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In today’s modern world, technology is at the forefront of everything. It enhances our safety and helps improve business productivity. GPS tracking devices are one technological tool that has shaped how we drive and are, therefore, necessary for every vehicle owner or fleet business. The question is, where do you buy one?
A GPS tracking device isn’t just about the product but the service behind it. Let’s explore the options you have when it comes to finding the best GPS tracker for you.
In this article, you will:
Discover the common places to buy a GPS tracking device
Find out why the best option is choosing one from a specialised retailer
Learn more about the benefits of choosing Cartrack
Common places to buy GPS tracking devices
When it comes to buying a tracking device, there are many options available. You can find them at online marketplaces, specialised retailers, car accessory shops, and electronic stores. Here’s a detailed look at the difference and what to expect:
Electronics stores Both online and physical electronic stores offer various vehicle tracking devices. With this option, you get the device and some basic accessories, such as a charger if required. It is usually a once-off payment that can come at a hefty price depending on the brand and quality.
You would have to get your own SIM card and data in order to get a connection. In terms of service and features, there is usually a short-term warranty, limited customer support, and you have to track the vehicle yourself if it gets stolen. Keep in mind that electronic stores sell other non-vehicle-related gadgets as well, and this means that in most cases, their knowledge on GPS tracking devices is limited compared to a company that solely specialises in vehicle tracking.
Online marketplaces The rise in e-commerce over the past few years has made online marketplaces a quick and convenient way to search and buy nearly any product. Tracking devices can also be found here at competitive prices due to increased competition among sellers. Their offerings are similar to those of electronic stores, where you get the device and some accessories, with limited customer service and DIY installation.
However, GPS trackers from online marketplaces have several other disadvantages, such as limited data protection, making them easy to hack and putting your personal information at risk. Additionally, the reliability of the product depends on the seller, and the warranty terms are often unclear.
Car accessory shops Another place where you may find a GPS tracking device is your local car accessories shop. Here, you get one-on-one interaction with the staff, professional advice as to which device would best suit your needs, and some can also perform installations. Car accessory shops are more reliable compared to online marketplaces and electronic stores; however, they also don’t come with after-sales support.
GPS tracking service providers Also known as specialised GPS tracking device retailers, these are companies that are solely focused on providing advanced vehicle tracking solutions and related services. They offer GPS tracking units with professional installation and budget-friendly payment plans. This is a more reliable option compared to others, as they have more knowledge about GPS tracking and offer ongoing customer support. We explain in detail further down this blog.
Why choose a GPS tracking service provider instead?
Given the information presented, it's evident that your optimal choice is to acquire a GPS tracking device from a specialised retailer.Here’s what makes this the better option:
Certified technicians: An installation by skilled technicians ensures optimal device performance. The tracking unit is discreetly placed to increase vehicle security.
Theft recovery assistance: Should the vehicle be stolen, you will not be placed with the burden of finding it yourself, as most packages from vehicle tracking service providers come with a stolen vehicle recovery service.
After-sales support: Vehicle tracking service providers offer ongoing customer support. Should there be any faults in the device or mobile app, you can contact them at any time to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Data protection: In most cases, GPS tracking service providers have stronger security measures when it comes to protecting your data. They perform regular software updates and can pick up any suspicious activities, ensuring that your information is never at risk.
Advanced features:GPS tracking devices do more than just provide location data. They also have telematics capabilities, which means they can detect driving habits such as speeding, idling, and harsh braking. Specialised service providers usually give detailed reports on this, helping drivers improve.
How Cartrack offers a complete GPS tracking solution
Real-time tracking See where your vehicle is at all times. Cartrack offers an easy-to-use mobile app that is available on all app stores. Through this, you can access satellite or map views of your vehicle at any time, ensuring that it is still where you left it.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen, we have nationwide skilled recovery teams that are always on standby, ready to get it back to you. We boast an average recovery rate of 90%, and in the highly unlikely event that your vehicle cannot be found, you can get up to R150 000 cash back to help with the purchase of your new car. Terms and conditions apply*
Lifetime maintenance warranty All our devices come with a 12-month warranty that ensures the repair of your unit at no extra cost. Once it has lapsed, you have the option of choosing our Lifetime Maintenance Warranty, which is a value-added service that gives you unlimited repairs and no call-out fees, to give you extra peace of mind throughout your unit’s lifespan.
Battery tamper alerts A disconnected vehicle battery is a sign of potential theft. Should your vehicle battery be disconnected or tampered with, we will alert you as soon as it happens. These are what we call Power Event Alerts and are one of the services that you would not typically find when buying your tracking device from online marketers, car accessory stores, or electronic shops.
Geofencing Our vehicle tracking service includes geofencing capabilities. This is an additional safety measure where you can create virtual borders around areas of your choice, and if your vehicle enters or leaves that area, you will get an instant alert.
Trip history Access all historical trips, replay journeys, and spot the driving habits you need to improve on. Our tracking devices give you detailed reports on behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and harsh cornering. An improvement in driver behaviour reduces the chances of accidents.
Accident detection GPS telematics also helps with the detection of accidents. At Cartrack, we have a Crash Detection value-added service where we can detect an impact on your vehicle, which indicates a potential collision. We then call to find out what’s happening and quickly send help to your location.
Virtual car guard Cartrack’s CarWatch is a value-added service that ensures your vehicle remains where you left it. All you have to do is activate it via the mobile app after you, and you will get an alert whenever there is any unauthorised movement.
Cartrack goes beyond tracking
With Cartrack, you get more than just a device. We provide continuous support, giving you more peace of mind. We have over 2 million subscribers worldwide and have the highest trust index on HelloPeter in our industry, making us one of the most reliable vehicle tracking service providers in the country. Contact us todayand experience premium service.
Looking for a GPS tracking device? Get a detailed breakdown of where to search and find out what options you have.