Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What is POIfriend?
POIfriend is the point of interest community that connects people and the places important to them. It is a website that lets you find, create, comment, rate, share, and use POI (Point of Interest) information with GPS-enabled navigation devices, maps and driving directions. It is powerful, fun and easy to use – and once your POIs are loaded, you'll easily navigate to relevant places. POIfriend is a catalyst for sharing of information for people with common interests, and its members ultimately control and determine the content housed on the site.

Why should I use POIfriend and what are its benefits?
POIfriend makes it easy for you to find, create, share and enable simple transfer of POI data for usage on your GPS-enabled navigation device or maps. As implied in the name, it is like a 'friend' who will help you keep track of the places that are important to you and your friends, family and customers.

The benefits of POIfriend are numerous:

Single-source of access to a very broad range of Points of Interest (POIs)
Find and easily create POIs that are relevant to you, and upload them to your GPS-enabled device or maps to get you there fast.
It is 100% free for end users
Connect with your friends, family, and the worldwide community to share relevant POIs
Compatible with numerous types of GPS-enabled devices
Takes the mystery and technical complexities out of GPS and POI data
Maintain an unprecedented level of privacy – you only need a valid e-mail address to create and maintain a user account.
You are in control of your POIs, deciding how you will share them.
Powerful benefits for organizations and businesses who would like to connect with the POIfriend community

What is a GPS-enabled device?
A GPS-enabled device enables you to determine your current location on earth, including speed and direction. When combined with mapping/navigation technology, GPS-enabled devices can provide turn-by-turn directions to help you get to places that interest you. GPS technology is currently being integrated into many electronic devices at an incredible rate. These devices include:

Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs) like Garmin, TomTom, Mio, etc.
Mobile Phones & PDAs
In-dash Navigation for the automotive market
Portable computers utilizing mapping software with GPS

POIfriend focuses on integrating with consumer-oriented GPS-enabled devices.

Don't GPS devices already come with POI data loaded on the unit?
Yes this is true. However, most estimates and feedback from users state that up to 50% of the POI information is incorrect and out-of-date. This has resulted in a lot of frustration for users who expect to find something in a certain location – only to arrive and find that it doesn't exist.

Furthermore, most POI data is generic – offering no brand identity or control of the data. This is something that is a detriment to users and the organizations/businesses that would like to ensure accuracy and adequate representation of their locations.

In addition, users have limited capabilities to modify and create their own relevant POI data that meets their needs, and those of their friends and family. This is where POIfriend comes to the rescue of the GPS-enabled user.

Can I use POIfriend if I don't have a GPS device?
Yes of course! In fact, we encourage you to create an account (which is 100% free) and join our growing community. You'll see that there are many benefits to being able to find, create, share and interact with points of interest (POIs). You'll still be able to enjoy the many benefits of viewing POIs that matter to you and your friends - viewing them on a map and organized in a fun yet powerful format. You can even very quickly obtain driving directions for a selected POI (look below the map). Furthermore, you'll be ready when someone wants to share their POIs with you. Who knows... you may just want to run out and get a GPS-enabled device too!

Could you provide some examples of how I would use POIfriend?
There are virtually unlimited opportunities in using POIfriend. Here are a very few selected opportunities:

