Organizing and managing the logistics for AOJ airsoft events is both complex and rewarding. From maintaining our website to crafting custom airsoft props, renting equipment, transporting gear, and storing AOJ’s resources, every step demands significant dedication and resources. Creating enjoyable and engaging airsoft experiences requires a careful balance of time, creativity, and effective planning, all while managing other personal and work commitments.
Prepayment System for Airsoft Events
To improve event participation and mitigate last-minute cancellations as well as making mornings easier for our leaders, AOJ Airsoft Event Management is introducing a prepaid ticket system. This system will streamline check-ins, ensuring that fields are prepaid and eliminating invoicing for no-shows. Payment methods include credit card, Apple Pay, PayPal and wire transfer. While this may not be ideal for everyone, it helps cover costs without affecting our personal finances.
Game Costs and Minimum Bookings
Booking airsoft fields requires meeting participant minimums. Last-minute cancellations can impact us financially. For instance, booking for 20 players costs around ¥80,000, doubling for larger groups of 40 or more. That is of course without other costs like props, logistics, materials etc. As AOJ’s community often has 30-40 players per event, cancellations within two weeks mean we cover the cost of missing attendees. Additionally, recent inflation has increased private game fees and participant minimums at various fields. We could mislead venues and give them the bare minimum figures, but that will affect our standing with fields. Accurate headcounts are vital to maintain strong relationships with these locations.
AOJ Website and Community Growth
The AOJ website is a central hub for our airsoft community. Since August 2023, the site has seen over 14,000 visitors globally, with over 200 unique attendees across eight games. While some members come from social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or from influencers like Defrowe Airsoft, most find us directly through our homepage, thanks to effective SEO and marketing. High SEO ranking on Google has required dedicated time, resources, and expertise. Our homepage unifies reservations, payments, and event management across platforms.
In the future, we plan to add these features:
- Buy & Sell Listings
- Community-Hosted Events
- Top Player/Member Articles
- Field and Equipment Reviews
Community-Centric Airsoft Experiences
AOJ’s primary focus is community building, not profit. We are committed to improving game quality, expanding our props, and providing a memorable airsoft experience. We aim to create an environment where airsoft enthusiasts can share their passion and engage in high-quality events together.
Funding for AOJ Props and Equipment
All profits from charter games and donations are reinvested into props, equipment, and vehicle rentals for transporting our gear. These funds have allowed us to acquire or create the following:
- 2x Suitcase Bomb Prop
- Pipe Bomb Prop
- Bomb Vest Prop
- 2x Code Breaker Props
- 1x Advanced Bomb Prop
- Game Timer and Digital Counter Buttons
- Four Digital Domination Boxes
- In-development Hacking Terminal
- Rental masks, eye protection, clothing, gloves, and armor
- Five Rental Rifles
- Standing Flags (pending funds)
- Patches
The Future of AOJ Airsoft Events
AOJ is committed to enhancing airsoft experiences for all community members. Our leaders balance time and financial demands with their jobs, families, and other responsibilities. With sufficient income from Elite Memberships, charter game fees, and donations, we have recently migrated our webpage to lower costs and are hoping to soon introduce game day contests with prizes, field-specific color flags, better props, and a membership card system with perks for regular members as well as elite members. We’re also exploring additional outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and beach trips.
Sustaining AOJ relies on active member engagement and consistent player numbers, and more importantly advanced bookings, ensuring we can continue offering exceptional airsoft events for all.
