Zero One and their Consistently Dubious Business Pratices

[TheFull9]

I've posted this over on Arnies already as well as facebook (to which a fair few people replied that they were very much unsurprised by the news), but the vast majority of people there already avoid this 'company'... a term I use very loosely.

 

Somewhere on my backup hard drive I've already got a screen cap of Zero One selling fingerless ACM knock-off versions of the Oakley carbon knuckle gloves (that were all the rage a few years ago) as supposed genuine Oakley products... at a full and genuine price tag of course. No mention of being copies anywhere on the product page, despite the fact Oakley never manufactured a version of the glove in question without the actual fingers.

Looking around for something very specific a few days ago I wandered on to their site for the first time in a good few years; lo and behold within 10 seconds of looking around their 'store', I find they're scamming people (whether deliberately or not, it's still a scam) again.

http://www.zerooneairsoft.com/product_info.php?products_id=8690

Just to be very clear, I've double checked with someone who works for PTS and looked at pictures of the MS2 slings that PTS used to sell; there's no doubt this is a cheap chinese rip.

1. The sling design shown is an MS2 copy, not an MS3 as the page title claims.

2. PTS only ever made black and tan MS2 replicas (under actual license from Magpul).

3. PTS never manufactured an MS3 at all.

4. The actual PTS MS2s had a rotating clip at the end point where the sling clipped to the rifle, this copy does not have the rotating hardware.

5. The stitched on label says Dynamics on these mislabelled forgeries. The PTS slings had a spot of velcro in that area and a came with small patch featuring the PTS logo.

Few other little idiosyncrasies, but that's the meat of it. There's no question that these were made by a shady chinese factory in contravention of copyright and patenting. Now I know plenty of people aren't fussed about clones of gear and I'm aware of the fact that 99% of the time if somebody's buying a budget clone of a product they weren't planning on buying the original anyway, so businesses aren't likely to be losing out on anything at all significant; let me make it very clear that the argument about clone guns/kit is not at all the point I'm making here.

The fact of the matter is they're charging 40 quid for something that probably cost less than a fiver to buy. 2 minutes of googling found a retail site selling the exact same product with some slightly more honest labelling and significantly more honest pricing:

http://www.snitactical.com/magpul-pts-ms2-multimission-sling-system-green-p-18.html

Now, potentially, someone working at Z1 may be simply somewhat ignorant of tactical gear products and, as with a lot of airsofters, is under the illusion that absolutely anything Magpul is PTS (who stopped making Magpul a good while ago now). However, this is no excuse and frankly I HIGHLY doubt that's the case at all. They would've known exactly what they were buying when they imported the things wholesale.

I've obviously made sure to screenshot the page and host it in a couple of places, because if there is something dubious going on I've no doubt my link there will be non-functional in short order. They were deleted from my favourites many years ago, my personal recommendation: Don't spend your money with these people. Even if they have something you need a little bit cheaper than elsewhere, they're in the game of swindling British airsofters and are not deserving of any of your hard earned cash.

[sp00n]

Personally I have never had any issues with any of the guns or bits I have bought off them.

 

Admittedly I mainly go there for guns and mags etc, so I cannot comment on your valid points.

 

It is a blot on my view of zeroone, but I have always had good service from them.

[TheFull9]

Personally I have never had any issues with any of the guns or bits I have bought off them.

 

Admittedly I mainly go there for guns and mags etc, so I cannot comment on your valid points.

 

It is a blot on my view of zeroone, but I have always had good service from them.

 

Ever had any purchases go awry per chance? Honest question as that's where you always find out what a retailer is actually like. I know a lot of people who've had major troubles with trying to get refunds/sending guns for fixing only to have them come back the same or worse than when sent etc etc; all spaced out over quite a few years.

 

I've no doubt at all there's people out there who've had good experiences with them, but in my decade or so of airsofting and ungodly amount of hours on various forums and chatting to other players (online and in person), the number of negative reports I've heard about them has been substantially higher than any other retailer. Even worse than Wolf a few years back when those guys went through a notoriously terrible patch.

 

My only personal experience with them was purchasing a TM gun way back in 08. Luckily the gun of course worked perfectly fine and the purchase went 'ok', but it took a ridiculously long time to ship out considering how simple the order was and it took me nearly a week of trying to get someone on the phone. Shortly after I found the aforementioned fake Oakleys; exact same thing happening as detailed in this thread. Never shopped with them again after that and I'm glad of that decision I have to say.