Favourite places – Share your favourite spots (restaurants, parks, bars, shopping…almost anything!) with your family and friends. They'll get turn by turn directions on their GPS-enabled device once they easily access and download the file from POIfriend.
Wedding – Getting married? Create a POI Group with the church, reception hall, hotel for guests, park photo location, tuxedo rental place, spa, hairstylist, and the store you registered at. Make it available for all your guests so no one is late!
Vacations/Sightseeing – Had a great vacation recently where you visited lots of amazing restaurants and attractions? Create a POI Group for the world to see (or maybe just your friends). Next time they are going somewhere, you can suggest a terrific trip. Going on vacation? Browse through POIfriend for some great ideas!
Traffic and Construction – When driving, get a heads up on locations of speed and red light cameras. Find out construction zones and avoid them!
Bank/Cash machines – Ever have trouble finding a bank/cash machine that is from your bank? (we all hate spending that extra $1.50 to $2.00 when there might be one right around the corner). Maybe you just need to find ANY cash machine! Look it up in POIfriend!
Coffee shops – You love Starbucks or Tim Hortons. But when you are not around home you wish you could find the closest one with your GPS. Go hungry for caffeine or donuts no more!
Sports Tournaments – Planning an out-of-town sports tournament for your team? Create a POI Group with all the fields or arenas, restaurants, and hotel you'll be staying at and send it out to the team. They can load it all on their GPS-enabled devices and will not stop thanking you for making it easy. Furthermore, no one will show up late for the big game.
Gas/Petrol Stations – Have a credit card with one of the gas stations you use? On the road, you often have no idea where your preferred gas station chain is located. Search through POIfriend to find your gas station and download the file to your GPS. Now you'll always find the nearest one… and fast!

How does POIfriend work?
POIfriend uses the latest web technologies available to make working with POI data powerful, simple, easy and fun. It incorporates cutting edge 'Web 2.0' / social networking initiatives to allow you to create and share places that interest you and the ability to share with others on the web. POIfriend allows your POI data to be easily migrated to your GPS-enabled device so that you and your family/friends can get to where you want, when you want.

How much does POIfriend cost?
POIfriend is absolutely FREE of charge to use for an end-user. Best of all, we will never trade free usage by requiring detailed personal information – something many other websites do require. If you do not wish to provide personal data – you can choose to leave those selected fields blank upon registration.

For a very reasonable cost, we offer the opportunity for business and end-users to pay a fee for premium options that increase visibility to end users and offer valuable benefits.

What is a POI?
'POI' stands for 'Point of Interest' or 'Place of Interest'. Simply put, it is a location that is relevant to someone. In technical terms it is a named geographical coordinate that is an intersection between a latitude and longitude measure. POIs are used on GPS-enabled devices to create a relevant destination point on a map for an end-user.

What is GPS?
GPS is an acronym for 'Global Positioning System'. It is the underlying technology utilizing orbital satellites that allows a GPS-enabled receiving device to determine location, speed and direction.

What are coordinates? What is latitude and longitude?
At POIfriend, coordinates refer to a specific point on the earth – made up of an intersection between a latitude number and longitude number (typically measured in degrees but can also be represented numerically).

Latitude provides the location of a place on earth north or south of the equator and runs 'horizontally' on the globe. Longitude provides the location of a place on earth east or west of a north-south line called the Prime Meridian. Combining latitude and longitude allow us to pinpoint a specific location on the earth.

Is POIfriend associated with any specific manufacturer of GPS devices or affiliated with a major corporation or business?
No. POIfriend is a completely independent website that relies on the interaction and content created by its members – to benefit the worldwide community. It is not associated with any specific manufacturer of GPS devices and is not affiliated with a major corporation or business. The goal of POIfriend is to provide a web-based community for its users/members to share information related to points of interest that the members wish to share.

GETTING STARTED

How do I create an account?
Creating a POIfriend account is easy (in fact you'll need one to access many of the powerful features). Simply press on the 'MY POIfriend' button on the upper left hand area of the home page. There you will see a register button that will bring you to the quick and easy registration area.

Do I need to register to view POIs?
No, you can view as many public POIs as you want without requiring registration. However to use advanced features such as creation, sharing and usage with a GPS-enabled device you will require an account. Registration is easy and does not require you to divulge any personal information if you prefer to maintain your privacy.

How is the POIfriend website organized?
All POI categories and sub-categories are listed down the left column on the homepage. You will be able to look at point of interest information in 3 ways:
All POIs – information available to all users
My POIs – information that you have organized & created for your own personal use
My Friends – information that you choose to share only with those that you identify and those who identify you

Many attempts have been made to make the POIs you view relevant by their geographical proximity to you – or by the way your fellow POIfriend users have rated them.

