Frequently Asked Questions    

GPS Questions

What is a GPS?
Technically, GPS stands for "Global Positioning System", which is a group of 24 satellites established by the United States Department of Defense. (You can download our free Ebook "The Basics of GPS" for further details on how GPS works).  When someone says "my GPS is cool" or "I want a GPS", they are usually talking about a GPS receiver.  A GPS receiver is an electronic device that works with this satellite network to establish and track exact positions anywhere in the world.

How does a GPS work?
The satellites in the GPS network are arranged to orbit the Earth in such a way that from any point on the Earth's surface, you can “see” at least 4 GPS Satellites at any one time.  A GPS receiver uses a methodology called "Triangulation" to calculate your position based on the distances from where you are to those satellites.  (You can download our free Ebook "The Basics of GPS" for more information on how GPS works). Affordable GPS receivers are now available that can pinpoint your location within 10 feet.

Can the someone "spy" on me if I have a GPS?
It depends on the device you have.  In the 1998 film "Enemy of the State", Will Smith played Robert Dean, an attorney whose life was severely disrupted because the bad guys kept planting satellite tracking devices in his clothing.  This allowed them to track Dean anywhere he went.  A good Hollywood thriller!  But the products in our store are just GPS receivers.  As the name suggests, these devices only receive signals and cannot transmit them. So if you have a GPS receiver, no one can spy on you.  There are GPS tracking devices available - see our links page for details.

Why would I use a GPS?
GPS receivers have many uses. Using a GPS receiver, you will never get lost.  Many GPS receivers have built in mapping capability that can show you right where you are at any point on a map.  Better yet, they can show a destination and guide you toward that point. GPS receivers can also save lives.  Anyone who skis, snowboards, hunts, ATVs, or otherwise uses backcountry can be rescued more quickly if something were to happen (such as an avalanche) if they have a GPS. The recreational uses for GPS receivers are limitless.  For example, they can provide a considerable advantage in Paintball operations.  If you prefer more family oriented activities, a relatively new sport called GeoCaching is quickly becoming a fun-filled and adventurous way to use a GPS.  If you like to fish, there is a special type of GPS receiver called the "Fish-Finder" which will greatly enhance your catch payoff because it shows where the fish hang out.  The list goes on!

Where can I learn more about GPS?
If you would like a starting guide, you can download our free e-book "The Basics of GPS".  Beyond that, we have assembled a group of informative GPS-related links.  See our links and our books pages.

Store Questions

Why do many of your products say "Click Buy to See Our Low Price"?
The manufacturers we deal with maintain a "Minimum Advertised Price" (MAP) pricing policy on many of their items.  As a dealer, this means we are not allowed to show a price lower than the MAP, but we are free to sell to you at a lower price.  So this is done to make sure you get the best pricing possible and that we remain compliant with our suppliers policies. This does not force you to buy the item; you can simply remove it from your cart or press "Clear Cart" if you do not want to buy the item.

Are your products refurbished or used?
All the products we sell are new, factory-sealed products.  On the occasions that we do sell used or refurbished items, they are so noted.

Do you have testimonials?
Yes, click here to see what our eBay customers say about us.
Click here to see what our Amazon.Com MarketPlace customers say about us.

Do you offer Free Shipping?
Occasionally we get special promotions from freight carriers such as DHL and FexEx.  In those cases, we pass those promotions along to you.  Otherwise, our shipping is a separate charge so that our customers always get the best price possible.   Sites that offer so-called 'Free Shipping' generally have raised the price of their items to allow for shipping charges.  While they may be absorbing the shipping charge, they may also be ripping you off by over-padding their price.  With us, you always know exactly what you are paying for and our prices include no 'extra padding'.

What are your payment options?
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and Paypal.  We also have an address where you can send Money Orders or Personal Checks.  If the item is purchased with a personal check, the check will be held for 10 business days pending clearance of funds.

Is your online payment system safe?
Our online payment system uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) for protecting your payment data.  It is currently the safest way to pay over the internet. 

When will my credit card be billed?
Your credit card / debit card / PayPal account will be usually be billed the following business day after you place the order.  

Do you ship Internationally?
We ship to all locations within the United States.  Most items can also be shipped to Canada (those that cannot are noted).  Shipping varies depending on your order, but they are generally shipped by USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground.  The GPS Place is currently not set up to ship beyond the Uinited States and Canada.

What is your return policy?
You may return your product within 30 days of your "product delivered" date and you will be credited for the full amount of the original purchase if the product is unopened.  Othewise, a restocking fee will be assessed.  Some items such as software are not returnable and the item being returned must be complete and in good condition.  (See our return policy page for full details).  If the product is defective or damaged in shipping, we will work with you to get a replacement.    Please see our return policy for full details.

Other Questions

Do you charge sales tax?
We are required by law to charge sales tax if you are having the product shipped to an address in Washington State.  Otherwise, we do not charge sales tax.

Do you share my email address or contact information with outside parties?
All information collected is used internally.  The GPS Place will not sell, share, or distribute any of your information to outside parties, affiliates, or link partners.  Please see our privacy policy for full details.

How can I contact The GPS Place?
You may contact us through email at: 
customerservice@the-gps-place.com
You can call our toll free number at:
866-397-9150 
Our postal address is:
20126 Ballinger Way NE #131, Shoreline, WA  98155
You can send a fax to us at:
206-219-9528