TradeMe, Google and websites offer different places to buy a GPS tracker. Where do you buy a GPS tracker for a car or vehicle? How do you make a decision on where to buy one from?

Where to purchase a GPS tracker?

While websites like TradeMe or Ebay have GPS trackers, these are typically those without an on-going tracking facility that you may want from a GPS tracker. They can be limited in their functionality, only allowing you to send an SMS message to the device. That lets youfind out where it is at a certain moment in time, but not capturing the history of it. That means you miss out on the great benefits of tracking which would show you the history.

Websites that sell GPS tracking devices

Instead, buy it from a business which has a GPS tracker that has a subscription plan. While the plan comes at a cost, it’s necessary to pay for data that transmits information to a server, and then allows you to carry out ongoing tracking of the vehicle. 

What are the different GPS subscription plans

Different plans can bring you different features. A comprehensive plan will typically bring you better results from a price and convenience point of view. 

Types of subscription plans

1. Comprehensive – A comprehensive subscription plan is what Beakon provides and is typically recommended. It means you get the tracking server and the mobile data as part of the fee you pay. Typically this can actually be cheaper as the tracking provider has access to wholesale data rates that people personally cannot necessarily get. The cost of this may be in the region of $21 – $25 a month. Our pricing plans are generally very affordable.
   
2. Server only – Here you get access to a server, but no data. That means you may have to buy your own sim card, which can actually make the whole exercise more expensive.

How do you pay for a GPS tracking service?

This can depend on whether you buy a “text only” tracker or a one with the “real time tracking” functionality. You’ll need to understand features of the vehicle tracking service or fleet management before you make a decision on price.

With a text only tracker you may just simply pay a one off cost for the tracker. This may cost you somewhere between $160 – $300 however each business is different. 

With the real time tracking functionality, you would consider that you need to pay for the device or hardware itself. Then you’ll usually make ongoing payments by a credit card, debit card or direct debit.