon built there and then on the spot.

 

 

 

 

 

I was lucky enough to get a cheeky look at the warehouse, and frankly, holy *suitcase*. The amount of stock is utterly ridiculous; near enough every model of G&G and G&P guns ever produced in huge amounts. They’ve got tons of spare parts, plenty of accessories, and enough ammo to keep a boxmag wielding ROFmonster spewing plastic for eons. Seriously, I’ve never seen so many balls in one place.

 

The website isn’t live yet, but it should be in a matter of weeks at most – Once the website is up, they’ll be properly open for business.

 

Website link is: http://airsoftzone.co.uk

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/airsoftzone.co.uk?fref=ts

 

So, to summarise:

 

New, shiny, awesome retailer opening in Essex. All staff have beards.

Mainly stocking G&P, G&G, and awaiting deliveries from Flyye and WE as well as others. Stock enquiries to the FB page!

Enormous stock levels, nice showroom.

Thoroughly competitive prices.

 

Finally, I’ve been given a big pile of very nice PVC Velcro AZUK Patches – If you want a couple, PM me your address and I’ll post ‘em out to you for free!

 

For any questions, I may be able to answer them – However, like I say, I’m not staff or officially affiliated as such, so your best bet is to ask them anything on their Facebook page for now.

[TB-Stalker]

Link above to the website doesn't work, but it looks good!

 

Anyone who wanted to get to the website, here is the link: http://airsoftzone.co.uk/

[hwagan]

Link above to the website doesn't work, but it looks good!

 

Anyone who wanted to get to the website, here is the link: http://airsoftzone.co.uk/

 

 

Bah, rubbish at HTML I am! Edited into the original post - Thanks man.

[Wild_XIII]

Whilst having not seen the shop myself (soon to change I hope!), I can vouch for the guys running it. A superb bunch and their techie Jon knows his stuff!

[FireKnife]

Sounds all good but that wall needs more pistols .

 

'FireKnife'

[hardboiledcop]

seconded!

[hitmanNo2]

Pistols generally stay in the glass cases. A lot easier for some scummer to knick otherwise.

[hwagan]

Pistols are on the way at the moment - The guys are waiting on WE, but I'm not sure on TM yet - I know they want to stock TM pistols, and I believe they're working on it, but I'm not sure on the how's and why's just yet.

[FireKnife]

Pistols are on the way at the moment - The guys are waiting on WE, but I'm not sure on TM yet - I know they want to stock TM pistols, and I believe they're working on it, but I'm not sure on the how's and why's just yet.

 

Good to hear.

 

Pistols generally stay in the glass cases. A lot easier for some scummer to knick otherwise.

 

That is true, though I find that if yuo have an open enough area it is hard to not see stuff get swipped

 

'FireKnife'

[hwagan]

Good to hear.

 

 

That is true, though I find that if yuo have an open enough area it is hard to not see stuff get swipped

 

'FireKnife'

 

I'd love to see someone try and get something past the staff - They're all hench, bearded, and usually carrying heavy objects or replica firearms, heh.

[FireKnife]

I'd love to see someone try and get something past the staff - They're all hench, bearded, and usually carrying heavy objects or replica firearms, heh.

 

That would be a site to see. Though I do recall seeing the massive security guards they have at McDonalds up here now, perhaps they could add one of them in too?

 

Either way good to see a new shop, lets hope they don't go down the Z1 or AW route, as for the other unspeakable shop no-one else can be that bad surely?

 

'FireKnife'

[hwagan]

That would be a site to see. Though I do recall seeing the massive security guards they have at McDonalds up here now, perhaps they could add one of them in too?

 

Either way good to see a new shop, lets hope they don't go down the Z1 or AW route, as for the other unspeakable shop no-one else can be that bad surely?

 

'FireKnife'

 

 

Honestly, Jon with an AR wrench would probably stop Dwayne Johnson himself

 

Still, I really can't see that happening - All the guys have previous retail experience, they've spent years dealing with noobs and experienced players alike, and they're stocking decent reliable brands. I'd be shocked if they ended up as anything other than a great store - They're properly financed, have a great building and a good location, and the knowledge to turn it all into something good!

[Baddbaz]

Just out of curiosity is Jon the guy previously from wolf armouries ?

[FireKnife]

Sounds perfect to me then, now to see if they will accept my skirmishers defence (lack of proper UKARA up here, just a site that abuses it).

 

Then if they have TM pistols I will be picking them up.

 

'FireKnife'

[Inari]

Great news about another good solid retailer for the UK!

 

Best of luck with the venture - sounds like everything is being done top-notch

[Cannonfodder80]

now to see if they will accept my skirmishers defence (lack of proper UKARA up here, just a site that abuses it).

'

This does bring up one point, on the website it does appear to hint (although not outwardly state) that you must be on the UKARA database to buy RIFs

[hwagan]

Just out of curiosity is Jon the guy previously from wolf armouries ?

 

 

I can neither confirm nor deny that, so I'm saying nothing

 

 

Sounds perfect to me then, now to see if they will accept my skirmishers defence (lack of proper UKARA up here, just a site that abuses it).

 

Then if they have TM pistols I will be picking them up.

 

'FireKnife'

 

 

I'm not sure on that just yet - I reckon for now it's UKARA only, but I'll speak to Jon and see if they'll consider other defenses - I know most of the time it's simply down to the fact UKARA is the easiest way. I'll make enquiries and find out!

 

 

Great news about another good solid retailer for the UK!

