Tips and advice on buying a tracking system The list below contains just some of the things you should remember to ask before buying a system. If, after reading this you can think of some other points please let us know. - Learn as much as you can about different systems. Research them on the Internet, call the companies and ask for literature.
- Learn as much as you can about different systems. When investigating potential suppliers, ask for references. Speak to the references! Once you sign up you are locked into a potentially lengthy and costly agreement. Do your homework first!
- Make sure you find out if, in addition to the fixed costs, there are additional monthly charges e.g. airtime. Monthly charges, in addition to the cost of the system itself, can add up.
- Check the coverage of the system. Are there black spots? If there are, where are they?
- What happens to the data if the Vehicle Location Unit cannot transmit due to a coverage black spot? Does the unit store the transmission? If so, for how long?
- If the vehicle goes abroad, will the system still track? If yes, then what are the associated costs? GPRS roaming charges will most likely not be included in your package and the roaming tariffs in Europe are exorbitant?
- Determine how much money you are willing to spend. Check exactly what you are getting for your money. Check the fixed and variable costs, set up charges, annual software licensing etc.
- The AVL vehicle tracking sector tends to rent not sell its’ products outright. The typical rental agreement can be anything from 3 to 5 years. This is a Fixed Rental Period! If you decide to change your mind before the agreement expires, you will find it an expensive decision.
- Be aware that the Telematics Service Provider is often only the supplier of the goods; the actual rental agreement is often done through a third party. If you have problems with the product or service, you will not get a sympathetic hearing from the finance company if you decide to stop payments.
- Check if the supplier offers a Service Level Agreement or warranty along with the product. Read the small print.
- If you are only interested in a vehicle security tracking system or only want a tracking report once a week, make sure the system you buy delivers want you want and you don’t end up paying for features you won’t and don’t need.
- Be aware that the technology you sign up for today, may be quickly overtaken by the technology of tomorrow. Much of the industry sells it’s products via lengthy fixed term rental agreements. Check if the system you opt for can be upgraded during the agreement period. If there is an upgrade path, get confirmation of the upgrade costs.
- A rental agreement might last for anything from one to five years; make sure you get in writing, confirmation of any verbal assurances you were given by the supplier during the initial sales process.
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