What personal information does POIfriend require from me?
As fellow users of the web who are very concerned with privacy and spam, we truly respect your personal information. During registration, you will only be required to provide a valid e-mail address in addition to other non-private basics like a user name (we recommend that you do not use your actual full name or e-mail address as a username). POIfriend does require at least one geographical location during this process because it is core to the very benefits POIfriend provides. However, if you are concerned about your coordinates being entered, you can enter the address or location of something nearby – but still typical of the area in which you reside. You can even 'pick up' and 'move' the pin to nearby generic location if you wish.

When registering, fields without a red asterisk are not necessary and can be left blank if desired. During search results, some of these details (first and last name, city and state/province)will be displayed to help users connect with each other. Leave them blank if you do not wish anyone to see this information.

It is important to note that we do not share ANY of your personal information (including geographical coordinates) unless you give us expressed permission to do so or if required by law. Please read our privacy policy.

How will POIfriend respect my privacy?
Any personal information you choose to give us will remain just that – personal. We will NEVER knowingly share ANY of your personal information (including geographical coordinates) unless you give us expressed permission to do so or unless required by law. Please read our read our privacy policy.

Why do I need to enter my location(s) during the registration process?
Identifying your location allows all POIs within a POI Group to be sorted starting with the one closest to you (or the place you identified). This way, you see the ones closest to the place important to you. To further protect your privacy, you may elect to enter a location that is within close (but not exact) proximity to you. You can even 'pick up' and 'move' the pin to nearby generic location if you wish (and the coordinates will be automatically created).

Why do I have the option of providing multiple locations?
You may wish to create locations based on your primary residence, your place of work, a city that you travel to with regularity, etc. Adjusting your location will then result in an automatic and relevant adjustment for the POIs around you. You have the option of providing multiple locations because we often spend extended periods of time in more than one location. You can set up as many locations as you like, and easily switch to your current desired location by looking under the 'MY POIfriend' button once logged in.

What is the difference between coordinates, locations, and POIs?
Coordinates are made up of two measures (latitude and longitude) and can be used with locations and POIs to pinpoint geographical position. In POIfriend, locations are places where you determine yourself to be 'anchored' like your home or office – and are comprised of a named set of coordinates. POIs (points of interest) also have a named set of coordinates (along with other information) – but are considered the places you wish to visit. It is not necessary to transfer your location to a GPS-enabled device because by its very nature it takes care of where you are located. However, POIs do get transferred to be available to you at any time.

What is an avatar? Do I need one?
An avatar is an opportunity to give your POIfriend profile a 'visual' face to others. You can choose from some of the standard available options or create and upload your very own. If you upload your own, the optimal size is 60x60 pixels and should be in a jpeg or gif format.

We have the right to remove avatars that could be considered inappropriate to the POIfriend user community.

USING POIFRIEND

How can I find a POI Group that interests me?
Finding a POI Group is easy and flexible:

You can scroll through the 'All POIs' tab to view those close to you
You can navigate by category and sub-categories at the left of the page
You can use the search button to find POI Groups
You can use 'POI Explorer' (left of the screen) to see points of interest created in POIfriend around you or any location you choose
You can browse alphabetically (using the 'Alphabetical' link on the left of the screen) to see numerous POI Groups line-by-line sorted in order
Check your My Friend's POIs as they may have proactively shared with something with you (requires a user account)
Of course, if you can't find what your looking for, you can always easily create it yourself! (requires a user account)

How do I create my own POIs?
Once you have confirmed your registration on POIfriend.com, you are able to create your very own POI Groups. Click on the 'My POIfriend' button or look to the left in the 'My POIs' tab and click on the 'Create/Modify POIs' link. This will bring you to the section where you can easily create your own POI groups. Just follow the easy steps.

