SPOT Reviews 

I’ve been using SPOT Gen3 and Tracker since 2013. Plain Tracker/Tracer for my Down Syndrome son - to keep tabs on him as he moved around on our 600 acre ranch in the Alaska wilderness. Worked ok for that need.

I found an app called SPOT BUDDY which worked great since they use Apple Maps for our area and it was clearer than the google maps. The SPOT app is crap btw.

SPOT GEN3 was ok but granted - we live in the boondocks and satellites/GPS coverage are not super. Many times folks/friends did not get my messages. They could track me on google maps and I used premade texts as to my whereabouts.

Never had to use SOS or even Help from friends.

The concept is ok but business practices are definitely shady and unprofessional.
To second some of the negative reviews that go back to 2014:
- Almost never answer texts on their website by or emails. I’ve only been able to get a human ONCE IN ALMOST 10 years.

- Unexplained duplicate $40 charges on my card. When I FINALLY did get a person on the line they tried to barter and haggle with me… unprofessional 😩

Nevertheless I kept the service until I lost my SPOT3 on the Alaska range. Now it’s impossible to cancel my subscription bc they are either out of business or completely fraudulent. 😱

I might have to change my card if I see another charge on it.

Looking for another GPS tracker that won’t break my wallet n or get a RockyTalkie radio.

Frustrated in Alaska
2/2023

Wish there was less than one star. Went on a monthly plan, they claim it is a yearly contract. Paid for device separately and still locked into service contract with no service. SCAM COMPANY STAY AWAY

Been battling to get my refund. I have a letter stating they are refunding amd no refund still. I will dispute it and send all proof. No cust service person can help and just repeat the same BS.
Do not use this company.

Was not able to stop service. Stay away from this company . Had to order new card

I called the phone number and all I heard was heavy breathing. Called back and was placed on hold for 15 minutes before hanging up. Placed an order with "free 2 day shipping" the unit was never received after 14 days. Still waiting for a resolution.

Overcharged us $120 a year for many years. Do not want to issue a refund.

Awful customer service. Cannot write coherently, and said "since you are complaining..." which everyone knows is not proper form. Product needing a monthly subscription was not at all obvious from the product listing. Then finding out they charge a $30 activation fee on top of a large fee to not do a yearly subscription was a bummer. This is not doable in today's economy.
Customer service rep was totally condescending in his attitude (Carlos) about how safety was worth it. Well, yes it is, if you have the money. But this is so tone deaf to most of us struggling to feed our family. Will be returning the product

I purchased the SPOT TRACE unit from West Marine on 27 May 2023. I have been unable to connect to the activation link in the Quick Start Guide in order to initiate service since then. I have tried multiple times per day. I thought it was due to the Memorial Day holiday. However, after reading all the 1-star reviews I plan to return this to West Marine. I get the feeling all the 1-star reviews would be 0-star reviews if there were such a lower rating.

I think they are out of business? They just stopped billing me in Feb and I didn't notice until today. I called their customer service twice. After holding for five and eight minutes respectively, there was nothing but silence on their end of the line, then a robot script asking if I wanted to complete a post call survey. I tried there chat service and no one answered there either. You will certainly die if you depend on this company to be there for you. Unbelievable.

The SPOT Tracking system is FANTASTIC. The reviews on here are hopefully honest but lets get this into perspective. you DO NEED TO LEARN how to use the device and the software interface. YOU DO NEED TO BOTHER to do this, YOU CAN NOT open the box and turn it on and hope for the best. I use a SPOT X but also own a SPOT GEN3 and several friends after seeing my routes and the benefits have now bought into this. There is also Garmin Inreach available and others too.

the best support is via the Phone talking to the contact centre, I have used this several times and once had to have my device swapped for free due to it failing sadly in only a simple way in that the button covers fell out, the device still worked. the CHAT may work well and the Email support and social media is SLOW or poor. however Calling the number and speaking to a Human is perfect and the recommended problem solving way to contact them. years ago these devices were for the military only, now many people can make use of their abilities to track as well as provide rescue co ordinates as needed so what's not to like.

the reviews on here show the device as poor but I suspect its lazy owners who are unwilling to learn the kit properly which will likely take about 3 hours to set up the device and TEST it out properly max.

