Selling portable GPS units online? Then you'll know that it can sometimes be a perilous path to take. Read this article to find out how to avoid the pitfalls and make a lot of profit in the process.
The availability of affordable portable GPS units is giving users helpful solutions to their various needs and application. Drivers can save on fuel,
travelers get to their destinations fast and secure, and environmentalists can track global warming and much, much more. As an entrepreneur, you can profit big from this booming trend – as long as you keep the following disclaimers clearly cut out.
Chinese wholesale distributors of portable GPS units have entered the market, introducing very affordable pricing ranges never before realized in this gadget industry. You can take advantage by having your own listing of these products, providing a wide selection of models to choose from – packed with the latest features and functions not available in older units in the market.
There are problems however that are associated with marketing such products. These include issues on licensed portable GPS software, warranties, and technical support. As an entrepreneur reselling these products, it would be to your best advantage if you are aware of all these limitations and potential issues. It would also be a wise move to consider putting in disclaimers such as the following examples –to protect you from any backlash that may arise in the future.
Disclaimer #1: About Licensed GPS Software
'Unlocked' portable GPS units coming from Chinese wholesalers are usually distributed minus a pre-installed licensed software application.
This is done so to minimize the cost of purchase which they offer for bulk purchases. It should be clear to your clients that you only sell GPS-enabled products without the compatible software (which customers can get at their own discretion).
You can however, install evaluation versions of commercial portable GPS software in your units to give your customers an actual look of how the unit operates when fully functional. Again, it would be wise to indicate this in your disclaimer which can go something like this:
"Product sold is GPS-enabled. Applicable licensed software is not included (or installed software is for evaluation purposes only). We recommend customers install compatible software at their own discretion."
Disclaimer#2: Software Compatibility with Your Units
It is important that you make your clients aware that not all software applications can work well or are compatible with a particular portable GPS unit. Although most devices can run with a variety of available software applications, their hardware and components are limited to function only for certain compatible software.
This fact should be made clear to your customers before they make a purchase. You can put in a disclaimer that goes something like this:
"We only provide GPS-enabled hardware which does not include the software. This unit is compatible with most GPS software however; hardware-specific software such as 'Manufacturer A' may not be compatible with this unit."
Disclaimer#3: GPS Units with TV Functions
The great thing about new portable GPS units is they host a lot more features and functions that go beyond its core function as a navigational aid. You can enjoy multimedia functionality with these units, surf the internet or even make a phone call. You can even watch local TV stations through its built-in TV function by simply integrating a DVB-T antenna.
However, these portable GPS units with TV function may pose certain safety issues when used during driving. TV, video and even MP3 music may distract drivers from focusing on the road and may cause accidents. This should be made clear to your potential customers by including a disclaimer that goes something like this:
"This GPS unit is equipped with a TV Function. Activate this TV Function only when off the road and not driving. Do not drive and watch TV at the same time."
Disclaimer#4: GPS Units and Driving
Your portable GPS units are packed with a wide variety of features that users can't help but tinker with – even while driving. This can cause distraction during driving which can cause serious vehicular accidents. It would be best to perform all pre-programming while your car is still stationary and avoid making changes while in motion.
Again, customers should be made aware of all these potential hazards by giving them a disclaimer that can go something like this:
"Drivers should have a clear view of the road. Do not program or change settings in this GPS unit while driving. "
Selling and marketing portable GPS units can be a very lucrative business if you do this correctly. Any problems associated with this kind of devices can be avoided by protecting yourself with product disclaimers such as the ones described above.
