I Love My Tile Mate (2022) for GPS Tracking of Coin Shipments

winesteven

Fortunately, this post is not about a lost coin package that was recovered by the use of my new GPS trackers, but just to inform others what this is all about. I think it’s very important to pass on this information!

About 2-1/2 months ago there was a post about using GPS trackers in coin shipments. I had never thought about this until I read that post.

I had previously bought the two pack TILE Mate (2022) from Amazon for my fiancé’s fob key and phone. I never thought of using it when I ship or receive coins. While I have private insurance, what good are the $’s if you lose your coins?

Since then, I’ve used these several times - shipping coins round trip to CAC, to Rick Snow for his Eagle Eye Photo Seals, and to a coin photographer. I also use it for shipping coins to PCGS. But with PCGS, they prefer you just enclose the tracker in a prepaid pre addressed envelope for them to immediately return when they receive your package. (It’s funny - in two separate shipments to PCGS, with one they shipped the tracker in the envelope right back to me, but the other they held on to it with the coins, and shipped it back with those coins once they finished).

The app allows me to “see” the location as it travels to and from its destination. It’s not perfect, as it only “registers” where it is when it is read by a nearby app device (or something like that), but in the five times I’ve used it in past 2-1/2 months, I’ve had excellent location readings each time all along the way.

I think this is a phenomenal idea, especially compared to the $150 FedEx fee per one way use for their GPS tracking (but admittedly, their system is more advanced). But with the type I’m using, you can arrange for the recipient to return the tracker, to then use again and again!

So this idea is just one more benefit of partaking in this forum - I learn things every day!

Steve

JBK

Is this an Apple Air Tag, or is it compatible with other phones as well? What is the mentioned "key fob" in relation to this?

I think it's a great idea, with lots of possibilities.

The next question that comes to mind is, what happens if a package goes missing and you can locate it with this technology? Will the local police bust down a door to recover your stuff? Or will you need to load your buddies with pitchforks and baseball bats into the back of a pickup truck?

I've heard that if your cellphone gets stolen and can be tracked, the police still won't pursue the thieves.

ricko

Interesting application. I have looked at these devices (just research, not purchased), but just have not had the need to own/use one. Probably if the need arises, I just won't have one. Thought about putting one in my car... However, I bought that car new in 2004, still driving it, no problems... probably drive it for another ten years. If stolen, just collect and buy a new one. Cheers, RickO

winesteven

@JBK said:
Is this an Apple Air Tag, or is it compatible with other phones as well? What is the mentioned "key fob" in relation to this?

I think it's a great idea, with lots of possibilities.

The next question that comes to mind is, what happens if a package goes missing and you can locate it with this technology? Will the local police bust down a door to recover your stuff? Or will you need to load your buddies with pitchforks and baseball bats into the back of a pickup truck?

I've heard that if your cellphone gets stolen and can be tracked, the police still won't pursue the thieves.

The Tile Mate (2022) works with both Apple and Android devices. It cost roughly $25 each, and comes with a built in non replaceable battery that is expected to last about three years.

My fiancé’s key fob is the normal key device one uses to open your locked car doors and start your car. So she attaches one of these Tile Mate (2022) devices to the same key ring as the car key fob is on, so when (not if, lol) she misplaces her keys around the house (and a separate device is taped using double stick tape to her cell phone) the app on my iPad can easily find them. We push a button on the app, and the device starts making an audible beeping tone on that specific device, so we can easily find where it is. That function has a 250 foot range. They also make a device called Tile Pro (2022), similar cost, that has a 400 foot range with a louder tone, but that version comes with a replaceable battery good for about one year.

I agree if stolen, the police will not bust down the door of the thief. But depending on the circumstance, having that device and knowing the location might help.

Steve

Cameonut

I have used the Tile devices for about 5 years now. Keys, wallet, and wife's purse. They work remarkably well. They now have a couple where you can replace the battery as well.

I hadn't thought of tracking shipments with them, I may consider that in the future.

JBK

A lot of new technology and gadgets don't interest me but these do. So many possibilities....

If I someone had something valuable that they were shipping or personally transporting, especially if it was in a case (such as a musical instrument, firearm, briefcase full of coins, etc.), they could put one in there. In that scenario, if it were me I'd put two - one in plain sight to be "discovered" if anyone looked, and one more deeply hidden.

Glen2022

it would seem that the bad guy, once he/she discovered the device, would simply destroy it, throw it away, or separate it in some fashion from the package. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose unless as JBK indicates, there are two devices in the package, and one is not found. However, with a package of coins, not finding one of the devices seems unlikely. Just my two cents.