Worst product ever GPS will not stay on the website not easy to use and a big wast of money not good at all. It will not even track me driving around in my car. Does not sent any alert when I start morning. So how is it going to protect anything if I can even track myself. Can't trust it will work

I have owned a first generation SPOT for many years.It worked well in the past for tracking and rendezvous purposes in Europe.
I usually test it every March , but failed to do so in 2022.In January this year, annual credit card payment failed,apparently for technical reasons, not bank refusal.I was asked to make payment by bank transfer to what I was told was a SPOT subsidiary in Ireland.
When I tested my device over two weeks ago,there was no record of my account.Email enquiries elicited only an automatic response.Telephoning resulted in the statement that my renewal had also failed in January 2022- I had not been informed of this.Eventually,I was told that my payment had been “ traced” ,having been mislaid because I had not given an account reference number.
A refund was requested,as I felt that such a company should not be trusted in matters of safety.This was NOT offered,nor was there any apology.I was told that my account was re activated.
There was no sign of this for over a week,but,the day after I posted the above review ,an email came requesting my updated contact information !
Perhaps this illustrates the value of posting reviews,but I suspect a mere coincidence.
However,THE ACCOUNT REMAINS INACTIVE, and a further credit card number is requested, with “ automatic renewals”.
It is a pity that such a neatly designed,apparently functional,piece of advanced equipment should be managed by an organisation with such business practices. At present,I have no evidence that the company ,with which I previously had a working account, actually still exists.So far,I have merely seen images on a screen,and a telephone voice without a name

These Trackers are mandatory for commercial fishermen in Australia, Queensland. The only waterproof part is the cord, we have had to replace numerous trackers due to just rain and dew let alone salt corrosion. This is why it's a 1 star as it's not suited for the field it's been specified for.

I was backpacking and attempted to send multiple messages out- they simply would not send- family members told me they never got them. Called SPOT to cancel my membership and they told me "I must not know how to use the phone". I followed the directions exactly and tried in multiple locations. Then came on here and saw the same kind of reviews. Not one to leave reviews- but I am concerned about the safety of others if this phone is not working. Also took me MONTHS to get this cancelled, they just continue to charge me.

Update to my Review. 12th April 2023
I provided proof to GloalStar that their web site prevents customers from deactivating their account. I received an apology and a refund for the charges I contested. That has restored my confidence that their service standards have changed. Perhaps they have taken action regarding their online operations. I would rate their product as a 4⭐ and customer service 3⭐ based on my combinef experience.
🚦Original Review🚦
This company continues to charge fees even after you stop using their tracking service.
Their website doesn't allow you to deactivate your account and simply responds with a red banner that your request cannot be actioned. This is a long standing issue for almost three years. I have records backing up my review.

This company does not stand behind their product, they sold me a defective spot trace the on/off button was defective and they kept giving me a run around! They are quick to take the money even if they don't provide you with any service!

Baked lasagna was excellent but don’t ever order a crab cake! It’s says jumbo lump crab meat but all it is is filler and bread and no crab meat! Also it comes burnt with a nasty taste I would not ever order a crab cake from this place!

The Spot X simply does not work as advertised. I was on a remote hunting trip and needed to communicate with my wife. I couldn't send messages out or receive them. I had to rely on my friends Garmin instead...

Outrageously expensive subscription service!!! They want $15 a month - fine. But activation is $30 and so-called FLEX plan is $35 for a total of $80 FOR ONE MONTH!!!!! NOT GONNA DO IT! NO WAY.

My truck broke down off grid. I activated the sov, save our vehicle button over the course of 6 hours. 12 messages were received by spot. According to the contract with spot they were to send a tow truck to my location. They never sent one. Three days later a passerby called a tow for me which cost $1200.00. After 4 calls to spot customer service, each call 1 hour or more. They are refunding $163.00. And no explanation for the lack of service. Over the years I have paid them almost $4000.00 in premiums and the one time I use their towing, total fail. I canceled my contract with spot.