How do I transfer my POI Groups to my GPS-enabled device?
First you need to be logged in as a registered user. Then, click on 'Show POIs' (or the icon) for any POI Group and look for the 'Download for my GPS' button in the upper right hand corner. There you will be able to choose the most appropriate format to download depending on your specific GPS-enabled device and/or needs. You are also able to choose a zip file that contains an optimized version of the 'icon' suitable for Garmin, TomTom, etc devices. Those selections with a "(direct)" beside it will provide a step-by-step and more 'automated' approach to moving the data to your device.

If you have a GARMIN, follow this link for information and the free tool to load POIs:
http://www.garmin.com/products/poiloader/ (use Garmin's POI Loader software for more control and flexibility in installing the POIs from POIfriend)
Choose 'Garmin (direct)' for automated loading to your device using their communicator software. We recommend this for POI Groups with a smaller number of POIs. For POI Groups with a large number of POIs - we recommend POI Loader.

If you have a TOMTOM, follow this link for instructions on loading POIs:
For easy manual install go to our own forum topic: http://poifriend.com/forum/251/
You can also use our 'Tom Tom (direct)' feature which utilizes the TomTom Home software ( http://www.tomtom.com/home) to easily move POIs over to your GPS device.

If you have a MIO, follow this link for instructions on loading POIs:
http://www.mio-tech.be/en/mio-club/poi-loader.php

If you have a NAVMAN, visit technical support and search for 'POI Editor' to access instructions on importing POIs:
http://www.navman.com

If you have a MAGELLAN, visit support and search for 'POI Editor' to access instructions on importing POIs. You will find instructions in the pdf manuals for the unit you are using.
http://www.magellangps.com

If you would like to view your file in GOOGLE EARTH, simply double click on the file you downloaded (assuming you have Google Earth already installed). Alternately you can go to File… Open … menu options if Google Earth is already open.

For other formats and options, you can find plenty of other resources on the web.

It is important to note that ALL ADDRESS DETAILS on the website may NOT transfer over to your GPS device since many units only require or accept a description, latitude and longitude. Therefore the data is not "missing" (it is just more detailed on POIfriend.com). We have kept it as flexible, simple and compatible as possible for numerous GPS devices - while planning for increased functionality and options for the future.

What GPS-enabled devices can I use with POIfriend?
POIfriend currently provides support for the following GPS-enabled devices and formats:

Tom Tom (OV2) + 22x22 icon
Garmin (CSV) + 24x24 icon
Mio (CSV)
Google Earth (KML)
GPS Exchange (GPX)
LG Electronics (CSV)
Navman (CSV)
Magellan (CSV)
Blaupunkt (CSV) + 22x22 icon
Nokia (LMX)
ASCII
More under development

Note that address information on the POIfriend.com website will often be more detailed than the data that is transfered to your GPS-enabled device.

What is the difference between a 'POI Group' and a 'POI'?
A POI Group is a collection of individual POIs (physical locations) that are included for a logical reason. For example, the 'ACME Company' would be the name of a POI Group, while all of its stores would be individual POIs. Similarly, a POI Group could be titled “John & Sarah's Wedding” while all of its POIs would include the church, reception hall, hotel, tuxedo rental store, stores where the couple have registered, etc.

Can I create my own categories for my POI Groups?
At this point, our categories are pre-set to benefit our overall user community and to reduce confusion, but may change over time to better reflect the needs of our user community. Although you cannot modify or add categories, you can if you feel that we are missing a category or sub-category. In fact we'd really appreciate it as we rely on our user community to help make POIfriend even better.

How can I add more locations to my profile?
Click on the 'MY POIfriend' button and access the 'My Locations' link. This assumes that you have logged in using your registered account.

How can I add a friend to my account?
All POI Groups have 'By username' under the title of the group. You can access this individual's profile by clicking on the username. Once arriving at the user's profile, click on 'Add to friends' to the right. You can also perform a search for a user or user name. Once found, click on the user to access the 'Add to friends' link.

How can I share my POIs with other friends?
Assuming you are logged in, every POI Group has a 'Share' link. Click on this to access the sharing options for the particular POI Group of interest. Here you can share with existing POIfriend users, or send an e-mail to anyone who isn't.

