Customer Reviews (100)

Wladimir Perozo • 2025-03-25T22:09:11.717Z

very helpful app, really good

Matthew Jackson • 2025-03-23T16:59:03.887Z

Found it hard to edit existing routes. Gave up and went back to old standby - Google maps.

Tyler Griffin • 2025-03-18T21:24:12.910Z

I made the mistake of updating the app after using it for years and now it forces you to SUBSCRIBE at $20/yr to add more than 10 stops which was the only reason i used it. Instantly deleted it.

Summary of Key Insights

The Circuit Route Planner app is generally well-received, especially for its route optimization and time-saving capabilities. However, recent updates have introduced issues that are causing significant user frustration, particularly around subscription management, navigation functionality, and the removal of features. The app's strengths lie in its ease of use and efficiency in planning routes, but these are being undermined by bugs, pricing concerns, and perceived feature regressions. A significant portion of negative reviews focus on billing issues and the forced subscription model after previously offering more generous free features.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed, with a significant portion of users expressing frustration over recent changes.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Based on the score distribution, the average rating is approximately 4.0.
  • Score Distribution: 48% 5-star, 13% 4-star, 14% 3-star, 6% 2-star, 19% 1-star. This indicates a polarization of opinions, with many users either loving or hating the app.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but inferred to be recent based on mentions of "latest update".
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned issues and features), and thematic analysis (grouping related issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • Subscription and Billing Issues: Users report being charged even after unsubscribing, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and feeling forced into subscriptions after updates reduced the free tier's functionality. This is a major source of anger and distrust.
  • Navigation Problems: Recent updates have removed automatic navigation after delivery, requiring users to manually initiate navigation for each stop. Also, some users report inaccurate directions and the app choosing inefficient routes. Waze integration issues are also mentioned.
  • Feature Regression: The removal of the "restart route" option and the option to avoid highways are causing significant inconvenience for users who relied on these features.
  • Bugs and Instability: Some users report the app freezing, crashing, or removing all stops unexpectedly.
  • Time-Sensitive Stops: Users are facing issues with time-sensitive deliveries not being properly handled and optimized within the route.
  • Customer Support Issues: Some users feel that customer support is unhelpful or unresponsive.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Android Auto Integration: Several users specifically requested Android Auto support for hands-free navigation.
  • Lifetime Purchase Option: A one-time purchase option instead of a subscription model is desired by several users.
  • Manual Route Customization: Users want more control over the order of stops and the ability to manually adjust routes without forced optimization.
  • Restart Route Functionality: Reinstating the "restart route" button.
  • Package Number Display: Showing the number of packages per stop on the delivery screen.
  • Computer/Web Interface: Ability to plan routes on a computer and sync them to the app.
  • Resetting Package ID: Option to reset the package ID to 1 for each new route.
  • Avoid Highways Option: Reinstating the option to avoid highways.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Route Optimization: The app's ability to optimize routes and find the fastest delivery sequence is highly valued.
  • Time-Saving: Users report significant time savings and increased efficiency using the app.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered easy to use and intuitive.
  • Integration with GPS Apps: Compatibility with Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps is appreciated.
  • Voice Input and Address Scanning: These features streamline the process of adding stops.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Subscription and Billing Issues: Immediately address the billing errors and make the cancellation process clear and reliable. This is critical for maintaining user trust.
  • Restore Automatic Navigation: Revert the change that removed automatic navigation after delivery. This is a significant usability regression.
  • Address Routing Inaccuracies: Investigate and fix the routing problems that are causing inaccurate directions and inefficient routes.
  • Reinstate Removed Features: Bring back the "restart route" and "avoid highways" options.
  • Improve Customer Support: Provide more responsive and helpful customer support.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Android Auto Integration: Adding Android Auto support would significantly enhance the user experience.
  • Consider a Lifetime Purchase Option: Offering a one-time purchase option could attract users who dislike subscriptions.
  • Enhance Route Customization: Provide more options for manual route customization and control over stop order.
  • Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Address the reported bugs and stability issues to improve the app's reliability.
  • Improve Handling of Time-Sensitive Stops: Refine the algorithm to better handle time-sensitive deliveries.

Low Priority:

  • Package Number Display: Add the option to display the number of packages per stop.
  • Computer/Web Interface: Develop a web interface for route planning.
  • Resetting Package ID: Allow users to reset the package ID for each new route.
  • Map Color Palette: Improve the map's color contrast for better visibility.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Subscription Management Service: A service that helps users track and manage all their subscriptions, with features for automatic cancellation and dispute resolution. This addresses the pain point of difficult subscription cancellations.
  • Hyper-Local Route Optimization: A route planning app that specializes in optimizing routes within small, specific areas, taking into account local traffic patterns, construction, and other real-time factors. This could address the issue of inaccurate routing in certain areas.
  • Delivery Driver Financial Management App: An app designed to help delivery drivers track their earnings, expenses, and mileage for tax purposes. This could integrate with route planning apps to automatically calculate mileage.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Shift: The reviews suggest a recent decline in user satisfaction due to the updates and changes in the app's functionality and pricing.
  • Subscription Fatigue: Many users express a strong dislike for subscription models and prefer one-time purchases.
  • Feature Importance: The "restart route" and automatic navigation features were clearly highly valued by users, as their removal has generated significant negative feedback.

Conclusion

The Circuit Route Planner app has a strong foundation and is generally well-regarded for its route optimization and time-saving capabilities. However, recent changes have introduced significant pain points related to subscription management, navigation functionality, and feature regression. Addressing these issues, particularly the billing problems and usability regressions, is critical for retaining users and maintaining the app's positive reputation. Prioritizing bug fixes, improving customer support, and considering alternative pricing models are also important steps. By focusing on these areas, Circuit Route Planner can regain user trust and continue to be a valuable tool for delivery drivers.

Overall Recommendation: Focus on addressing the high-priority issues related to subscriptions, navigation, and feature regressions to prevent further user attrition.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.underwood.route_optimiser