What you need to start a GPS tracking company.
The six parts of a tracking business.
- 1
A brand and a domain
You need a trading name, a logo that looks good on light and dark backgrounds, and a domain for your login page. Keep the logo simple, because it often appears at small sizes.
- 2
The tracking platform
This is the web portal, the server behind it and the client app. With whitelabelgps it's a monthly plan based on how many devices you run, starting at $50 for 50.
- 3
Trackers to sell
Start with two or three models. A plug-in unit is good for quick fits, a wired unit covers ignition and immobiliser work, and a camera can come later.
- 4
Data SIM cards
Each tracker needs a SIM card with a small data allowance. Ask local networks about IoT or machine-to-machine bundles. Cameras use far more data, so get a separate price for camera SIMs.
- 5
Someone to fit the units
Plug-in units take minutes to fit, and you can easily do them yourself. For wired installs, work with an auto electrician and agree a price per vehicle up front.
- 6
A way to bill and support clients
Client invoicing and a help desk are part of the platform, so there's no need for a spreadsheet or a shared inbox.
What it costs to start.
We can only tell you our own prices. Hardware, SIM and fitting costs vary a lot from country to country, so get two quotes for each before you set your client prices.
| Item | Cost | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Starter plan (50 devices) | $50 | Monthly |
| Branded Fleet app | $50 | Once, if you want it |
| Trackers | Your supplier's unit price | Per vehicle, usually paid back when you sell or rent out the unit |
| Data SIM cards | Your mobile network's bundle price | Monthly, per tracker |
| Fitting | Your installer's rate | Per vehicle |
| Domain name | Your registrar's price | Yearly |
What you can skip.
New founders often budget for things that already come with a hosted platform. You can cross these off your list.
- Developers and servers, since we host the platform and keep it updated
- An app store account, because the client app installs from your own web address
- A warehouse full of hardware, as you can buy units when clients sign
- An office on day one, because fitting happens at the client's premises and the platform is online
- Separate billing software, since invoices, statements and payment links are built in
A sensible first month.
- Week 1
Order and add your brand
Order Starter, send us your logo and choose the web address your clients will log in at.
- Week 2
Test on two vehicles
Fit one tracker to your own car and another to a van belonging to a business you know.
- Week 3
Set your prices
Use the margin calculator to put together a one-page price list and a short trial offer.
- Week 4
Start selling
Visit ten local fleet owners and aim to book two trials.
Questions founders ask early
Do I need to register a company first?
It depends on your country. Most founders register a business before they send their first invoice, though some sign up a pilot customer first. A local accountant can tell you what applies where you are. We only supply the platform.
Can I run a tracking business part-time?
Yes. The platform doesn't need a full-time team to run it. Starter covers 50 devices, which is a manageable size to look after alongside another job while you learn what clients want.
Do I have to keep a stock of trackers?
No. You can order units as clients sign, or buy a small first batch from your supplier. Keep two or three spares on the shelf and you can fit a vehicle the same week a client says yes.
Next in the guide
Start your tracking business this month.
Order online today. We usually have your server running within a day, so your first tracker could be on the map this week.