Airsoft GI — Local services in Santa Fe Springs

I've been shopping at or recommending Airsoft GI to others for nearly a decade, and while they've grown and evolved, two things have remained constant: the quality of the products that they stock, and their attention to customer service. Both are the hallmarks of a successful retail business, and despite the changes that they've made, they've managed to keep their eye on those all-important goals.

I should caveat this by pointing out that, for many years, I was a well-known reviewer of airsoft guns and gear, and point out that I have actually never reviewed any items from Airsoft GI, as they do all their own reviews in house. However, they've always had competitive prices, good selection, and fast shipping, and so I've shopped with them for my occasional airsoft needs over the years. Even now, although I've turned my attention mostly to knifemaking and other shooting sports, I still shop at Airsoft GI for gear and accessories.

There are a number of reasons why I recommend Airsoft GI. First and foremost, I believe they have a solid reputation for integrity. If you buy from them, you'll get fair prices, your product will ship quickly, and will likely be in good shape, and if you should happen to get a lemon or experience some issue, you can also rest assured that they'll take care of you quickly and reliably. Please do bear in mind that, like most large retailers, they receive plenty of emails, and so if you expect a quick response, a phone call might be a better option.

For most people, the retail experience begins and ends with finding the item that they're looking for, buying it, and enjoying it. I do a lot of online business and shopping, so it's worth mentioning that Airsoft GI has done a great job with their website as well. It's easy to navigate, has a well-thought out style that's remained fairly consistent through the 11 or so years they've been in business, and allows prospective customers to quickly and easily find products that they're interested in.

More, the site also includes several detailed pictures of the actual product, rather than mere manufacturer stock photos, and accurate specs of the product as well, permitting easy comparison. I believe they also test guns before they get shipped, so you don't have to worry as much about the hassle of getting a malfunctioning product.

The truth is, I've very rarely had to, or heard of, a customer service claim that wasn't quickly resolved, and I ran a thread on a major airsoft forum rating retailer experience. Airsoft GI was one of the few retailers that earned an A+ rating for numerous positive customer experiences with, as far as I can remember, no negative ones. And, they've stood the test of time. All too many of the retailers on my list have gone under, and been unable to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamic of airsoft.

But wait, there's more!

I also have really appreciated the professional nature of their newsletter, and the in-depth reviews they provide for products. While we don't always agree about nitty gritty details of the occasional products, they've always done a good job, and they've never recommended something that didn't have merit. I rarely trust a review published by a retailer, but Airsoft GI has done a very respectable job. Add to that the events that they run, the videos they post, the tech support they can provide, the fact that most of their employees, if not all, are airsofters themselves, and their manifold other contributions to the airsoft community, and you've got a company that really interfaces well with all aspects of the sport.

Airsoft GI remains on my list, even though I rarely purchase airsoft guns any more, because it is a reliable retailer that has managed to maintain a good business ethic and solid reputation for 11 years, and have only managed to improve. I've seen other businesses stumble, and have customer service snafus. You'll be hard pressed to find anything similar from ASGI. Buy with confidence, and keep them in mind not just for airsoft, but for many of your other sporting...

I wish Google offers options of No Star or even Negative Stars.

I went to Airsoft GI last weekend with my son last Saturday. My son wanted to get this specific gun sold by this store. It was his graduation gift. Before we visited the store, we checked their website to make sure they have the gun. The website was shown as "In Stock". However, it was a different story when we got there. They told me that the gun is in stock but it is in their warehouse, not in the store.. I believe they must specify on the website so customers can save a trip. Then, the gentleman at the store told us to order on-line under Will Call order, and told us that it should be ready for pick-up by Tuesday if ordered by next day, Sunday. And we did place an order on Sunday evening: The gun must be ready for a pick-up by Wednesday according to their website. I called more than 20 times to get a hold of them: to get the status on my order. Can't even leave a message.. Automatically disconnect you after a short message.When I was able to get a hold of them for the first time after 12 attempts. All I heard from them were excuses and runaround. Not a single sincere apology. I asked the person who answered my call for the first time, named Matt or Matthew, that I wanted to talk to someone who was in higher authority or the owner of the business to resolve the matter. I was told by him that he is the manager of the business, and I can't talk to the owner because the owner is busy... He could come up with better excuse than that! Just like I expected, we could not pick up the gun on Wednesday unlike they promised 1 to 3 business days on their own website. I sent 2 emails as well, but I have not heard back from them by the end of Wednesday. My son also called many times hoping he can get the gun by Wednesday...

Airsoft GI finally sent us a confirmation email on Thursday morning stating that the order is ready for pick-up.

Like I was told by them, if it was due to high call volume, short of staffs, etc, then, hire more people, get a better phone system or something to better serve the customers rather than ignoring the customers, and coming up with constant and continuous excuses and runaround.

What an experience and disappointment we had as a customer!!! Try to build a better, healthier, honest and trustworthy business for people who love to play airsoft out there! And have a gut to tell customers that you are sincerely sorry when you can't keep the...

I really wanted to like this place. Website had a seemingly big selection of products, staff were friendly during our first visit, but in the end I just felt disappointed by the entire experience.

I wanted to pick out a rifle so we went in for a first look to talk to the staff, which generally went well. I left being told to order online or call ahead if I planned to come in to check inventory. Solid, makes sense. After a couple weeks I called them up, checked the stock of several products and was told all but 1 was in store but they could order it. No problem I just wanted to check it out in person before buying. We drive over and none of the products I was told were in store were actually there. Ok, miscommunication I guess. I talk to staff in store about my interest and what I want, and that I'd prefer to pick up day of to avoid any online/shipping problems. I was told that wasn't an issue, and if they don't have it it would be there in a day or two at worst. Another customer arrived which the staff treated warmly, said they would be just a minute, then began loudly offering discounts to them, and spent nearly 40 minutes chatting while our group and several others waited.

After walking through my options again, I ended up selecting a product that needed to be ordered to the shop (of course), and was rushed through the purchase- all the whole I was told I was being taken care of (The opposite of what I had just watched for 40+ min) After several days I call and the order was never placed, but the payment had gone through. If I hadn't called would it have shown up? Feels wrong that this many miscommunications and errors happened 'on accident' and staff don't want to own up or even admit to it. It also seemed bogus that they promoted purchase bonuses in store but once you buy you are informed the deals are strictly online only.

Scrolling through reviews it seems the customer service is a big problem and I guess I should've trusted that. I like what I ended up purchasing but it was a headache to get to it and felt like the shop just wanted me to pay and leave without any assurance of customer happiness. Two stars because one of the staff was very friendly, and the fulfillment individual I spoke to was apologetic but admitted to this happening...