[proffrink]

This is going to be a bit superficial, but I get a vibe off some sites that are simply in it for a quick buck and don't tend to know what they're on about - far too clean, too many rounded corners etc. It sounds strange, but places like Zero One never appeal to me for this reason and I'd far rather browse a slightly clunky site like Firesupport that doesn't always attempt to give you the hard-sell in the description of their products but instead treats you like an adult, or somewhere like Patrol Base were their range sometimes extends into things you don't often see elsewhere and are priced fairly. It's hard to explain, but I also get it from places like Evike where everything seems a little too much like it's a supermarket that's focused on price-points and working around cost margins and not enough like an actual hobby shop where they understand the importance of something a little unique and building a good stock list. I know I'll be in the minority, but I've never liked such sites.

 

I guess I've just never found Zero One to be the cheapest option and their range is incredibly limited and generic in places. Again, I know it's weird but I did get that feeling from the very beginning in the same way that I do with some of the 'BB Guns' sites where everything is a little too same-y and clearly primarily for an audience that haven't been playing for long. Ultimately it's sad that they're being less-than-honest at times because they must know a lot of their customers are those starting out or haven't spent the time to see if the grass is greener, because I see them recommended an awful lot on Facebook despite rarely being the most affordable or having anything very out of the ordinary in stock. We're lucky in the UK that we have so many options frankly and I'd certainly encourage anyone that uses one retailer for 90% of their purchases (Zero One or otherwise) to make sure they're actually getting a decent deal on stuff they actually want.

 

I'd be suspicious of any company still selling anything PTS Magpul these days given how rare the stuff is, but this absolutely takes the biscuit given the number of times they've been caught in the past. Nice share.

[Esoterick]

It's going to be a bit superficial, but I get a vibe off some sites that are simply in it for a quick buck and don't tend to know what they're on about - far too clean, too many rounded corners etc. It sounds strange, but places like Zero One never appeal to me for this reason and I'd far rather browse a slightly clunky site like Firesupport that doesn't always attempt to give you the hard-sell in the description of their products but instead treats you like an adult, or somewhere like Patrol Base were their range sometimes extends into things you don't often see elsewhere and are priced fairly.

 

I think that's a fair point, they also have a considerable number of products on Zero One where they couldn't be bothered to fill in the product description. I've always avoided them because I have heard lots of stories of how their handling of faulty guns suck.

[Sacarathe]

This is partly why I ruled out buying tacticool gear (other than gloves/safety) in the UK, far to much pricing by purpose (and comparison with brand products) than by actual hierarchical price to quality.

 

Idd, price aside, would this be just as fraudulent to you if the title contained the words "imitation" or "style"?

 

 

As for evike, I agree with the above, if not for their Youtube presence as countpoint I doubt they'd be so large, as for their site layout, I still agree, except for this page, where I send curious people (that are not interested in buying).

[sp00n]

 

Ever had any purchases go awry per chance? Honest question as that's where you always find out what a retailer is actually like. I know a lot of people who've had major troubles with trying to get refunds/sending guns for fixing only to have them come back the same or worse than when sent etc etc; all spaced out over quite a few years.

 

I've no doubt at all there's people out there who've had good experiences with them, but in my decade or so of airsofting and ungodly amount of hours on various forums and chatting to other players (online and in person), the number of negative reports I've heard about them has been substantially higher than any other retailer. Even worse than Wolf a few years back when those guys went through a notoriously terrible patch.

 

My only personal experience with them was purchasing a TM gun way back in 08. Luckily the gun of course worked perfectly fine and the purchase went 'ok', but it took a ridiculously long time to ship out considering how simple the order was and it took me nearly a week of trying to get someone on the phone. Shortly after I found the aforementioned fake Oakleys; exact same thing happening as detailed in this thread. Never shopped with them again after that and I'm glad of that decision I have to say.

I have not had any issue like you have described above. I have never had to return anything.

 

Maybe it's luck, I don't know

 

I could mention far worse retailers, such as my recent dealings with patrol base (i phoned up reserved a gun, did a 140mile round trip only to find that they had sold it), but that's my view/experience/opinion etc.

 

I am not taking anything away from your post at all mate, just saying about my experiences

[Sitting Duck]

I could mention far worse retailers, such as my recent dealings with patrol base (i phoned up reserved a gun, did a 140mile round trip only to find that they had sold it), but that's my view/experience/opinion etc.

 

Wow - PatrolBase got taken over by LWA bastids that sold my my first RIF - FireHawk ???

