Sigma's loaner program -- does not exist

mattograph wrote in post #7868236
And it actually isn't just L lenses anymore. Midline optics, such as many of the EF-S lenses qualify, as do fan faves like the 85 1.8, 15mm fish, etc.....

Sorry, not the point, but worth mentioning......

Good to know, thanks!

aram535 wrote in post #7868244
Ah. Funny thing when I qualified, you hardly needed Canon gear. It was more about tear sheets and creds. Funny thing was most of the submissions I sent in where not shot on Canon, but I still qualified.

So how long ago did you register? If you were a member under the old system, your membership has expired and you need to re-register.

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …ode=CPS&fcatego​ryid=111#4

I think it was just about three years ago -- when the last one expired they were redoing the program so they auto-renewed me until the new program took effect and yes I did re-register this year.

Once again, off topic to a degree, but the new program is all about the serial numbers and the cash. I don't even remember checking a box that said "Hey, I'm a pro." I do remember a visa or mastercard box though......

TaDa wrote in post #7868253
If you were to walk into a Ferrari dealership, you think that they'd let you borrow the car for a couple days so that you can "give it its best shot" just because you claim that you're a professional driver?

Sorry but you didn't read everything.

If the dealership said they had a loaner program, and I presented my creds and than they said sorry we don't -- than yes I would be just as annoyed.

Its completely ok if they didn't have one, its ok to say sorry you don't qualify -- but yes, we have it, yes you are a pro, but sorry we're out of lenses.

TaDa wrote in post #7868253
Your argument makes zero sense. The CPS loaner program is a pay for service which Sigma and Tamron do not offer. If you want to try a lens and put it through its paces, then buy one and return it if you don't like it. As mentioned, stores like B&H do not charge a restocking fee.

Again please read the thread, and no CPS is not a pay for service. lensrental.com is a pay for service. You get the CPS payments back in repair vouchers, you're really paying up front for a discount. Based on that you get loaners.

aram535 wrote in post #7867521
[rant_n_rave]here is my creds, been in business X many years, website, sample shots, here is my gallery, etc.

Did you send them your link to "My Gallery" or tranquilphotography. There's a huge difference between the 2

bob-e wrote in post #7868379
Did you send them your link to "My Gallery" or tranquilphotography. There's a huge difference between the 2

Oh no, not sure why that gallery link is even there anymore in my sig - I don't think that thing has been updated in years. I sent them to the company site and my sheets from publications, memberships, etc.

aram535 wrote in post #7868375
Sorry but you didn't read everything.

If the dealership said they had a loaner program, and I presented my creds and than they said sorry we don't -- than yes I would be just as annoyed.

Its completely ok if they didn't have one, its ok to say sorry you don't qualify -- but yes, we have it, yes you are a pro, but sorry we're out of lenses.

Again please read the thread, and no CPS is not a pay for service. lensrental.com is a pay for service. You get the CPS payments back in repair vouchers, you're really paying up front for a discount. Based on that you get loaners.

You do not get repair vouchers back. You get a discount on repairs. The loaners are only available for the Gold and Platinum CPS levels, which you have to pay for, thus it's a pay for service. Just happens to be that one of the features of this program is that you can borrow equipment.

TaDa wrote in post #7868902
You do not get repair vouchers back. You get a discount on repairs. The loaners are only available for the Gold and Platinum CPS levels, which you have to pay for, thus it's a pay for service. Just happens to be that one of the features of this program is that you can borrow equipment.

This is getting out of the point of the post ...

You pay me $100 now, and in return I give you two $60 vouchers that you can use anytime. And I'll give you an additional 10% off of anything else you buy from me.

How is that a pay for service?

Do you consider gift cards pay for service? What's the difference? Its a trade ... you pay now and get a discount or you pay later.

CPS Gold does not come with any discount vouchers. That is what I am trying to tell you. You get two sensor cleaning vouchers, but those cannot be used as a general voucher for repairs.

I think the OP is primarily pissed about Sigma giving him the runaround.

Unfortunately, I think somewhere there was a customer service seminar that teaches CS Reps to never tell a customer "NO". Sometimes, "sorry, we can not support that" is the only answer, but CSR do not have authority to turn you away so you get the runaround

Below is requirement to qualify for CPS "free" level ... personally, I think that part about >51% income from photography - SUCKS! Sounds like I'm welcome to spend tens of thousands of dollars buying Canon, BUT if my equipment does not earn me income, I do not qualify for their improved service?
7. What are the requirements for Silver level?
- Must own and register 2x EOS 20D and higher camera models, and 3 Pro lenses.
- Full-time professional photographer (>51% of your income from photography).
- No membership fee.

Okay - off to find some Canon folks about this injustice

yea really..WTH canon...I bought a 1D3 PRO body..Should automatically get a CPS membership. Canon is the pits now

if the OP is mad about that run around..go read MANY of the horror stories that involves Canon Canada service

In2Photos wrote in post #7868169
Sorry, I was going by your gear list which has 3 L lenses. I thought CPS membership required more, but apparently it is 3.

EDIT: However, in order to qualify for the loaner program you do have to pay a $100 annual fee, correct?

There are several non-L lenses that qualify. In addition to this, he owns a couple of them.

OC Photoguy wrote in post #7869109
There are several non-L lenses that qualify. In addition to this, he owns a couple of them.

Yeah, Matt pointed that out a few posts ago!

mattograph wrote in post #7868236
And it actually isn't just L lenses anymore. Midline optics, such as many of the EF-S lenses qualify, as do fan faves like the 85 1.8, 15mm fish, etc.....

Sorry, not the point, but worth mentioning......

TaDa wrote in post #7869036
CPS Gold does not come with any discount vouchers. That is what I am trying to tell you. You get two sensor cleaning vouchers, but those cannot be used as a general voucher for repairs.

You get 2 'free cleaning' vouchers... which would be $125, $150 each without? You also get a 40% discount on any repair.

I never said otherwise.

Sensor cleanings are $30 each. Considering I clean my sensor myself, not that big of a deal. Also, gold is a 30% discount on repairs.

Anyways, the long and short of it, yes, you're spoiled that you had the ability to borrow lenses before buying them. Most of us buy what we need and then either exchange or return if they do not meet our needs.