GPS Tracking

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In a survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, (aptly timed during the holiday shopping season,) 54 percent of a group polled said they owned a portable or handheld GPS tracking or navigation product. Twenty-three percent said a GPS gadget came standard with their vehicle.

Regardless of point of purchase, that means that about 77 percent of vehicles traveling America today are being “watched” by satellites. Hard to believe that a little over a decade ago, consumers considered Global Positioning Systems something of science fiction.

What is to be concluded is that the concept of satellites in space, zeroing in on the exact location of an object on earth, has long left the imagination stage and become everyday reality. A woman who conducted the above survey of 1,000 respondents through Internet interviews concluded that, when consumers buy GPS tracking systems, it is not for the novelty, but with safety and economy in mind.

In spite of the crippling economy, which one could only assume would curb spending, companies dealing in GPS technology are seeing solid sales. Business owners in particular see vehicle tracking as a necessity, because it helps fleet management trim operating costs.

GPS tracking is a global phenomenon. A research firm in the United Kingdom said, worldwide, consumers spent $2.5 billion in 2009 on GPS receivers, software and accessories. At current rates of growth, that number will swell to $13 billion in 2013, the company said.

There’s no time like the present to get on the consumer bandwagon. But before you take the leap, it might be wise to prepare for the experience.

After 15 years in the vehicle tracking business, LandAirSea Systems has helped match thousands and thousands of consumers – from novices to professionals – with vehicle tracking devices that not only fit their needs, but exceed their expectations.

Vice President of Sales Steven Moehling recommended that those new to the technology ask the following questions before they buy.

Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a GPS Tracking Device

1. What type of GPS tracking device do I need?

   The first issue to be addressed when shopping for a vehicle tracking system is how it will be used. Is it absolutely necessary to get immediate readings of GPS tracking position (real-time tracking)? Or is it okay to find out after the vehicle returns home, when you have time to study the vehicle’s travels in privacy at your personal computer (passive GPS tracking). There is a significant price difference in these technologies.

2. Where will I put it?

   GPS signal acquisition varies considerably by the design of the vehicle and the placement of the vehicle tracking receiver. Who do you want to monitor: a spouse, a teen, an elderly parent, an employee, or yourself? Does the tracking system have to be hidden or will the driver know about it? Will the GPS tracking device be frequently moved from place to place, or will it stay for an extended period of time? These answers will help you determine placement of the GPS tracking unit and whether you need an external antenna or hardwire option.

3. What does it cost?

   As momma always told you: You get what you pay for. Address the quality of the vehicle tracking device as compared to its cost: How well the device operates, versus the price. The sum of those two qualities equals value. It’s important to ask if there are any fees beyond ticket price. You might have to pay an activation fee, monthly airtime charges (for signal transmission) and installation costs. Think of your GPS tracking system as an investment. It should give you a lot of service for the price.

4. How do I work this?

   One of the biggest mistakes a GPS tracking system user makes is buying first and asking questions later. Know what you’re getting into. Before you buy, ask a friend to make recommendations, read reviews, testimonials and online comments. Ask your dealer or manufacturer if there is a return policy. If you don’t understand the owner’s manual, find a company representative to explain some of the fine details. The Consumer Electronics Association says a good number of consumers are electronically challenged. Most people don’t utilize 70 percent of the features of their new electronic gadgets, because they don’t know how to use them. Study and test all the functions of your unit. Don’t be pressured. Make sure you are comfortable with the GPS tracking device. If in doubt, walk away. You can make a decision when you are better informed.

5. Who is the dealer/manufacturer?

   Don’t just shop for a GPS tracking device. It’s not only a matter of how it’s made, but who stands behind your GPS tracking device. Even if you personally have the device mastered, you might switch users some day, opening a whole new set of questions. How old is the company? Find out how consumer questions get answered (telephone, email, live chat?). Where would your system get repaired? Who will help you if you have technical questions? Does your GPS tracking system have a warranty? Who will help when it’s time to upgrade?

The GPS tracking industry is getting fiercely competitive and vehicle tracking systems are getting increasingly affordable. Some, like the LandAirSea GPS Tracking Key, sell for $199 with no monthly fees.

Manufacturers are getting creative with GPS technology and it is being used in novel ways, from improving your golf game to planting crops. GPS tracking is touching every aspect of business and everyday life.

Tags: bandwagon, Buying, consumer electronic association, crop, golf, GSP Tracking, Questions, Survey

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This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 1:45 pm and is filed under GPS Fleet Tracking, GPS Tracking, Vehicle Tracking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.