(blimey at least I didn't arrive there to do my nut but I was spewing down south)

 

I'm a tart - I've forgiven them and shop there still now n then

but don't think I have forgotten it

(and in true woman style I was always keep throwing it up in ya face)

 

None of them are flawless - that goes for retailers and women (but don't tell the wife I said that)

some are usually better than others most of the time but now n then you realise somethings are not their strong point

 

Mrs Duck's cooking is a very rare thing and housework ain't her strong point either.....

but hey she puts up with me & the kids so she has very high tolerance levels

 

Only really used z1 for G&G's as they usually are cheapest (especially with extra discounts)

but postage is a little bit higher than most places

woo hoo free skirmish voucher - that is not near me

free 2-tone - hmm ok but got defense

LWA & Airsoft World plus Pro Airsoft where my G&G's also came from

FireSupport = ICS heaven

heard JD Airsoft techy dept ain't that great either so instead I bodge n break n bodge my own stuff

 

a number of times though we have seen Z1 descriptions or even prices being just a random lot of stuff pulled out of their ar$e

ho hum - merry christmas n all that

[sp00n]

 

Wow - PatrolBase got taken over by LWA bastids that sold my my first RIF - FireHawk ???

(blimey at least I didn't arrive there to do my nut but I was spewing down south)

 

I'm a tart - I've forgiven them and shop there still now n then

but don't think I have forgotten it

(and in true woman style I was always keep throwing it up in ya face)

 

None of them are flawless - that goes for retailers and women (but don't tell the wife I said that)

some are usually better than others most of the time but now n then you realise somethings are not their strong point

 

Mrs Duck's cooking is a very rare thing and housework ain't her strong point either.....

but hey she puts up with me & the kids so she has very high tolerance levels

 

Only really used z1 for G&G's as they usually are cheapest (especially with extra discounts)

but postage is a little bit higher than most places

woo hoo free skirmish voucher - that is not near me

free 2-tone - hmm ok but got defense

LWA & Airsoft World plus Pro Airsoft where my G&G's also came from

FireSupport = ICS heaven

heard JD Airsoft techy dept ain't that great either so instead I bodge n break n bodge my own stuff

 

a number of times though we have seen Z1 descriptions or even prices being just a random lot of stuff pulled out of their ar$e

ho hum - merry christmas n all that

Like I said, my finding/experience/opinion

 

It's really pissing me off as they have a gun I really want, but I will never buy from them again (I do hope someone reminds me of this should I ever go back on my word)

 

Fire support have been fantastic since the proposed ukara change incident.

 

LWA have got expensive

 

Wolf are very good, great prices, even if there webby is pants

 

JD and pro airsoft supplies, always seem to be out of stock of everything (that want)

[Sacarathe]

Fire support have been fantastic since the proposed ukara change incident.

 

 

But don't stop talking about things people know not of, now.

[sp00n]

 

But don't stop talking about things people know not of, now.

It was a leaked email, about 3+years ago, I don't recall it fully but from memory, basically to remove all requirements and just charge people a yearly "subscription" fee, if I remember correctly. There was calls to boycott fire support all over most forums/Facebook etc. I didn't use them for almost a year.

 

In any case It didn't happen, and apparently it was just an idea ....

 

Either way I have had nothing but exemperly service from them since!

[Esoterick]

It seems strange to me how people completely lost their shit about that Fire Support thing. Yet when it was demonstrated you can sign up for the british airsoft club with no proof of identity it was largely ignored....

 

They are pretty lucky that the chap who did this had good intentions as I doubt it would have been raised as an issue otherwise.

[Druid799]

I also noted the shonky gloves a few yrs back , plus as has been commented on the distinct lack of product description has always worried me about there commitment to the sport/hobby and not just the moneies FROM the players of said sporting interest ?

Had hell of a problem when I had purchased a gun and was sent the wrong model , was told over the phone when I eventually got through to them " what's the problem it's the same AEG just a different rail on it !" ?!?!?!?

Could be wrong but I do feel the bigger they get the less customer care that goes with the company growth .

Example I had was couple of yrs ago I was over in the states went to the Evike shop (which was absolutely huge and had every thing you could think off on display !) purchased a load of 'bits n bobs' that you just don't see and a box of Pmags , now I asked for dark earth ones and the distinctly uninterested sales guy got me a box of OD ones , pointed out his mistake ( from his reaction you'd think I'd said he had killed a puppy the glair he gave me !) he goes off to get the correct ones , comes back bags every thing up , I pay start walking out the shop and don't know why but decide to check and discovered the cheeky f**ker had put the OD ones in the bag ! Not happy to say the least , another sales assistant takes over (who was a lot more helpful) to be informed "he probably couldn't be bothered to go out back and get them!" And since that incident have spoken to a few others who have been screwed over by Evike especially overseas customers .

[ImTriggerHappy]

Never liked zero one.

Just use Firesupport or Patrolbase for guns. Most parts and accessories either buy from smaller specialist sites or from abroad.

Only ever tried dealing with zero one once and wasn't impressed.

[Oneshotscott]

I've done 3 x orders through Zero One. Each order had its own issue and they never reply to emails/call cack. When I asked to speak to the Owner/director or 'head honcho' they passed me through to an unhelpful supervisor.