How do I know if a friend has shared a POI Group with me?
When friends have shared POI Groups with you, a notification will appear above the 'My Friends' tab (assuming you are logged in).

How can I access POI Groups that my friends have shared with me?
It is very easy to access them. Simply click on the 'My Friends' tab and you will see who has new POI Groups to share with you. Click on the word shared for the specific user you wish to access and from there the POI Groups will work similar to in other sections of the website. You can use the 'Add to My POIs' link for those you wish to organize in your My POIs tab.

What is the difference between Public and Personal POI Groups?
When a POI Group is created, the user has an option to determine the level of access other users will have to the group. For a 'Public' group, all users can view it. At the 'Personal' level, only you and the specific friends you choose will be able to view it. In effect, a 'Personal' POI Group is private (only viewable by you) until you share it with other friends.

How can I provide feedback on a POI Group and/or POI?
All registered users can provide comments and ratings at both the POI Group and POI level when logged in. Look for the appropriate links when navigating though POI Groups and their respective POIs. Note that content deemed to be inappropriate may be removed without notification.

I can't access features like comments, rating stars, sharing and My POIs. How come?
You are not logged in as registered user. If you are a registered user, then please log in. If you have not set up a POIfriend account, please do so here.

When I type in an address, it does not show up on the map. Why?
The integrated Google map is used to create the coordinates for POIfriend. It relies on being provided as much relevant information as possible. If it has not found the specific address you have typed in, please try a different way of typing it in. Sometimes, even the postal code or zip code alone can do the trick. You can also 'pick up' and 'move' the pin to a more exact location.

It is also possible that you may be in a new or uncharted area, in which case you may have to enter something else known well close by.

If my address does not show up on the map, how can I still enter my coordinates?
Try your postal or zip code only. This often works. You can also 'pick up' and 'move' the pin to a more exact location. If you know your actual latitude and longitude coordinates in decimal format, you can type this in as well.

I have the coordinates only (latitude & longitude) but not an address – can I still enter it?
Yes you can type in your coordinates in decimal format to pinpoint a location. For example: 45.5555, -75.5555

How do I upload my own picture or image for my POI Group?
Your image should be in a gif, jpeg, png or bmp format and optimally in a 60x60 pixel format. You may need to do some image editing in another graphics program to get it to the way you'd prefer. Once you have placed it in a location on your computer, click on the 'browse' button in the 'POIs I Created' interface to locate it and attach to the POI Group.

I see a POI that is incorrect or missing. What can I do?
You are able to make a 'suggestion' (AKA "suggy") to the owner of that POI Group. Simply look for the 'Tools' button that appears at the POI Group or individual POI level. There you will find the 'Suggest' options. You will need to provide a reason so that the owner can decide to accept or reject your suggestion. Keep in mind that the owner of a POI Group is in complete control of that data and cannot be forced to accept a change. Good 'netiquette' is suggested when interacting with other members.

Can I add a specific POI that exists in another POI Group to one of my own POI Groups?
Yes you can. If you find that a specific POI from ANY POI Group would be appropriate to add to one (or more) of your POI groups, you can use the 'Copy to my POI Groups' function found under the 'Tools' button. This can help you assemble a POI Group very quickly and efficiently to leverage the resources from other members. Note that the POI will be 'copied' to your specified POI Group(s). It will not be attached in any way to the original so any changes desired are up to you.

What are those colored 'stars' I see under user avatars?
The POIfriend community grows and improves if members work together to improve site content. The 'stars' (which are actually taken from the inside of our compass wheel letter 'O' in POIfriend) indicate an appreciation for the contributions of a specific member.

Green Stars are for members who have made accepted suggestions (AKA "suggies") to help improve data in a POI Group
Yellow Stars are for members who have created a public POI Group with at least 25 downloads
Red Stars are for members who have posted comments for POIs/POI Groups and/or in the User Forum
Blue Stars are for members who have at least 5 for each of the three stars above.

