What is the best option when it comes to purchasing a GPS unit for yourself or as a gift for a friend or loved-one? That is a good question, and the answer really lies in your personal preference. Basically in today’s world, consumers have two choices when it comes to purchasing almost anything. Their choices for GPS units come down to buying GPS units using the internet or through an outdoor equipment store. By outdoor equipment store, I mean someplace like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain, or anywhere that sells camping/hunting/fishing supplies. Both have their pros and cons, and it is up to the buyer’s preference when all is said and done.
The internet has revolutionized the world of business and it gave retail a new option for reaching more people in more places. The process behind buying online is usually simple, go to the website for the store you like (I love cabelas.com, by the way), navigate to the correct page (usually listed under “Outdoor Equipment”, “Hunting”, “Camping” or something like that), and find the link to the handheld GPS devices. Shopping online usually offers the option of doing a side-by-side comparison of multiple units which makes it even easier to find what you’re looking for. Another option that the consumer has when shopping online is buying directly from the manufacturer (garmin.com, magellangps.com, etc.) or finding a used unit on Ebay. The downside to buying from the manufacturer is that you are limited to comparing units that they make, rather than being able to compare units from different companies. The risk of buying from an online auction site, like Ebay, should be obvious. Buying online offers consumers the ability to check consumer reviews, feedback, and suggestions for virtually every product available. You can check these details before you buy, which may save you headaches in the future. Basically, online buying is simple and convenient. Select the GPS unit of your choice, pay for it, and get your new “toy” delivered straight to your home or office. You don’t even have to change out of your PJ’s if you don’t want to (Bonus!).
Buying your GPS unit through an outdoor outfitter helps you hold the unit in your hand and, sometimes, get a free demo as well. The demo part in case of online purchasing is often a video with instructions. There are many stores which sell handheld GPS units from most manufacturers, including Garmin, Magelland, and Lowrance. Additionally, purchasing from a “brick and mortar” store during hunting season may get you sale prices or discounts that aren’t available online. The negative aspects of purchasing from a store are that there is travel time, the cost of fuel to drive from store to store (unless you have a favorite store or there’s only one in your area), the store may be out of stock, stores don’t carry every make and model, and, most importantly, you can’t shop from a store in your jammies!
One thing to remember about handheld GPS devices whether you buy them from a store or online is that they all come with a warranty from the manufacturer. This isn’t necessarily the case when purchasing used equipment, but we should all know that, shouldn’t we.
Whether buying a GPS unit using the internet or through an outdoor equiment store, if you look hard enough, you’re sure to find what fits your need. Is one better than the other? Not really. Both methods have their pros and cons, and it really comes down to personal preference (or how strong your desire is to stay in your PJ’s).
