Love airsoft? Ever wondered how you could turn that passion into profit? You’ve landed in the right place. Welcome to our guide on ‘How to Make Money Playing Airsoft.’ Airsoft isn’t just a thrilling game of strategy and skill—it’s also a gateway to a profitable venture. Whether you’re thinking about opening your own airsoft field, kickstarting a related product line, or exploring affiliate marketing, we’ve got you covered. This article is jam-packed with straightforward, practical advice to help you cash in on your love for airsoft. Let’s cut to the chase and get you on the road to turning your airsoft passion into a solid money-making gig.
Want to learn how to make money playing airsoft?
Airsoft is a wonderful sport, and for some it is even a passion.
For many, the opportunity to earn a living from their airsoft passion is a dream.
The airsoft sport has won over enough people in the past decade to become a true lifestyle.
Who wouldn’t want to work doing what they love most?
You can turn this dream into reality by earning money through airsoft and related businesses.
In this article, we will be going over ten airsoft money-making ideas in detail.
Can you make money playing airsoft?
Yes, you can make money playing airsoft. There are several ways to put this passion to good use and make money from it. Here are 10 ideas that we’ll dive into within this article:
- Organize and Host Airsoft Events
- Start an Airsoft-Themed Blog
- Sell Airsoft Lessons or Courses
- Start an Airsoft YouTube Channel
- Start an Airsoft Field
- Open an Airsoft Store
- Play as a Professional
- Write Airsoft-Themed Articles
- Open an Airsoft Upgrade and Repair Shop
- Create Customized and Original Products
What is airsoft?
“Airsoft is a team game in which participants eliminate opposing players by tagging them out of play with spherical plastic projectiles shot with mock air weapons called airsoft guns.” – Airsoft, Wikipedia
Many people have already managed to set up real airsoft-based businesses.Yet, you may not be able to play the game yourself in all cases.
But you can still use your experience and training to make money through airsoft.
Let’s look together at some proven methods:
1. Organize and Host Airsoft Events
Organizing airsoft-themed events can be a very profitable way to put this passion to use.
Often teams are very focused on training and practice, and do not have the time or drive to set up, organize and supervise themed events.
These can be either sporting events or exhibition-type events and introductions to the sport.
If your ambitions include making this sport more popular this type of solution can definitely be right for you.
Holding these kinds of events (especially fairs) can be profitable.
People are often fascinated by this practice about which they may know little, and these kinds of events lead people to spend.
Often teams are willing to spend money to take part in events whose implementation is carefully planned.
The high flow of participants can generate even very large profits.
Types of Airsoft Events
- You could focus on large simulation-type events, like those organized by MILSIM WEST.
- Extended duration matches like those done by Zulu24 and SC Village sites.
- Dynamic shooting competitions with airsoft weapons.
- Static shooting competitions on paper targets.
- Obstacle courses with shooting games, and so on.
The applications are innumerable.
You must base your choices on your community, surveying the most popular services and those in which they would take part even for the first time.
2. Start an Airsoft-Themed Blog
One rarely comes into contact with polarizing themes when it comes to airsoft.
Players have many different ideas about most aspects of this sport.
They like comparing opinions, sometimes in pursuit of personal growth, other times for mere flame.
One thing is for sure, though: airsoft players are an active category on popular blogs.
They usually seek advice and equipment reviews.
Sometimes they want to share episodes, multimedia, and impressions about matches and airsoft in general.
Having a successful blog can allow you to earn a lot of money across the board.
You can do affiliate marketing through sites that deal with equipment like Evike.
You can also get equipment to review or receive requests for sponsorship.
This can be a good way to earn money if you enjoy sharing your thoughts with others and creating a community that shares values.
3. Sell Airsoft Lessons or Courses
If you are an experienced player, you can teach lessons or sell courses.
Make your knowledge available to less experienced players in exchange for payment.
Plenty of players are looking for ways to improve their performance on the field.
One of the paths they can take is through training courses.
This is a good way to earn money, but only if you are actually very good at practice.
There are many airsoft-related disciplines that you can teach to improve players’ skills.
- Weapon wielding
- Combat maneuvers
- Orientation
- Survival
- Cartography
- Radio Communications, and so on.
But be careful: it is important to be honest with yourself and others.
Do not pass on skills of which you are uncertain.
Doing so will not only earn you a bad reputation, ruining your business, but could also hurt someone.
So keep it honest, guys!
4. Start an Airsoft YouTube Channel
Today, YouTube is definitely one of the most popular ways to earn money through airsoft.