We also have our 'POIfriend Appreciation Board' in the 'Community' area that shows the members with the most of each in these areas.

ADVANCED USAGE OF POIFRIEND

I have a very large list of POI locations. Can I import or migrate the data into POIfriend POI Groups?
Yes you can! When creating or modifying a POI Group, you can import data from a file that meets the specifications of various manufacturer's formats (example: OV2 from TomTom or CSV from Garmin etc). Just look for this option near the bottom of the form when creating a new POI Group. It is important to note that you can ONLY import formats compatible with GPS devices - not just any CSV file etc. For the most part, this will mean that you are able to import a latitude, longitude, description and address details.

If you would like to build your own CSV (or Excel file), we suggest you use the following format (where commas denote column breaks):

Longitude,Latitude,POI description,Address
example: -115.45678,41.32144,ABC Restaurant at 23 Main St,"23 Main St, Anytown, USA"

Note that the longitude and latitude should be in decimal degrees format, and you should enclose the POI description and Address in quotes if it contains any commas (to avoid any unintended column breaks).

Note that POIfriend limits the number of POIs you can automatically import to 15,000.

How can I create my own customized avatars, images, or icons for upload and usage in POIfriend?
We suggest that you use a third party image editor (like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro) to create or modify your images. Save the file in a 60 x 60 pixel format in a gif, jpeg, png or bmp file format. Note that POIfriend will not accept files that are too large in size. Furthermore, we have the right to remove any images that violate our terms of use or that our community would find innappropriate or offensive.

What additional features does POIfriend plan to offer in the future?
We will continue to add features and functionality that benefit our end users. In particular, stay tuned for the following items we are working on right now:

compatibility with more GPS-enabled device manufacturers
improved 'seamless' connection and data migration to GPS-enabled devices
more premium features for those organizations and individuals who wish to take advantage of them
mobile devices version of POIfriend.com
'real-time' tracking of coordinates for confirmed friends who wish to upload this data via a GPS-enabled mobile device
stay tuned… we have a lot of great things planned!

What is the difference between a free POI Group and an 'Official' POI Group?
By simply setting up a user account, any user can benefit from the access, creation and sharing of free POI Groups. An 'Official' POI Group is one that offers all the features of the free version, but adds an 'Official' status with preferred placement to the user community. By paying for an 'Official' POI Group, an organization or business indicates to users that they have placed a great value on the data and will be the preferred and 'official' source for users. Other additional benefits are available with premium POI Groups and can be accessed via our Business Solutions section.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING

I did not receive my registration confirmation e-mail or it expired. What can I do?
We automatically (and almost always immediately) send out a confirmation of registration e-mail to help protect you and the integrity of the user community. However, sometimes these confirmation e-mails can get filtered as spam or junk. First, ensure that you check your junk mail or spam folder to see if it is there (sometimes the e-mail may take a little while to make it through to your computer). If it becomes clear to you that it has taken too long and you are sure that it has not arrived, you can contact us from the same e-mail account you registered with and ensure that indicate the username you supplied. We will arrange to manually activate your account as soon as possible.

What are the minimum operating requirements for POIfriend?
POIfriend is designed to compatible with most browsers on a Windows-based platform. Optimally, you should be operating a machine with Windows XP and higher. Macintosh is supported and has been tested successfully (however some users have reported various limitations).

I have a technical problem or error message. What can I do?
Please check our Help Center section. If you do not see your problem or error message listed, please contact us. You can also try our user forum located under the 'Community' tab.

I have a problem with my GPS-enabled device? What should I do?
POIfriend is not affiliated with the manufacturers of GPS-enabled devices and does not provide direct support for them. Therefore, we suggest that you check the websites and/or documentation appropriate for your device. However we also have a user forum found under the 'Community' tab that you may find helpful – since often your best resource is from other users in our community who have experienced a similar problem or issue.

Can I use POIfriend with more than one GPS-enabled device?
Yes. POIfriend allows compatibility with numerous file formats for many different devices by various manufacturers. We will add more compatibility and formats whenever possible.

