My CPS Experience

So I just got my 1dMkIII camera back from a CPS cleaning, the turnaround was pretty quick (I shipped it 2 day service last Friday so they actually received it Tuesday)

I got an estimate for other repairs I wanted done on Tuesday afternoon, it was fixed yesterday, and I received it today. I asked to have the dust cleaned from the viewfinder which was done and everything looks good and works well

There was however a little stumbling block:

Back in October I decided to order a door for the CF Card as the rubber was peeling back and it wouldn't "spring" open on its own. I ordered it direct from Canon for $34 but found out it wasn't easy to replace so I put it aside and sent it with my camera this time to get an estimate to have it installed. Mind you I bought it from Canon and it was still in the Canon parts bag with the part number label still stapled to it the way it came from Canon.

Fast forward to Tuesday when I received my estimate. There was a charge for $34 for a "part". I called CPS to inquire what this "part" was and I was told it was for a CF door assembly.

I proceeded to explain that I had sent a BRAND NEW Canon part with my camera and was quickly told "Canon will not install customer supplied parts". What? I explained the story that I bought it from Canon to install myself, etc etc so the CPS Rep put me on hold to go and find out what she could do.

She came back on the phone - "Canon will not install customer supplied parts, they cannont be warrantied" Ridiculous. I even told her to write on the invoice they won't warranty the CF Door. The answer was still NO.

I then asked to speak to someone higher and I got someone from Management on the phone who was VERY pleasant and explained what she's heard about my problem so far etc etc. I told her it was ridiculous that I should have to pay for something twice. While she agreed there was nothing she could do about erasing the cost

She DID however say she could offer me a Canon accessory free of charge to offset my financial loss - she asked how would I like a new battery for my 1dMkIII !!!!!!!

I made out OK with this as I know a new Canon 1dMkIII battery is worth much more than $34

All in all CPS made it right and I am happy !!

CPS is the best investment we make every year. Would not shoot professionally w/o CPS.

I actually agree with their decision. Even though you can prove that you got it from them, who knows what could have happened from the time they sent it to you and the time you sent it back to them. If they install it and something goes wrong with that part, they'd be liable. I think you lucked out on the battery. Congrats!

HiepBuiPhotography wrote in post #15714170
I actually agree with their decision. Even though you can prove that you got it from them, who knows what could have happened from the time they sent it to you and the time you sent it back to them. If they install it and something goes wrong with that part, they'd be liable. I think you lucked out on the battery. Congrats!

I do agree with you to a point - if it wasn't an inanimate object (I know the door "moves" but her it's still a door) I could definitely see the issue.

In the end I am more than happy that they handled the situation the way they did

>>>"Mind you I bought it from Canon and it was still in the Canon parts bag with the part number label still stapled to it the way it came from Canon."

Was the bag sealed and showed it was not open, or could you get at the part.

If you could get at the part, I could understand there reasoning, but if it was in a sealed unopen bag, then I have a problem with there reasoning.

Then factor in, if policy is across the board is, they do not use customers parts. Then unfortuantely you have to roll with that... Policy is Policy unfortuantely...

It appears the manager felt your pain, and did what they could for you dispite the situation.. and it appears they more than compensated you , as you said, the battery cost more then the door.

Bottom line CPS is a good investment in many ways.

Bianchi wrote in post #15714578
>>>"Mind you I bought it from Canon and it was still in the Canon parts bag with the part number label still stapled to it the way it came from Canon."

Was the bag sealed and showed it was not open, or could you get at the part.

If you could get at the part, I could understand there reasoning, but if it was in a sealed unopen bag, then I have a problem with there reasoning.

Then factor in, if policy is across the board is, they do not use customers parts. Then unfortuantely you have to roll with that... Policy is Policy unfortuantely...

It appears the manager felt your pain, and did what they could for you dispite the situation.. and it appears they more than compensated you , as you said, the battery cost more then the door.

Bottom line CPS is a good investment in many ways.

Yes the bag was unopened and still sealed - I tried to remove the door from my camera first, when I realized the camera needed to be taken apart to get at it I left it alone, no need to open it.

I do agree policy is policy, like I said in the end I was MORE than pleased with what they went above and beyone to make me happy.

CPS is worth it's weight in gold

umphotography wrote in post #15714138
CPS is the best investment we make every year. Would not shoot professionally w/o CPS.

I don't shoot professionally and I would not part with my CPS gold membership. It's more than paid for itself during the time I've been a member.

Stone 13 wrote in post #15714784
I don't shoot professionally and I would not part with my CPS gold membership. It's more than paid for itself during the time I've been a member.

i agree - i've had a gold membership only since the beginning of the year, and in repair costs alone i've made up for it.

not to derail, but i qualify for platinum - i wonder how i could benefit over my current gold membership . . .

No shutter count though