ryensen@orenda.org
1st of March 2003 (Sat), 08:41
Well, I finally broke down and sent my Canon G-1, which took pictures fine, despite the fact that its push button controls suddenly locked (completely frozen).
I wrote Canon a letter complaining about their flat-rate policy. After 2 weeks and no contact from Canon I called them on the phone and was told that it would be, the now well known, $155 US flat rate ($150 + 5 shipping) for repairing the camera. I was also told that my complaint would not be taken into account as only a technician would see it and he/she would be looking for troubleshooting clues only.
Well, 3 weeks later my camera arrived via Federal Express. All works fine. The work sheet has hardly any information on it and my original letter was returned to me. The notation as to the repair reads:
"Replaced Zoom Brush Switch. Cleaned and checked all functions."
I will post Canon Customer Service's reply to a second letter as soon as I receive it and assuming that I do receive a reply. I do not intend to let this pass and will contact Canon Japan and the Federal Trade Commission. By refusing to provide documentation for other centers to repair the digital cameras, then charging an abusive flat rate for minor repairs (good design in the first place would have made most repairs I have heard of unnecessary!) constitutes monopolistic practice on Canon's part!
I wrote Canon a letter complaining about their flat-rate policy. After 2 weeks and no contact from Canon I called them on the phone and was told that it would be, the now well known, $155 US flat rate ($150 + 5 shipping) for repairing the camera. I was also told that my complaint would not be taken into account as only a technician would see it and he/she would be looking for troubleshooting clues only.
Well, 3 weeks later my camera arrived via Federal Express. All works fine. The work sheet has hardly any information on it and my original letter was returned to me. The notation as to the repair reads:
"Replaced Zoom Brush Switch. Cleaned and checked all functions."
I will post Canon Customer Service's reply to a second letter as soon as I receive it and assuming that I do receive a reply. I do not intend to let this pass and will contact Canon Japan and the Federal Trade Commission. By refusing to provide documentation for other centers to repair the digital cameras, then charging an abusive flat rate for minor repairs (good design in the first place would have made most repairs I have heard of unnecessary!) constitutes monopolistic practice on Canon's part!