Passive GPS Tracking Key Holds its Own Against Real-Time Tracking
Conventional wisdom would tell us that, given a choice, most consumers would prefer a vehicle tracking device that instantly tells them where their car is located, rather than record the information for later retrieval.
What seems like a logical assumption is not necessarily the truth, according to sales figures at LandAirSea Systems, Woodstock, IL-based creator and innovator of vehicle tracking systems, software and accessories. LandAirSea Vice President of Sales Steven Moehling reports solid and consistent sales of the GPS Tracking Key, a passive vehicle tracking device, since it was introduced by the company in 2006.
Real-time or “live” GPS tracking systems capture satellite signals at regular increments (5 seconds to 15 minutes) and calculate the location of the GPS receiver. Because GPS devices are receivers and not transmitters, the information is sent over the cellular data network, providing the user remote access. The result is the ability to view the information immediately, but at a price. Fees for data services range from $20 to $60 or more a month. The more frequent the transmission of data, the higher the cost of the data plan.
Passive GPS tracking devices capture satellite signals in the same way, however, they log all the data in internal memory and hold it there until users choose to download at a time convenient to them. Since passive devices are not transmitting data, they can collect much more data with NO MONTHLY FEES. LandAirSea’s line of passive devices captures one position every second. When comparing this to a standard real-time unit, using one-minute updating as an example, the passive device will record 3,600 positions every driving hour, compared to 60 positions for the real-time device. This is critical for many users that demand detailed driving data.
“The GPS Tracking Key is LandAirSea’s best-selling vehicle tracking system to date, with more than 125,000 units sold since the launch of its May, 2007 marketing blitz.”
The differences between these two technologies create a targeted market space that many resellers and or retailers overlook, Moehling said.
“With 15 years of successful growth in both the passive and real-time marketplace, we hold no bias,” Moehling said. “We have often been confronted with the argument that customers want real time tracking. That technology will have its place, when it is packaged and marketed correctly. In fact, 2010 will be the year LandAirSea launches a significantly improved new real-time device in the retail market.
“However, when customers are educated on passive vs. real-time capabilities, passive technology will always present a compelling case and stand on its merits.”
LandAirSea’s Marketing Efforts Assist Distribution
In 2007, LandAirSea landed its first major retail account with PepBoys Auto Parts. LandAirSea was able to convince PepBoys that passive GPS tracking fit well within their customer demographic. The launch of the Tracking Key coincided with an internal marketing program at LandAirSea. The results of the campaign were more than 6,000 Tracking Keys sold through PepBoys in the first 12 months and additional foot traffic at PepBoys retail locations nationwide.
In 2008, PepBoys assigned a new product manager that believed their customers wanted real-time tracking as opposed to passive. Moehling believes this was yet again a miscalculation of the GPS tracking market. As a result of this, LandAirSea was forced to redirect its marketing efforts elsewhere.
The fallout was clear. In the next year, Pep Boys saw sales of the Tracking Key reduced by 90 percent. Meanwhile, Tracking Key sales increased significantly across all other channels.
“LandAirSea understands the GPS tracking marketplace and our targeted marketing strategies provide our distribution channels the necessary tools to succeed,” Moehling said.
The GPS Tracking Key is LandAirSea’s best-selling vehicle tracking system to date, with more than 125,000 units sold since the launch of its May, 2007 marketing blitz.
The Tracking Key is prominently featured in: auto parts and electronics retailers including Radio Shack Dealers and NAPA; high-end catalog companies such as Hammacher Schlemmer and Skymall; and by numerous ecommerce providers including Rocky Mountain Tracking and Spy Chest. Direct sale customers include the United States Bureau and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Unaltered testimonials from our customers back our claims: “I think your GPS Tracking Key is the best piece of tracking equipment I have ever used,” said a private investigator based in the United Kingdom. “I bought one, finding it faultless in operation … time after time.”
So confident is LandAirSea in its passive GPS tracking technologies that it has moved on to the next phase in product development. The GPS Tracking Key Pro®, introduced this spring, has the same mechanics as its predecessor as in tracking frequency, accuracy, memory, and software for data analysis, but with improved battery life. It will record up to 80 hours of travel time on a single battery cycle.
LandAirSea Rewards Partners in Sales
LandAirSea rewards its partner companies and distributors who remain loyal to the brand by prominently including them on its website and in all supporting marketing materials.
Dealers can be sure that LandAirSea actively supports its resellers from a number of angles, beginning with the fact that all its users receive a full year warranty and free, live support from a team of domestic-based professionals.
LandAirSea’s battery-operated Tracking Key will remain a strong contender in the GPS tracking market because of its quality of workmanship, superior tracking ability and affordable price. It is a wise choice for most vehicle tracking needs, whether they originate in law enforcement, government, business or at home.
Tags: GPS Tracking, Hammacher, LandAirSea, Passive, PepBoys, Real Time, Rocky Mountain Tracking, Spy Chest, Tracking System
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November 24th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Both the Tracking Key and the Tracking Key pro have built a solid reputation as the most reliable and accurate passive GPS systems available. Not only are these devices used by businesses and consumers, but law enforcement agencies utilize the GPS devices to apprehend and monitor suspected criminal activity. I purchased a LandAirSea’s tracking key pro at Tracking System Direct at http://www.tracking-system.com/ . and I have to say the GPS device is remarkable. Anyone with a teen driver should research their products!