 

They cannot be bothered to put descriptions of the items they want us buy so we have to do our own research which is a pain and also means we go onto other retailers and potentially losses in zero one sales will be because of this.

 

I give retailers three chances and once they mess up those I simply don't use them anymore.

 

If you don't like Zero One, don't go onto their website, don't purchase from them. If their sales drop they may start scratching their heads.

 

seasons greetings and all that.

 

sg

[Sacarathe]

They cannot be bothered to put descriptions of the items they want us buy so we have to do our own research which is a pain and also means we go onto other retailers and potentially losses in zero one sales will be because of this.

 

I've never understood this, many times when I was new to airsoft I started at ZO with their large collection of [out of stock] items, but found stuff elsewhere due to lack of descriptions. They only seem to be able to cut and paste eh? That said, they're frequent goldmine for instock pricematching.

[TDQ]

Hi recently bought a g18c from these guys.....all seems ok but being knew to airsofting and reading your post not sure if I should go elsewhere.

After an extended mag zero asking £55.... any recommendations please.

[Jedi_Master]

Hi recently bought a g18c from these guys.....all seems ok but being knew to airsofting and reading your post not sure if I should go elsewhere.

After an extended mag zero asking £55.... any recommendations please.

Reply is in your other thread - re extended magazines. Follow link:

 

http://www.airsoft-forums.co.uk/index.php/topic/29416-magazines/#entry226115

[TDQ]

Hi issues navigating site ( using mobile ).can you reply here plwase

[Airsoft-Ed]

l've always avoided Z1 just because l can't bare how they run their forums.

But since the last general election when they told their entire Fb audience to vote one way because the other would ban airsoft - total BS of course - l feel they've lost even more of their non-existent credibility.

A goddamn airsoft shop employing political scare tactics ffs? Nope. None of my money for you.

Don't forget how much of a money grab the NAE is too.

[joshcowin]

I will agree with ed on this one z1 forums are a sham to airsoft and make themselves lol silly by not letting to mention any other retailers. As for the shop i have had a hit and miss with them first time ran smooth as butter.2nd time I had to send photo evidence aswell as ukara for some reason to purchase a gun which then they took 6 working days before they sent it out and came out with the excuses. Even at the nae some of the guys seem very clicky and off don't get me wrong a lot of them are decent people. I think if you stick to fire support,airsoft zone and patrol base you can't go wrong

[MrMcG]

Online I didn't have a problem apart from one item which wasn't sent until I called them and asked where it was.

 

But when I went there in person the guy serving didn't seem happy I was in the shop more like an annoyance and inconvenience even though I bought a case pistol 2 mags and gloves but hey ho

[ImTriggerHappy]

But when I went there in person the guy serving didn't seem happy I was in the shop more like an annoyance and inconvenience even though I bought a case pistol 2 mags and gloves but hey ho

Had a similar thing at socom tactical. Went there about 18 months ago to get a back up gun for friends to use and a new tac light. Asked to try out a gun to see how it shot lad behind the counter just shrugged and said cant do as on his own in the shop and carried on chatting to the other lad in the shop he obviously knew.

Didnt offer to lock up for a few minutes or anything.

So I thought whatever went to look at lights and they had the element foregrip light combo but was way above the price of any where else. I asked if they could do anything about the price got a curt no while he rolled his eyes at the lad he was talking to.

Walked out and will never go back which is a shame as normally I try and support local businesses.

[Esoterick]

Had a similar thing at socom tactical. Went there about 18 months ago to get a back up gun for friends to use and a new tac light. Asked to try out a gun to see how it shot lad behind the counter just shrugged and said cant do as on his own in the shop and carried on chatting to the other lad in the shop he obviously knew.

Didnt offer to lock up for a few minutes or anything.

So I thought whatever went to look at lights and they had the element foregrip light combo but was way above the price of any where else. I asked if they could do anything about the price got a curt no while he rolled his eyes at the lad he was talking to.

Walked out and will never go back which is a shame as normally I try and support local businesses.

 

I can't vouch for whoever served you but I bought my Krytac LMG from them yesterday and the staff were all really helpful. I got a bit salty a while back as there was a mix up on a BB order I placed with them(to be fair it was a mistake, they apologised and it was all sorted), but I thought I would give them another go and I'm glad I did. I'll put all the info about yesterday in the places to buy thread.

[ImTriggerHappy]

 

I can't vouch for whoever served you but I bought my Krytac LMG from them yesterday and the staff were all really helpful. I got a bit salty a while back as there was a mix up on a BB order I placed with them(to be fair it was a mistake, they apologised and it was all sorted), but I thought I would give them another go and I'm glad I did. I'll put all the info about yesterday in the places to buy thread.

Might have just walked in a bad day but I am not very forgiving.

To be honest best service I have ever had from a uk store was patrolbase.