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Yesterday we posted a deal from “BestStopDeals via eBay” featuring the EOS 6D + 24-105mm at $1899.
We called the store when the deal started and they informed us it was US model + USA warranty card. However over the course of the day they changed their tune, and several readers reported that they were now saying it’s an “International warranty card” (which is one of the signs of a non-US body).
We’re not too happy with this retailer and the confusion they’re causing. Needless to say, we won’t be posting any more deals from “BestStopDeals via eBay” until they clean up their act.
UPDATE: I spoke to the owner of BestStopDeals by phone today. He explained that the confusion on Tuesday was caused by a new customer service rep who did not answer the questions about the warranty cards correctly. The owner gave me his assurances that all the bodies sold in this deal were brand new Canon USA models and were fully eligible for the Canon USA warranty. Most boxes will have the Canon USA warranty card, however, as we explain in our article, some may have been removed by the original authorized dealer. As we note in our article you don’t need the warranty card for service (just the receipt) but the warranty card is often a good proof of Canon USA status.
I am quite satisfied by his explanation, and the initial reports from readers who have received US models mostly with USA warranty cards corroborates his explanation. Any customer who is not satisfied is welcome to contact the store, or you can contact me and I can help relay the message. He also notes the store will back the Canon USA warranty should there be any issues — but we’re always here for you if you need us.
You can read more for the original guarantee we offered, but hopefully no one needs this anymore.
Since many of our readers purchased this item due to the information we relayed that it was a US warrantied item, we are going to “make good”. As a service to our community, should Canon USA reject your first-year warranty service on THIS purchase, CPW will cover the repair expense (out of our own pocket). See terms below.
Read more for the terms of this. We don’t want this to be a common occurence, so in the future we will refrain from commenting on US model vs. grey market, except where written explicitly on the auction listing. You should always contact the dealer for the answer, and you can hold them accountable for following through on it.
Terms of the “CPW Warranty”
CPW will reimburse you for your warranty repair should Canon USA reject your first-year warranty repair under the following terms. Please read carefully. We’re putting up our own money here to help right those who have no other recourse and who may be on the hook for a warranty repair. This is a one time situation and we really hope we don’t have to do this again.
- This specific 6D + 24-105mm deal must have been purchased through referral from our site,
before we published the warning message at 12 Noon ET on May 20th, 2014. Sorry, we can’t indemnify everyone on the Internet who bought this deal,or people who bought after the situation was known.
- You’ll have to “register” your body with us — sorry, we’re asking for this to prevent abuse — use the contact form and send your eBay transaction id, exact time of purchase, and your serial number to us within the next 14 days. We’ll check it against the list of people who purchased from our referral, and confirm your eligibility.
- If the item is defective within the first 14 days, send it back to the retailer, as the retailer has a 14-day defective return policy.
- In the unlikely event the item is defective after 14 days, but before the first year, send it to Canon USA for warranty repair, providing your original receipt.
- In the extra unlikely event that Canon USA asks you to pay for your repair (claiming you have no warranty, even though you provided your dated receipt), pay for the repair; we will reimburse to you by PayPal the cost you paid to Canon USA for your repair, after you provide documentation of the repair and your bona fide attempt to get normal warranty repair service.
- Note, if your warranty repair is rejected due to it being non-warranty covered damage (e.g. drops, water damage, accidental damage, etc.) we won’t cover this
- Also this “warranty” is not transferable to the next owner if you choose to sell your camera — it’s complicated enough as it is!
- We reserve the right to ask for more documentation, etc. and to reject any cases where we feel someone is trying to scam or take advantage of us. We will always try to do the right thing.
Again, we’re covering this out of our own pocket, to give back to the community. We would hate to see our readers left behind and forced to pay for their own repair. Even though many of our readers purchased, we’re hoping that we’ll only see a small number of who actually need warranty repair (and rejected by Canon USA).
As usual, contact us for any questions or concerns.
Respect
Now please do a group buy on the 70-200 f4L
CPW is pretty awesome for stepping forward and offering this.
I agree.
What does having a non-US body really mean? Doesn’t it all come out of the same factory?
Yes, the product is identical, but items destined for different regions may or may not come with the same warranty. There’s a chance Canon could service it anyway, but it’s not “guaranteed”.
So here’s a stupid question than: If it’s cheaper to buy bodies from other regions in the US, would it be possible to get a US body in another region for cheaper?
I’m just hoping it doesn’t come as a refurb.
If it’s a refurb (look for the pin-prick on the serial plate), open an eBay “Item Not As Described” case right away.
Couldn’t you inform ebay and paypal that they misinformed people of the item and return it if they want? I’ve had paypal and ebay go my way when sellers have misinformed me of an item and I had proof of them saying it was one thing yet I received another.
I think a lot of our readers don’t have that proof as some of the relied on our initial call. Even then it’s a long and arduous process — the eBay listing says “final sale, no returns” so you’d have file a claim, etc.
Got you. I guess you don’t have any written proof what they said since you said you called the store. And it is your word vs theirs.
Yes, I realize that we shouldn’t put ourselves into that situation again — from now on all I’ll suggest is people call or message the store themselves.
If you check the listing, it does note it includes a warranty card. Granted it doesn’t specify which warranty card, but eBay/PayPal should demand the return option.