Channels such as Novritsch, Silo, Kickingmustang, and many others have become popular in the YouTube airsoft scene.
They also became a real model for a lot of players around the world.
Youtube is perfect for filming your matches, building community, or growing your airsoft business.
In fact, from YouTube notoriety, other opportunities can open up:
- Create your own site
- Get invitations
- Get equipment donations
- Create your personal brand
It is also true that this is a method that requires a lot of energy and money.
The equipment for filming, editing, post-production, and publishing requires money, skills and, above all, a lot of time. Usually, in such cases, it is difficult to manage to do everything yourself.
So, you can think about starting such a type of business if you have with you someone who shares the same ambitions as you!
5. Start an Airsoft Field
Running an airsoft field represents one of the most attractive, options for those who enjoy the discipline of airsoft.
The applications are countless and the benefits can be many.
Having an airsoft field allows you to provide equipment for others to practice airsoft.
Also allows you to organize events, to have a support point for one’s team, to have a personal training camp, and so on.
This is probably the most suitable option for those seeking to make airsoft their job for life.
Not least because such a project can require a very significant financial commitment and a huge expenditure of energy.
Nonetheless, if you are certain of your desire to make airsoft a way of life, it remains the best option.
We will elaborate on some aspects of this option later on.
6. Open an Airsoft Store
Opening an airsoft store is definitely the most direct way to make money, as it does not need some of the other options to gain notoriety over time.
Retailing airsoft equipment is a very lucrative market in communities where the sport has taken off.
Alternatively, you may consider opening an online store so you can avoid all the costs associated with an on-site opening (paying the fee, setting up the business, etc.).
If you are passionate about equipment and are always looking for the perfect piece of gear, this type of solution may be the right one for you.
Yet, keep in mind that opening such a business may need more or less start-up capital, and you need to have the experience to select merchandise.
7. Play as a Professional
This kind of idea is not very popular, but it is an option to consider. In case you are very good as a player, you might consider making airsoft practice a real profession.
Keep in mind that playing as a professional is unlikely to bring you enough income as employment, but it can be a way to earn extra money.
Often competitions and tournaments have prize money in equipment or cash, which can come in handy. It is not the most popular option, but if playing is your passion, it is worth a try!
8. Write Airsoft-Themed Articles
Literally my job. This kind of choice is especially good for those who like to spread opinions and experiences about airsoft with others.
It is also suitable for those who want to create a more curious and knowledgeable community of enthusiasts. If you have good expressive skills and something to communicate to others, writing articles for sites and blogs is a great way to do that.
Sites like Fiverr and Upwork can be a good starting point for freelance writers. They will help you connect with people who are looking for your service. The market for airsoft-themed articles online is quite buoyant, since airsoft is getting popular.
9. Open an Airsoft Upgrade and Repair Shop
All players have at least one airsoft gun, but few are able to repair them or upgrade them as they would like.
Opening an airsoft repair and upgrade business can be a way to offer a much-needed but often unavailable service.
Airsoft guns fail frequently, and if you are mechanically inclined this can only benefit you and allow you to make money.
Some mechanics are so popular that they receive requests to prepare custom airsoft guns.
This kind of job can require very large payments, including the cost of parts and labor.
Just make sure you have a developed airsoft community around you so that you always have customers who need your service.
10. Create Customized and Original Products
If you have innovative ideas for meeting the needs or solving the problems of players, you can try your hand at creating products. Several people over time have patented new ideas and products that have become increasingly popular, such as special replicas (rocket launchers, grenade launchers, sniper rifles..), extra equipment (grenades, visors, optics…), and clothing (uniforms, ghillies, pouches…).
If you have thought of something new and innovative, try to develop a prototype and launch your idea on the market. After all, airsoft is still a young sport, and there are many aspects that you can work on to make it more realistic and fun. Make sure to put together a well-thought-out, researched, and above all, original idea!
Now, let’s take a closer look at one such cue. The opening of an airsoft field. Of all the options listed, the airsoft field represents the most immersive and comprehensive. It allows for the creation of a setting where players can practice sports, come together, and bring memorable sporting events to life.
However, it is a big business, and it may not be easy to figure out how to take the first steps toward such a goal. In the next few paragraphs, we will see if we can address a few doubts about starting such a business. and answer some of the questions that some of you are surely already asking yourself.
How Can I Start an Airsoft Field? Steps to Starting a Profitable Airsoft Field Business.
As a first step, one must ask oneself whether one wants to do such a thing. Starting such a business requires a lot of time, money, and an intense and consistent commitment over time.
