So we’re just over a month away from the release of the next GoPro model camera (and my predictions will be announced in my next video/article) and this means a few things. PORCH PIRATES!! People will obviously be purchasing the newest model GoPro and that current models will have a price drop and people may purchase those models instead. It also means that many deliveries or purchased camera’s may be lost or stolen whether that be in transit or after you get the product by evil PORCH PIRATES! So what steps should you be taking when it comes to your latest purchase? Well, here’s a few ideas that may just help you out!
Top Tips!
1: Delivery. Don’t have the camera delivered to your house if you’re not going to be there for delivery. The last thing you want is to have a nice attractive parcel sitting on your doorstep tempting any porch pirate that just happens to walk past. Instead, have your purchase delivered to your place of business or set up a UPS account and have them hold your parcel for collection. Often nearby stores can take delivery of your parcels and hold onto them until you’re ready to collect them.
2: Order in time! Even if GoPro says you get 2 day shipping, that doesn’t mean delivery within 2 days of ordering. So don’t mistakenly think that if you order a GoPro on Tuesday, you’re going to get it in time for your vacation on Thursday. 2 day shipping means that once your camera ships, it’s ESTIMATED that it will take 2 days to get to you. It could still take several days to process your order (especially if you place the order over a weekend or if there’s a stock shortage) and it’s only after your order processes that it’s ready for shipment. So order your GoPro in plenty of time before your vacation or trip as this also gives you extra time to explore your GoPro and get used to using it.
3: Sign up for a UPS account! Since your GoPro ships UPS, signing up for an account is a great way to track real time shipments to your delivery address. You can even reroute the parcel or have it help at a UPS center if you need to. You really should be doing this with Fed Ex, DHL and USPS too. Take control of your deliveries!
4: Register your GoPro camera at GoPro.com as soon as you get it. So log into your GoPro account and register your camera there. You will need your camera’s serial number to do this and the serial number can be found in a number of places including… inside the battery compartment, on the rear screen of the camera by swiping down, going into preferences and clicking on “about camera”. There is also a copy of the serial number on the SD card in the root directory. Just look for a file called “version” inside the “Misc” folder (you will need to use an SD card reader for this, using a USB cable won’t display the root directory or non media files).
5: Install the GoPro Labs Firmware. See the introduction to GoPro Labs Video HERE for instructions on how to do that. Use the owner information option to set up you owner information on the camera itself. This can include your website address, your email, your phone number, your name. This is an excellent way to display all your contact details on your GoPro camera as these details can be displayed on the rear screen when the camera is powered on. It also writes this information to the SD card that is placed inside the camera. So if someone finds your lost GoPro or the police locate your stolen GoPro, now that person knows who to contact and how to contact you!
6: Use an ultraviolet marker on your GoPro to jot down your phone number or email address. The shorter the message the better as there’s not a lot of room on the GoPro to write things. So a name and phone number is usually best. Please note that ultraviolet markers tend to wear off, especially things such as an action camera due to how often they are handled. So make sure you write this information on your camera (in the same place) as soon as it wears off.
7: Floaty handles! If you are using your GoPro using in the water or the ocean, make sure you use a floating handgrip and use the tether on the handle. It’s no use having your GoPro float if it’s floating away from you too fast to catch up. If you are using a 3rd party floating handle, make sure that it’s nice and bright and very easy to see.
Remember, GoPro is not responsible for stolen or lost GoPro. They also have no way to track it. Your GoPro has a GPS receiver for receiving GPS data, it does not have a GPS transmitter. Also, even if you have a GoPro Plus subscription, loss or theft of your camera is not covered. GoPro will only replace your camera (for a fee) once you send them back your original camera. So if the camera is lost or stolen, you have nothing to send them back, so you won’t get a replacement camera!
However, if your GoPro is lost or stolen, here’s what steps you should take should that unfortunate event occur!
1: Contact GoPro and let them know your camera is lost. Make sure you have your camera serial number ready. This way GoPro customer support can take your details and make a record of your cameras serial number. If someone finds your GoPro or recovers it, they can contact GoPro with the camera details the GoPro can help you re-unite with your camera.
2: File a police report if you believe your GoPro has been stolen. Some insurance policies will cover your stolen or even lost GoPro, but they may require you to file a police report to prove that you are actively trying to find your GoPro.
3: Put up fliers in the area. Let people know you lost your GoPro, that you’re looking for it, and that you’re even willing to offer a reward. This will also encourage people to keep a look out for your GoPro as hey, who doesn’t like to earn some cash?
So what should you do if you find a GoPro?
1: Do NOT share the serial number online. Someone could use this number to fraudulently obtain the GoPro camera by registering it as their own and then reporting it as lost. Instead, take note of the serial number and ask anyone who claims its theirs to verify the serial number.
2: Contact GoPro.com and let them know you found a GoPro. Give them the serial number and details of where you found the GoPro. They can then take note of the details and use that information to see if anyone registered their GoPro as lost.
3: Examine the SD card! See if there’s any footage on the SD card, any people featured in it etc. Any recognizable locations or identifying information. You can use this to track down the owner.
4: Contact your local TV station. Found GoPro cameras and people willing to find the owners make a good filler piece for TV. The reporters may even show the footage on TV to help find the owners. If that happens, make sure you advertise your Instagram, Facebook or your own website as a place of contact. Not only will you help the owner get their GoPro back, you also get some advertisement for yourself in the process.
So that’s pretty much all you can do and all you should know about protecting your GoPro from loss or theft. I’m sure you’d be disappointed or at a loss if something happened to your GoPro, and that’s why it’s important to do the right thing if you find someone’s GoPro camera, or any other item you find for that matter. It only takes a moment to choose to do the right thing, but the rewarding feeling you get from doing so, will last you a lifetime.
Thank you for reading and please click on some of the affiliate links to help support this website as I do earn a really small commission if you buy something!
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