How come I cannot transfer a POI Group to or from my GPS-enabled device?
Each GPS-enabled device comes with its own set of standards – so you may want to ensure that you have checked any manufacturer specific directives first. However, there are some basic guidelines you should follow:

Is your GPS-enabled device connected properly to your computer or internet device?
Is it recognized in 'My Computer' as being recognized?
Have you chosen the correct file format for your GPS device? For example, if you have a Garmin – ensure you have selected 'Garmin'. If you have a Tom Tom, ensure you have selected 'Tom Tom'
Have you acquired any necessary software from your GPS manufacturer that will aid in the transfer of the GPS coordinates file POIfriend creates? Check here for more information.
It is possible that your device is not currently supported. We are adding more device compatibility as soon as it becomes available.

How come I am missing address details on my GPS that were on POIfriend.com?
All address details on the website may NOT transfer over to your GPS device since many units only require or accept a description, latitude and longitude. Therefore the data is not "missing" (it is just more detailed on POIfriend.com). In addition, when POIs are created manually in POIfriend, richer detail is often required to obtain a more accurate coordinate (longitude & latitude). We have made efforts to keep it as flexible, simple and compatible as possible for numerous GPS devices - while planning increased functionality and options for the future.

USING POIFRIEND FOR MY BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION

Why should my business or organization use POIfriend?
With the current explosion of GPS technology and Location-Based Services (LBS), it is critical for businesses and organizations to have relevant and up-to-date POI data available for customers or members. POIfriend is the most user-friendly, powerful and fun way to provide it. Through POIfriend, businesses and organizations are afforded an incredible opportunity to market and connect their products and services to a highly engaged user group.

At the most fundamental level, those businesses and organizations who do not have up-to-date POI data risk being overlooked by those who do. Sales of GPS-enabled devices are experiencing double to triple digit growth now. Furthermore, the technology is expanding beyond traditional navigation devices and into mobile phones and in-dash systems for automobiles. POIfriend offers the best way for you to provide this information to your customers and members in a simple and easy way. Once your data is on their GPS-enabled devices, they can find you easily (with turn-by-turn voice directions) with a click or two. Best of all, customers will invite you on to their GPS-enabled devices and ensure that you have maximum exposure and relevance.

Most businesses are aware of the incredible shift in media spending and resources available to reach consumers. Traditional methods of reaching consumers such as television advertising are being completely re-evaluated (and the budget shifts on media spending reflect this). POIfriend is a valuable source of 'new media', insights and an effective way to connect you with your current and potential customers. Best of all, your customers will invite you in because they want your help – and that is what the POIfriend community wants.

What are the key benefits of using POIfriend for my business or organization?

Build significant exposure and differentiation for your business, and literally lead potential customers to your door via GPS technology
Tailor specific offers/messages to a relevant target geography
Customize offers for the user community
Be a trusted verified source of POI location data for your customers or members
Your consumers no longer need to rely on the POI data pre-loaded with many GPS-enabled devices which is often incorrect, out-of-date, and lacking any branding or personalization – they can rely directly on the proper source… you.
Engage the POIfriend user community and build endorsement from that very user community
Premium options ensure optimal placement and visibility to those who need you most
We have the ability to connect you to customers – while protecting their privacy!
Very easy to use and keep up to date – it is not a full time job to manage this.
We place the privacy and protection of our members at the highest order. Using POIfriend is a safe non-threatening environment for our members and will ensure that they keep coming back.

What are some specific examples of using POIfriend for business purposes?

Sales & merchandising targets – provide specific easy-to-download sales locations for your reps to visit and comment on
Availability – set targets for your reps to expand product availability
Events – let your users know about events taking place and give them a download to help them get there easier
Tourism – promote tourist locations and expand the health of your partners and economy
Real Estate – help your clients locate properties with ease
Business Visitors – set out a trade or facilities visit to key company or competitive locations
So many more....

