I didn't personally write this, but here you guys go.
PREPARATIONS:
" THE CANON LOYALTY PROGRAM"
This is a fairly unknown program that, I guess, some HDSLR uses had stumbled across a few years ago.
(I found the info on a thread so old, that the number listed was no longer in service!!)
Canon offers this program to previous Canon camera owners as a substitute for camera repair. If you call Canon about a repair, and they feel it is "junked", they offer a replacement model @ 20% any refurbished model, shipped from Canon directly.
So... THE CANON LOYALTY PROGRAM offers 20% OFF any Refurbished Canon Camera.
Cool, huh?
So This is what you will need to do to be prepared.
1. Get an old Canon Camera.
Any old Canon Camera will do. I went to a Goodwill and bought a 15 year old rangefinder for $5. DON'T SPEND REAL MONEY ON IT!!!! You can also buy some broken/parts Canon cameras on Ebay for $10-$15. Dig through your closets, garages, rummage sales...ect.
2. Throw it down the stairs.
Break it really good like. It must be "unrepairable".
3. Have your credit card/debit card ready.
You must pay for your new Canon while you are on the phone.
4. Grab a piece of paper and a pen.
.....duh.
MAKE THE CALL:
5. Call Canon Direct: 1800-OK-CANON
9/15/11 Edit: If you would like to make a direct call to the Canon Loyalty Program (so you won't have to stay on hold for a transfer), call: 866.443.8002
6. Have a Chat.
First, Canon is not stupid. Don't pretend like you DON'T want a great deal on a camera.
They know you want a great deal. I read in some other threads that people were inventing these grand yarns about their sick mothers....blah blah blah.
Don't bother.
Tell them your Model ______ Canon camera took a header down three flights of stairs and broke into a million pieces (see Step #3).
Tell them that you heard that Canon offers a discount to loyal Canon owners on Refurbished Canon Cameras and you'd like to upgrade.
7. The Run Around.
You can never tell what kind of operator you are going to get. You might end up with Operator #202934749.
She is pissed because the dummy@ Subway put black olives on her $5 Footlong, even though she specifically asked him not to. And now...she is going to pass that pissed-offed-ness onto you.
When I called I was passed around to three different operators.
Op#1 - The First operator transferred me to "Repairs" after I explained everything to her.
Op#2 - The Second operator listened to my spiel, asked a few questions about Model of my camera, then transferred me to Op#3.
Op#3 - The Third operator told me she was authorized by Op#2 to offer me the Canon Loyalty Discount of 20% off all of the refurbished cameras in stock *.
8. Pick a Winner
These are the current discounted prices on available BODY ONLY models (3/24/11):
9/15/11 Edit: Models highlighted with orange are no longer available through the Canon Loyalty Program.
1D MrkIV.................$3199.36
5D MrkII..................$1599.20***
7d.........................$1087.20
T1i........................$415.99
T2i........................$447.99
60D.......................$639.99**
50D.......................$562.68
Don't forget the TAX!!
I live in California, we have almost 10% sales tax...it may be more or less. They may charge everyone tax, or they may only charge tax to persons residing in a state which charges sales tax. Someone in New Hampshire can test this theory.
* There were reports from the threads I read that sometimes they are OUT OF STOCK on some models. Not surprisingly ...the 7D and 5D MrkII. It was reported that a second attempt, later in the week, by some people was successful. When I called, they had 7D's in stock.
** A DVX User recently contacted Canon and was told that the 60D did not qualify for the Canon Loyalty Program. (3/25/11)
*** A DVX User recently contacted Canon and was told that the 5D MrkII no longer qualified for the Canon Loyalty Program (3/30/11)
WRAP IT UP:
9. The ol' In Out, In Out
Once you've paid for your new camera...you still have some work to do!
You'll need to send them your broken camera!
Canon will send you an email with a pre paid postage label.
DONT DELAY SENDING THIS OUT!!!!
I sent my package out the same day. I read on a few of the other forums that some people were charged the 20% because they waited too long to send in the broken camera. I didn't read a definitive time table, but most people agreed that as long as the package went into the mail within a week, you'll be fine.
10. Track it.
Canon sends your camera FREE 2-Day air via UPS.
Follow the tracking number!
11. Enjoy!