On the listing page it says 14 days money back, buyers pay return shipping.
However, I appreciate CPW’s decision. This is awesome!
Auction listing says: “We offer our customer’s a 14 day return for replacement policy if item is defective other then that all sales are final.”
I don’t see that on this page: http://www.ebay.com/itm/290858311072?item=290858311072&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466 (which I get when I click the link on CPW). Am I missing something :S
Oh, I see that now. That’s really fishy! I wouldn’t have found/seen it anyway!
The first thing that occurred to me when I read you guys contacted them and verified it was a US warranty was “CPW is taking a bit of a risk- maybe the buyers should be asked to verify for themselves”. CPW’s response, in a situation they can’t be held responsible, is quite admirable.
Respect twice. I love the information shared by CPW. You guys are some of the most dedicate people to their deeds on earth.
Wow that’s incredible. Keep up the good work CPW, you guys are amazing.
Huu Vu & Thủy Nguyễn mua chua?
Peter Tran: just got a car so no $ ahha
uh oh, time to save hehe.
That’s a shame. It is hard to trust non authorized retailers. That is why you should only advertise good deals with authorized retailers. I myself was going to buy this deal this morning but saw the negative feedback. The bad feedback that they have is about authenticity of the items being sold. Usually not a good sign. I am almost positive that they have only the international warranty which is not covered by Canon N.A.
Sadly authorized retailer deals are hard to come by these days with MAP.
At least one person had it arrive with a US warranty card thus far. I don’t know what all the other ones are though.
Stand up decision CPW
Respect!
CPW just helped me getting a 5D Mark III from an authorized dealer for a street price at $2860. Gordon answered my questions clearly and nicely.
RESPECT RESPECT and RESPECT to CPW.
Respect x 100
Respect and much love! You guys are bond!!
So I ordered on Monday morning and received it this afternoon. Super fast shipping. It is a brand new product, Canon 6D (WG) with the 24-105 f4L. Definitely not refurbed. However, I did not receive a warranty card. With that said, I’ll keep it and thanks to CPW for honoring a warranty should I need it, but hopefully not!
Shipped through FedEx and box was fully intact without any damage to the packaging.
I am contacting you from BestStopdeals , I think there is some confusion on what you are posting. A customer has forwarded this to us . This item is 100% Brand New and comes with a 1 Year Canon Warranty If any other info is needed please call in 908-967-5155.Ask for john i am the manager here
What was confusing was:
On Monday, you were telling people who phoned in that it was a USA warranty with a USA warranty card.
On Tuesday, many of our readers (including myself) called you and we were told by your phone support that it wasn’t a USA warranty card, but an “International Warranty Card” (which is what imported models commonly come with). All it takes is one or two bad answers and it spreads — soon you have fifty people worrying that the item they spent $1900 on wasn’t as advertised. They call and get the same answer, then people start worrying and talking about refusing shipment, etc.
If this was indeed Canon USA with Canon USA warranty card, In the future I’d recommend clearly noting the Canon USA warranty, and Canon USA warranty card (if there is indeed one) in writing on your auction listing, and also ensuring all your phone staff give the same answer to avoid confusion and panic.
Also, a couple of our readers who have already received their cameras have now reported that they got no warranty card at all.
i just received mine today. Shutter count on eoscount.com was “0,” no signs of refurb lens or body. arrived 5 days late. No actual warranty card containing the serial number to separate. has wifi and GPS.
how can we tell if it’s a grey market/import?
also, when we register with CPW, where is the “contact form” you refer to?
Check the language on the box. Specifically look at the section on “Computer Requirements” for the software. If it’s in Japanese, it’s a import / grey market.
Check the charger. If it’s an LC-E6, you are likely okay. If it’s an LC-E6E, it is probably grey market.
The contact form is available as a link on the header (top of the page).
thanks CPW. the language is english and my charger is the LC-E6
seems like all is well. thanks again!
From another CPW post “If anyone is unhappy with their BestStopDeals 6D + 24-105mm purchase after having received a grey market or import model, they should contact the store (908-967-5155) and ask for John, or e-mail sales@beststopdeals.com.”
I did so and was offered a credit amount if I would keep the import body, or I could return it with a pre-paid shipping label. I will be keeping so I will ask for the credit to my PayPal.
I received mine today and of course it did not include the warranty card. I hope it is covered with CANON USA as stated! The camera and components seem to check with USA specs at least.
I used this camera ONCE for a wedding last week! It is now NOT WORKING! I thought the batteries needed to be charged, charged them, used a grip, no grip, NOTHING, NADA!! Won’t turn on!! I am LIVID! I am one of the buyers that did not receive a warranty card!
Open an eBay item not as described case immediately (reason: camera not working). You have a 45 day window from your payment of order.
Then contact the seller and let them know the item is defective, and ask for a return, including a prepaid return label.
Thank you CPW! I called the store and John is “at a convention” so I couldn’t even get any help over the phone!
HAHA..a convention, right. that doesn’t sound too promising. these guys assured me that they will warranty cameras if Canon doesn’t. Please report back on what happens.
Case opened with eBay. I’ll keep you posted.
‘Just checked the seller’s feedback for this 6D and 24-105mm lens bundle. About a dozen or more have indicated receipt and satisfaction. Good luck.