Credit Where Credit is Due... Canon CPS Rawks!
Everybody wants a deal... and everyone wants perfection. There's an old saying in business... "you can have it three ways... good, fast or cheap... pick two." And, to be honest, I have no problem with that. And over the years, I've opted for good and fast. Experience has shown that cheap is always cheap in more ways than one.
By the same token, when a waiter does a great job, or a service person goes the extra mile, I'm the first guy to stand up and say thank you. Today, I have the pleasure of doing just that.
I recently had three of my camera bodies fail in one form or another. Great... one race into the season and I've got camera issues. That's what my friend Peter De Lorenzo calls, a bowlful of NOT GOOD.
So, I get online and start gearing up for an afternoon of groveling with Canon repair service in hopes of getting quick turn around. Enter CPS or, Canon Professional Services.
CPS came under fire recently when they changed the parameters of their Pro service plan. Nobody likes change and as you'd expect, Canon took a hit around the internet on the photo forums and such. Personally, I hadn't paid a whole lot of attention. You can read the release HERE.
CPS is now a multi-level program with two of the levels being paid membership level of service. Among other requirements, to get quick turn-around you need to pay an annual fee. Guess what... not the big deal that all the internet rumble made it out to be.
To qualify for CPS you need to have to pro bodies (30D or higher) and at least three L series lenses. Seems like a fair set of standards. From their you can become a Gold level member for $100 per year. So what do you get for the $100?
- EF Lens Work (beautiful book about Canon lenses)
- 1 Rear/Body Cap set
- CPS Pro Strap
- Canon Pro Guidebook
- CPS Datebook
- CPS ID Card
- CPS Pin
- CPS Monopod Cover
You also get three-day turn-around on your repairs, free return (FedEx) shipping and two certificates for free cleaning and check up. You also get free loaners when available.
That's not bad for $100, right?
Ok... so you get get your money's worth. Here's what they don't tell you; I needed my cameras back quickly. I shipped on Tuesday... two of three were back in my hands by Friday. The third was at my door on Monday. And the repairs? UNBELIEVABLE. Honestly, they could have told me they replaced them with new ones. The work was well beyond my expectations. While I had outlined the specific issues, after addressing and fixing those issues, CPS went the extra mile. The returned each camera to as new condition. I was stunned.
The repair cost for each body was $130. So, for $490 which includes the 1 year CPS membership. I'm back in business with three virtually brand new cameras all operating to spec. I couldn't be happier.
And, I couldn't be happier saying THANK YOU to Canon and recommending the CPS program to anyone that qualifies. It's well worth joining.
For more information on Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s new Canon Professional Services program including qualification requirements and benefits for Silver, Gold, and Platinum level memberships, please check the CPS web page at: www.usa.canon.com/cps
Monday, March 30, 2009 | by John Thawley | in Business, Equipment | 3 Comments | Email Article | Print Article
Reader Comments (3)
It's been a while ... can't remember just how I connected with you but it was more than likely over an event or piece of equipment a few years back. I'm investigating Photoshelter for my personal stuff and the images I produce for my magazines. I like the way it integrates with your site so we're probably gonna jump in and subscribe. I've seen your site and many of the guys/gals on Sportsshooter also recommend it. Anyhow, just wanted to say "ditto"! to the post here.
I had a MkIII that needed the last adjustment and couldn't be without it for too long. Shipped it Monday, it was back in the studio Thursday afternoon! That's great if you're on the mainland, but I'm in Hawaii and it went outta here 2nd day FEDEX. What can ya say? For all the screamin' and bellyaching that this internet reveals, it's nice to hear someone else on the Pro side yellin' some compliments.
Chris & Jacob, CPS Irvine - were freakin' awesome and I let them know.
Hey Happy Easter! Keep up the great work!
Aloha
David
I sent both the 5DII and damaged lens to Canon NJ for repair via the CPS program. This was the second visit to Canon for repair on this lens in 5-6 years. The lens was repaired to like new status and the AF/MF switch system was even updated to the newer style. (It's a much older 24-70L). I have nothing but good things to report on this lens - amazing job. It's like I have a brand new lens now, everything is nice and stiff out of the box fresh.
The 5DII was checked & cleaned and then per the paper work they focus checked and calibrated my now repaired lens to my 5D II body. Again, not requested but very happy to have received.
Broken equipment was shipped out on a Monday and was repaired and in my hands fully like new by that Friday. I too can not say enough good things about Canon CPS and Canon NJ - this was my 4th go around with Canon for repairs and they always impress me.