[R3dMAn]

So just curious is it cheaper to buy from your local shop or to buy from ballers selling there equipment? The 2 closest shops to me are almost an hr away so i wonder if its worth it to make the trip?

[Team_ILLNatured]

buying used will be alot cheaper in the long run. but buying local supports your local paintball infrastructure.

[eforce]

If you buy at your local proshop, everything has a warranty and what you see is what you get. If you buy online, it may be cheaper, but you will usually not get a warranty and there's no guarantee that the item will arrive as described. If you can afford it, support your local proshop. I would recommend making a list of what you need and calling up both shops near you for a quote. Make them compete against each other to give you the best price.

[R3dMAn]

Originally Posted by eforce

If you buy at your local proshop, everything has a warranty and what you see is what you get. If you buy online, it may be cheaper, but you will usually not get a warranty and there's no guarantee that the item will arrive as described. If you can afford it, support your local proshop. I would recommend making a list of what you need and calling up both shops near you for a quote. Make them compete against each other to give you the best price.

ok so you will pay a little more in the shop?

[KYhillbilly]

That just depends on the shop. I have seen several shops who sell used stuff so you can still get a good deal. Just look around and weigh your options.

The big advantage to buying at a local pro shop is they will often fix any problems you have with the gun. Just consider if its an established place or not, if they have only been in business a year or two they may not still be around when something breaks down, our local store went out of business so if you overpaid for service there your out of luck.

[Zippin35]

My pro-shop has free lifetime labor on a gun that you purchase and gives things like free seasons passes with the purchase of a setup. If you know what your doing, the bst can be a great place but there are shady characters and there are no guarantees when dealing in the used forums. My recommendation, local shop whenever possible.

[jdub2k5]

I buy at both but I support my local shop a lot because they offer decent prices on trade ins

ions are still 150(with mods)
tippmans are 80-140 with mods
tanks are 150
so the prices are decent

[YeloSno]

If you have a massive amoutn of money and a shop owner with a massive amount of knowledge of everything pertaining to what you're intending on buying, then go through the proshop.

Unfortunately, I highly doubt it's the case.


Buy through the BST, but learn about what you plan to buy before doing so to prevent yourself from being "gypped" or just coming out with a broken gun.

[Team_ILLNatured]

i've been using the B/S/T fairly regularly for bout the last 5 years. i would venture to say that it has saved me about 4 G's by buying stuff used.

[jdub2k5]

Originally Posted by YeloSno

If you have a massive amoutn of money and a shop owner with a massive amount of knowledge of everything pertaining to what you're intending on buying, then go through the proshop.

Unfortunately, I highly doubt it's the case.


Buy through the BST, but learn about what you plan to buy before doing so to prevent yourself from being "gypped" or just coming out with a broken gun.

not always the case my local shops have axes and whatnot but they are fans of simple ions... they don't try to upsell

some places even will let you give it a test... try a game in some gear before you buy it

however if its only 10-20 more to have it at my store I do that because I would rather see the money go to upgrades of the field and shop

[david42]

Buy local to support your local store if they don't have something you want and or can't get it (very unlikely) then buy online

[R3dMAn]

ok guys thanks im headed up to 1 of the closes shops this Saturday with a friend who got their gun from them. They get lifetime warranty on repairs like some of you mentioned.

[MaG Adrenal1ne]

I personal go through BST. Im trying to get the best bang for my buck. If money isnt an issue. Pro shop away!

[Team_ILLNatured]

Originally Posted by MaG Adrenal1ne

I personal go through BST. Im trying to get the best bang for my buck. If money isnt an issue. Pro shop away!

This.

[dps093]

Usually pro-shops are more expensive. BST is the way to go.

[eforce]

Originally Posted by dps093

Usually pro-shops are more expensive. BST is the way to go.

If you aren't experienced enough to know what you need and how to maintain it (such as... somebody that needs to ask what to do in this situation), buying online will often cost more than buying from a proshop in the long run because you will have to pay to have things fixed.

[dps093]

Originally Posted by eforce

If you aren't experienced enough to know what you need and how to maintain it (such as... somebody that needs to ask what to do in this situation), buying online will often cost more than buying from a proshop in the long run because you will have to pay to have things fixed.

Well that argument can work the same way towards buying from a pro shop lol. If you buy from a pro shop, and don't know how to maintain your marker, and you break something, than you have to pay to get it fixed haha

[CoYeImPy]

Originally Posted by R3dMAn

They get lifetime warranty on repairs like some of you mentioned.

Unless they do it for free.
The only time I use bst is when I am looking for things that are not made anymore. Anything I am buying new get from a pro shop help your pb community.

[Zippin35]

Most pro shops will price match today too. Dont go in there blind and pay for anything, do some research and know some prices but in general, most proshops I have been to are right on par for new goods with the big box stores. If you are going used on the BST then that is quite a bit different than arguing just proshop vs BST. New v used is a different question with different answers. Make sure were talking about apples to apples.

[eforce]

Originally Posted by dps093

Well that argument can work the same way towards buying from a pro shop lol. If you buy from a pro shop, and don't know how to maintain your marker, and you break something, than you have to pay to get it fixed haha

Many reputable proshops offer free service and inexpensive parts for markers sold there. It's one of the easiest ways for them to compete with online stores - if you can't beat them in price, beat them in service.

[tyler151]

for your case in general id say go get a marker at your pro shop, like most people said before help your local paintball store, they are the ones who in the future with your help make paintball more fun in your area. bst for the other stuff like parts and accesories that arent worth the hr drive . chances are you can call your pro shop and have them sent to you as well.