There are many aspects to take care of if you want to start an airsoft field worthy of the name, and nothing can be left to chance.
If the answer is yes, , there are some questions you will have to ask yourself to see if it is worth making such an investment:
Would there be an audience interested in playing in my field?
Unfortunately, since this is a commercial activity, this can be a cut-off point. If there is no audience interested in the offer, there will probably be no demand and the business will collapse. Still, this may not be your case. First, it may be that the demand actually is there, but instead, it is the field that is missing. Second, it may be that the demand is not there because the public in your area is not familiar with the offer, meaning the sport of airsoft. Doing good market research and figuring out whether people might like this type of service ia s obligatory, move. If there is already a demand for this type of business, you can investigate the specific type of services people are looking for in an airsoft field. This will improve your offerings, increase customer satisfaction, and maximize profits.
Is there land structures in my area suitable for the purpose?
Here again, unfortunately, we are dealing with a take-it-or-leave-it situation. If there are no suitable sites for the creation of a field, you will have to give up the project. Fortunately, land suitable for opening an airsoft field can have many aspects and extensions, depending on the final look you want it to take on.
You can create a World-War-style outdoor field, a village with small houses for a hybrid outdoor-CQB environment, a building for a full urban environment, and so on.
The applications are almost endless, the important thing is to be able to adapt your design according to the site you will be able to get. Keep in mind that the opening of sports sites can also be funded by private or government agencies that work with sports businesses.
Do I have the capital to start an airsoft field?
No point getting around it: it costs money to open an airsoft field. You need the site, structures, and shelters to play among. You will also need systems to store equipment, replicas, safety equipment, maintenance materials, and so on.
That said, there are a few ways to amortize the expense and cut the initial investment. You can take care of the site creation only and delegate the need for customers to bring in a replica. You can also opt for a small site, or you can even salvage second-hand items for making the shelters for the playing field.
Keep in mind that implementation and start-up costs often remain very high, so you will still need some start-up capital to get the business going. In case you do not have the money, you can consider applying for a loan from a bank, or funding from state or public agencies for sports upgrades. Keep one thing in mind, however: the lower the initial investment, the lower the supply and the lower the profits as well. The fewer services you offer, the less you can charge your clients.
Am I around the right people to take this project forward?
For a project like this, you will need to have someone by your side. The amount of work will be immense, and you will have to collaborate often with other people to realize your airsoft field.
Make sure you work and collaborate with willing, practical, and honest people who can help you make the right decisions. Having the right people beside you will not only make the experience easier, but will create the foundation for a lasting business.
How much money do airsoft fields make?
It all depends on the type of airsoft field you intend to open. A large field will probably yield better than a small one, the ability to rent equipment will provide a profit otherwise lost, and so on.
The courtesy and preparation of the staff, the quality of the field, the number of game modes the tariffs for individual activities will affect your revenues.
The best thing to do is to try not to focus too much on making profit, but on the quality of the facilities, equipment and service. If you do things properly, the money will come. No doubt about it.
Are airsoft fields profitable?
Airsoft fields can be extremely profitable. Depending on the number of players you can host, the type of event, and the frequency, an airsoft field can make up to thousands of dollars per month. The number of events that you can organize within them is their greatest strength.
Yet, you need to learn to keep the costs of maintaining the equipment, the field, and the pay of any employees at bay. This is why it is important to have the right people around!
Be sure to make contacts with reliable suppliers who are willing to give you favorable prices. After all, you will have a way to return the favor in advertising!
Never lose sight of how the money is getting earned and spent.
Do everything keeping safety in mind: it is the one that could cost you the most, in case someone gets hurt, both in reputation and in financial terms.
How does an airsoft field insurance work?
Like in a business, licenses and permits are necessary to function legally and safely. But most importantly, you will need insurance. Insurance will provide protection in case things don’t turn out as hoped and will protect your investment.
There are several insurance plans based on the risks of the business itself. If you’re not sure what hazards your company could encounter, start with general liability insurance. It’s a good option to start for your business because this is the coverage that small companies need the most frequently.
In case, , you already have clear ideas about the kind of risks of your activity, you might consider more defined options. Some companies offer dedicated insurance packages for this type of activity. They cover the most common expenses, such as the replacement of damaged equipment. They sometimes also provide services to workers offering work services at airsoft fields.
I hope this article may have helped you get some ideas for putting your passion for airsoft into income. If you have a passion for this sport, pursue whatever option or options seem best for you, and you will see that the money will come!