In addition to the above, but we are actively working on many ways to target existing and potential customers in very effective ways. Stay tuned!

How do I create or join an 'Official' POI Group?
You have two options when it comes to 'Official' POI Groups - creating (designating) or joining. If you are the authorized owner of a POI Group, you can . The cost will vary based on the number of individual POIs in your POI Group and complexity of requirements. You can also join existing 'Official' category POI Groups that have been created by POIfriend.com to benefit our user base. These are intended for those with very few locations who would like to ensure that they are part of a bigger targeted category grouping. In this case, please . The annual price for this options is very reasonable (see below). We are in the formative stages of development in the POIfriend website and will very soon be offering automated facilities with payment processing for creating or joining 'Official' POI Groups.

What specific features / benefits does an 'Official' POI Group provide?

'Official' status – visible to all users so they can trust your data because it has come from you
Active web links in your 'Official' POI groups and 'Official' user profile (including a 'more' arrow graphic to drive users to your profile)
Cycling of the 'Official' POI Group and User Profile on our 'Community' tab
Optimal/preferred placement so your users can find you even easier - accessed via the prominent 'Official' link on the main interface
Access to assistance from the POIfriend.com data team for efficient upload, maintenance, and reporting of your data
Additional information, resources and targeted advertising opportunties for larger POI Groups
POIfriend users will see that you believe in your data by investing in it!

How much does it cost for an 'Official' POI Group?
The cost is very reasonable to obtain 'Official' status on a POI Group. We've tried to price 'Official' POI Groups to reflect significant value, and provide benefits to both the end users and the organizations & companies using them. Because you have paid for and value your data, users will trust it because it is direct from the source. We feel that this is a fair way to do it – because we know users will appreciate this.

For CREATING or making your POI Group 'Official': If you are the owner of a specific POI Group, you can request to have it made 'Official'. Simply look for the 'Tools' button/icon located at the POI Group level. For smaller POI Groups, we have basic pricing/options. For larger POI Groups, more sophisticated features and options exist.

For JOINING an existing 'Official' category POI Group created by POIfriend.com : The annual charge is $30 per POI that you would like to add. As this is intended for those with just a few (or maybe even just one) location, the cost is flat and does not decline as number of POIs increase.

How can I pay POIfriend for premium services?
We are in the formative stages of development in the POIfriend website and will very soon be offering convenient secure online transactions via credit card, PayPal, etc. In the meantime, please .

What is 'Anonymous Direct Marketing' (ADM)?
Anonymous Direct Marketing (ADM) is unique to POIfriend. It is groundbreaking in the sense that we are able to protect privacy of the POIfriend user while connecting them to your business. Unlike traditional direct marketing where a consumer must be on a list with a full name and address to be contacted, we can contact specific users in specific geographical locations without this requirement. Your message can still be delivered, and in even a more effective manner – and it won't be considered spam or annoying.

How can you connect me with potential customers when I don't even know their name or address?
Your locations will show up on user interfaces naturally by geographic proximity. Furthermore, we can design programs that can direct your messages to consumers based on geographic areas you specify. However, users of POIfriend will never feel like their privacy is being compromised because it isn't! They will see your message targeted directly to their geographic area, but will never have to worry that they are in your 'databanks'. Offers can be customized for these people who can take advantage of them when they come in to visit you.

Will users of POIfriend be able to leave negative comments or ratings for me if I have paid for a premium service?
Integrity is critical to POIfriend. Our users are our most valuable asset and will be free to comment and rate any and all POIs available to them. Most businesses and organizations will hopefully view this as an opportunity to listen and adjust when necessary.

Of course, we will do our best to remove offensive and inappropriate comments.

POIs by Categories:

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

GETTING STARTED

USING POIFRIEND

ADVANCED USAGE OF POIFRIEND

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING

USING POIFRIEND FOR MY BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION

GENERAL

GETTING STARTED

USING POIFRIEND

ADVANCED USAGE OF POIFRIEND

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING

USING POIFRIEND FOR MY BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION