There have been many requests recently for information about GPS units. As the market changes, people have sought advice on which unit to buy and where to get it. There have also been numerous questions about service, maintenance, updates and more.
Okay, I can get around with my trusty 276, but I am not going to attempt to answer all the queries coming in about GPS units and associated matters. Instead, I called on someone whose name is synonymous with the GPS — old friend Kevin Bolton. I remembered that he used to operate out Centurion way. So I called to arrange a cup of coffee, with the hope that he could look over my map set at the same time.
To my surprise, Kevin directed me to his new premises in Strydom Park, Randburg — a stone’s throw away from my base. Intrigued, I shot off, and was amazed at the scope of the operation.
Kevin has merged Bolton’s GPS Warehouse with Bandit GPS, owned by Daryl Curtis, and together they have set up a state of the art operation known as Navworld. For the gadget conscious person, this is a treasure trove — a real gadget guy goodie bag!
After a quick coffee in the client hospitality area, Kevin dragged me away from the display of old units (which includes a Gulf War Magellan) and we found a quiet spot to chat about the Navworld concept.
I’ve always known Kevin to be particular when advising clients and ensuring that they leave with the correct unit. He has also paid attention to quality products and service, and one only has to look around the premises to see that this philosophy has been carried through to all staff.
Navworld itself is a brand centre of excellence for navigation. The company services about 400 dealers around the country, and with branches in Cape Town and Centurion, it has a national footprint.
There is a walk-in retail facility stocking brands such as Garmin, TomTom, Energizer, Ram Mounts, Tracks for Africa and Ring multi sockets – with all the accessories.
On the HD Camera, they stock Go Pro and the new Garmin Virb Elite with GPS and Wi Fi.
What else does Navworld offer? Well, apart from the full range of navigation, starting with personal navigation through to outdoor and marine devices, they stock action cameras and a range of personal fitness units for athletes and cyclists. In addition there is a walk-in service facility (Garmin-approved) where one can get maps or firmware updated, units repaired and even exchanged if they are faulty and out of warranty. For a reduced rate, the core exchange will swap the unit for a similar new unit. This obviously does not apply in all cases. They will not exchange abused or old units, but this is nevertheless a great facility.
In addition, training is offered once a month to customers, so that they can use the devices they have bought to their full capacity. This training is product specific, but also covers mapping and software utilisation.
The staff are friendly and well trained, making a visit an absolute pleasure – so different from the encounters one has with an untrained sales assistant at a chain store, when you can end up walking away without an answer.
We welcome the new kid on the block and wish them well. Contact Navworld through the website, www.navworld.co.za