A new on-line GPS rental service launched by Virginia retailer Take a Hike GPS has made advanced navigation technology more affordable than ever. The service gives people who have a one-time need for a GPS navigation device a low-cost alternative to buying an expensive GPS unit.
The GPS units we rent sell for up to $300-and that doesnt include any maps you might need, said Kevin Jordan, owner of Take a Hike GPS. If someone makes a one-time trip to an unfamiliar area, its hard to justify spending that much money to purchase a GPS they just dont need in more familiar territory. By contrast, the cost of renting a GPS unit is as low as $2.50 a day.
Take a Hike GPS offers three GPS rental units for customers to choose from. Two, the Garmin eTrex Summit HC and Dakota 10, are designed for outdoor recreation. The third, the Garmin nüvi GPS, is designed for automotive use and sightseeing. It comes pre-loaded with detailed street and city maps for the U.S., and renters can also order the unit with international maps for an additional fee.
To reserve a GPS unit, customers simply fill out an on-line form specifying the date they need to receive the GPS and the number of days they need to keep it. GPS rentals are delivered by mail, and are returned in the same box using a pre-paid shipping label.
In addition to the rental of individual GPS units for personal use, Take a Hike GPS also offers a unique bulk option for larger groups. Called the Geocaching GPS Event-in-a-box, it includes a 4-day rental of 5 eTrex Summit HC GPS units along with official geocaching containers. Its designed for clubs and organizations who want to host geocaching events or parties for their members.
With the growing popularity of geocaching, many companies are using in-house events as team-building exercises, Kevin explains. We not only provide the materials and GPS units they need for those events, we also help them set up their events in such a way as to ensure they are successful. Our clients include Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, schools, and large corporations.
The Geocaching GPS Event-in-a-box has a base price of $75, with the option to add extra days or additional GPS units. Individual GPS rentals have a 3-day minimum, and start at $18.00 for the Garmin nüvi.
