Morning all,
Gambler PM'ed me a question I wanted to answer in public, so everyone can 'peer behind the curtain'. ;D
Here it is unedited & used with permission:
Gambler wrote:
Robin I have been getting a lot of questions about why Op Domino is $30. I seem to recall most games at RF being $15 or so. A lot of folks think this is a lot of money for a 1 day game. Just wanted to pass that along to you.
Damn good question. And one which is important. The most expensive OP I have ever thrown has been $25 bucks and it's a bummer RedFox has raised their rates for this one. That's why it is $5 more than normal.
Why are they charging $20 a person for their end? Pretty easy, it's a business, and they have hired four judges for the event... just like OP: Romeo. Which I have a sneaking suspicion will also be $30.
Some of you might be asking what I do with my take? Happy to comply. For this event here are the items I have already bought:
Wrist bands = $50
$300 worth of fireworks
batteries for the bull horn = $20
Rental of the military Deuce 1/2 = $200
Xerox costs for at-game info + maps = $40
Money to volunteer generals = $100
Raffle gun = $150
*Hehehe, I bet you did not know I actually pay the generals... because they really don't play the game, they help the game happen! *grin*
So my costs presently are : $860
If eighty players come I 'break even'. If 90 come, I make gas money and get to buy my girlfriend a dinner. If sixty come I lose money.
And the bottom line is, money is not what is important. My love of the sport, my support of the SC scene has always been
game first, money later. And TRUST me... I have lost $thousands$ hosting events for the past
SIX years... at an average of ten games a year...
But, this is not a business, this is a hobby/community I love! I work hard in my career so I
CAN lose money making the SC airsoft events the best in the SE! :P
Times are tough... and I feel it too. I really did not want this or any game in the future to become expensive... and will always try to keep it as reasonable as I can. The game next month at RedFox will be back to the normal $20.
So why do I do this? Why have all the whistles and bells? Easy, basic games & OPs are everywhere now. You can play every weekend between SC & NC. I am just trying to offer something different. I am not saying better, just different... explosions, real military vehicles, guns for free, printed maps for every player, paid referees to keep things smooth.
In the end it is all about having fun, making good memories, being honorable, and playing the sport we all love. Okay.. with explosions & armored transports!
If you cannot make this event, all good! I hope to see you at the next one... or save up your money and go to a regional event in FLA, VA or farther afield. But I hope you see now, that this is all about the love of airsoft.
To the warriors, I salute you!
~Robin
PS: Even the general vendors have severely cut back their free raffle items... hence I am now buying prizes to give away for free

PSS: That Deuce and a half, aint so bad eh? Now you get real transport!!
PSSS: OP: Deep Scar V will be at a nice $25 a player, because Saluda has not raised it's rates. Woo Hoo!