 

Best of luck with the venture - sounds like everything is being done top-notch

 

From everything I've seen, it's really looking promising - It's been in the works for a year, and they've been sitting on stock they could be selling for a fair amount of that - Which reassures me they're getting everything sorted rather than botch the kick off!

 

 

This does bring up one point, on the website it does appear to hint (although not outwardly state) that you must be on the UKARA database to buy RIFs

 

 

As I said to FK, I believe for now it's UKARA, but I'll get an answer from Jon and update when I know!

[hwagan]

Too late to edit, however I've spoken to Jon about Non-Ukara'd folk;

 

Basically, the gist is thus - AZUK will happily sell to those who can provide a defense, however it's on you to do the work - That means you'll need to provide signed documentation from a PLI insured Airsoft site confirming you are an active skirmisher. 

[thatguy404]

How much of the flyye gear will they be stocking?

I've always ordered from flyye direct.

After a few more aor1 pouches

[Cannonfodder80]

Too late to edit, however I've spoken to Jon about Non-Ukara'd folk;

 

Basically, the gist is thus - AZUK will happily sell to those who can provide a defense, however it's on you to do the work - That means you'll need to provide signed documentation from a PLI insured Airsoft site confirming you are an active skirmisher.

Well that's fair enough to me, it's just that over the past couple of months I've noticed an increase in people (especially on places like Facebook) claiming that being on the UKARA database is a legal requirement.

[Inq Eisenhorn]

It's good to see another outlet opening up,.......but, I'm sad to see that they're selling all of the 'usual suspects'.....the likes of WE, G&P (AEG), etc etc.

 

The airsoft market is pretty niche, I get that, but there are so many good products that simply are not available directly to UK players such that we are FORCED to go spend abroad. I can't tell you the amount of times I've had to ask if a retailer would get Vipertech rifles in, only to be met with a blank stare...."What's that? Want a WE GBBR instead??"

 

So while I wish this store all the best, and it's always good to throw more competition into the pool, I'm left feeling disappointed that all I (as a skirmisher) will get is another place to buy G&G or WE products....yawn.

 

Note: Anything is better that SAS.....enuff said

[Wild_XIII]

Note: Anything is better that SAS.....enuff said

 

Cancer is better than SAS!

 

Maybe they might be open to suggestions? Having the usual gear means reliable sales as G&P, G&G etc sell well because they function and are reliable. Some niche stuff is good, no denying that, but you need a stock of stuff you know you can sell well.

[Inari]

They stock it because it sells.

 

Stocking high-value low-volume items is a terrible business model. You make next to nothing on each sale, and are selling to the most discerning buyer meaning that you are more likely to see the products be returned to you for relatively minor issues, that on other items would simply be ignored. If you want stores to stock unusual bits and pieces, then you need to build a rapport and express your interest in those items. If there's a demand you can bet your bacon that they'll be stocked; if not, then they won't. They need to put bread on the table, and that trumps keeping one or two people happy, unfortunately.

 

If you have more exotic tastes, then ask the retailers about getting a couple of pieces in. I know that personally we do a lot of special orders for people, where there's no money down and no obligation to buy. We know that shifting a couple of pieces is not going to be too difficult, so we're prepared to take the hit for a while. However having stock of them is completely different, considering most companies require a $10,000 minimum order, and have MOQ (minimum order quantities) of each item. Sometimes you don't want to have 10x of a rifle, when all you're going to be able to sell is 3.

 

It makes sense to have your main bulk of stock being the stuff that sells in volume, with a decent mark up so that you can afford to take the chance on higher-value low-volume sales, and attempt to satisfy more of the market.

[Inq Eisenhorn]

They stock it because it sells.

 

Stocking high-value low-volume items is a terrible business model. You make next to nothing on each sale, and are selling to the most discerning buyer meaning that you are more likely to see the products be returned to you for relatively minor issues, that on other items would simply be ignored. If you want stores to stock unusual bits and pieces, then you need to build a rapport and express your interest in those items. If there's a demand you can bet your bacon that they'll be stocked; if not, then they won't. They need to put bread on the table, and that trumps keeping one or two people happy, unfortunately.

 

If you have more exotic tastes, then ask the retailers about getting a couple of pieces in. I know that personally we do a lot of special orders for people, where there's no money down and no obligation to buy. We know that shifting a couple of pieces is not going to be too difficult, so we're prepared to take the hit for a while. However having stock of them is completely different, considering most companies require a $10,000 minimum order, and have MOQ (minimum order quantities) of each item. Sometimes you don't want to have 10x of a rifle, when all you're going to be able to sell is 3.

 

It makes sense to have your main bulk of stock being the stuff that sells in volume, with a decent mark up so that you can afford to take the chance on higher-value low-volume sales, and attempt to satisfy more of the market.

Please don't misunderstand me, I'm fully aware of the business aspect, it's what I do for a living.....in a round about sort of way

 

However, the point I'm making is more about access to high end items as opposed to keeping a bulk stock. If I could order a Vipertech through a UK store I would happily pay slightly more to do so, just to get away from dealing with Asia stores, UKBA, the unknown TAX, VAT, Parcel Farce tax, etc......

 

I'd be more than satisfied with a service like that if buying the item directly in store wasn't an option.

 

I just see a time when our choice in the UK will be WE, G&G, and ICS....with a smattering of TM for good measure.

[renegadecow]

I don't know exactly why, but I'm strangely attracted to the neon two-tone ARs. Maybe it's because it reminds me of the guns from 90s G.I. Joes.