Ameliaonstage Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Can you make your own trackable without the trackable tag? I would like to make a fun trackable but I don't want to pay for a tag. Can I make my own code and submit it? I would want to make a trackable like cindy the cinderblock, do you know if she has a tag? Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 You can............ (yes, there is a "but" coming)........ Travel Bugs are the tag, not the traveler that the tag is attached to. It must be purchased from Groundspeak or an authorized dealer. They maintain, issue and create the codes that are used for the tracking on the site. You cannot just scoop up a number out of the air and have it as "trackable" by geocaching.com. These tracking numbers are assigned to a dog tag-like metal tag and other type tags that are different shapes colors (but are still essentially dog tags). Also, tracking numbers are assigned to geocoins. However, you could conceivably purchase a block of those tracking numbers from Groundspeak. You could then create trackable items. There are a couple of pitfalls to this: 1) A LARGE block of numbers need to be purchased. Typically this is prohibitively expensive for an individual. 2) The trackable item you wish to create must have prior approval from Groundspeak. Some reasons behind this system include: Uniformity and a type of income for the business of Groundspeak, Inc. It is their system and they control it. It costs to utilize the system for tracking, logging and the like. Paying for the tag is the cost of having fun sending and moving trackables. Cindy (the cinderblock) has a tag. Look at this link, there is a photo and you can see it. http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=27797 Quote Link to comment
+GEO-BREIN Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 However, you could conceivably purchase a block of those tracking numbers from Groundspeak. You could then create trackable items. There are a couple of pitfalls to this: 1) A LARGE block of numbers need to be purchased. Typically this is prohibitively expensive for an individual. 2) The trackable item you wish to create must have prior approval from Groundspeak. With other words ... it's not that doable. It'll be cheaper if you just purchase some dog-tags instead and attach them onto a traveller!? Offcourse it's totally normal we have to pay for them because it's their system and it's one form of income for Groundspeak. Quote Link to comment
+kunarion Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 (edited) I would like to make a fun trackable but I don't want to pay for a tag. Can I make my own code and submit it? As mentioned, when you buy a TB dogtag, you buy a lifetime of tracking for it. But you can make your own and include a request that people email you when they spot the item. Here's the catch: Someone finding it may visit this forum and ask if it's a Trackable, and compare descriptions of Trackables, to decide if it is one. Since it's not a Travel Bug nor a Geocoin, it can be treated as "swag", traded and kept by the finder. Writing a real Tracking Number on your item may have the same effect (due to confusing people). You may instead buy a Travel Bug dogtag (or any other Trackable such as a Geocoin or coin tag, whatever's inexpensive), and embed it in some way into your item. Make it super secure with the tracking number in view. Now when a new cacher finds it, they will see it's a real Trackable game piece, and can log it. Even if a Trackable loses its way, it can turn up again and get back into the game, since it's "official". Edited February 23, 2012 by kunarion Quote Link to comment
Ameliaonstage Posted February 23, 2012 Author Share Posted February 23, 2012 Can you make your own trackable without the trackable tag? I would like to make a fun trackable but I don't want to pay for a tag. Can I make my own code and submit it? I would want to make a trackable like cindy the cinderblock, do you know if she has a tag? Thank you all for all your answers! Quote Link to comment
+The Blorenges Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Hi Amelia Looking at your profile, you seem to be quite a new, younger cacher - I'm glad you're enjoying the fun. If you want to release travel bugs to be tracked on this site you really will need to get some TB tags. There's a really good deal being offered here: 10 Unique tags for $25 (+ postage) If that's too expensive for you, do you have any young geocaching friends who might like to share the costs? Or do you have a birthday coming up soon? Hope you can work something out. MrsB Quote Link to comment
+Dancing_Duo Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 If you want to release travel bugs to be tracked on this site you really will need to get some TB tags. There's a really good deal being offered here: 10 Unique tags for $25 (+ postage) MrsB Oh! I somehow missed this. I'll have to check into ordering some soon TY Quote Link to comment
+Team Triggerfinger Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I emailed the person with the 10 for $25 deal. None left. Sorry. Quote Link to comment
+Dancing_Duo Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I emailed the person with the 10 for $25 deal. None left. Sorry. Guess it's true... early bird (cacher) gets the worm (FTF & good deals) Quote Link to comment
+releasethedogs Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 They are 5 bucks. Go ask old women for "bus money" at your local mall for an our or so. Done. Quote Link to comment
+BlueDeuce Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 If any of you are interested, I'm starting a little website xxxx] selling unused trackable codes and Dog Tags I have designed. You can even create your own custom dog tags! Your commercial posting has been reported. Quote Link to comment
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