My 12 year old picked this up at a yard sale from an older gentleman

[Sneak Miester]

What Canadian city do you live in

[Unknownkhoi]

GP

[COB]

I'm sorry to hear that your son invested poorly. Every one of us here have made a bad decision at least once. I feel that most people are missing the important lessons that your son can learn from this experience. You mentioned you son has his own business. He planned to buy and then resell the marker at a profit. Lesson one in business and investment: know your product and market. He let his own greed drive his decision. The thought of buying a $1000 item for $100, became the blinding factor. It probably never occurred to him to question why a stranger would give him this amazing deal. He should also learn that not everyone is honest. The seller may or may not have known the true value of the marker. The seller may have googled it to get the miss information that he passed on to your son. If this purchase was solely for his use and enjoyment, then the price paid is what he thought that enjoyment was worth to him. If it was an investment, he needed to be better informed. Lastly, just because something is old does not mean it is collectible or valuable. Some stuff is just old. Some old stuff is collectible, in a niche market but not to everyone. This is where true knowledge is important. Shows like Pawn Stars and American Pickers make it look easy to find old valuable stuff to resell. What is often overlooked is the knowledge of the items and an understanding of who the potential end buyers might be.
Think of it like finding an old rare penny. First, you have the knowledge to recognize that the coin is old and rare. If not, it's just a penny to be spent. Second, you need to market that penny to people who collect old rare pennies. If you do not know anyone in that category, then you are trying to sell a penny to some random person for more than its face value. Probably not going to work out well. Third, you need to personally know the true market value of the penny, before you try to sell it to a knowledgeable buyer. If not, someone will feel cheated at the end of the transaction.
Take the life lesson and move forward. Air up the marker. Put a few rounds on your son. Have a laugh and enjoy life together.

[Siress]

Umm like tried to fire it ? It work but needs more air I think . I’m sorry I don’t really know about the ins and outs I’m just a COOL MOM trying to help my kid find out some info lol . Although I would love to use it on him hahah he in BJJ and he’s too good and strong for me to practice with him anymore but I can aim

Fixed that for you.

Do let us know if you have any more questions or concerns about getting him into a paintball game. Chances are decent that someone on these forums is fairly local and has some insights - though many here have been out of the game for more years than he is old. Their wisdom is still valuable (sometimes... )