We now have more information on the changes to printer bundle deals coming on May 1st. The mail-in rebate will continue to be renewed; however, a new MAP (minimum advertised price) restriction will be put in place. The advertised after-rebate final price of the bundle will be restricted: it can’t be less than the MAP price of the camera. As with all MAP restrictions, the net effect is that competition is reduced and effective prices go up.
We advise that you take advantage of these bundle deals before the new MAP restrictions go in place on May 1st. Readers report that even though many stores are closed for Passover, the date on the invoice is the day of ordering, ensuring you are eligible for the mail-in rebate.
- EOS 5D Mark III + PIXMA PRO-100 for $2149 AR at Adorama or B&H
- EOS 6D + PIXMA PRO-100 for $1099 AR at Adorama
- EOS 6D + 24-105L + PIXMA PRO-100 for $1699 AR at Adorama or B&H
- EOS 7D Mark II + PIXMA PRO-100 for $1199 AR at Adorama or B&H
- EOS-1D X + PIXMA PRO-100 + LP-E4N for $4249 AR at Adorama
This just doesn’t make sense to me. If I buy a camera at MAP and it is eligible for a rebate, then how can Canon say that they won’t honor the rebate? (because I’ve already gotten a good enough deal in their opinion?)
It’s not the redemption of the rebate that’s restricted. It’s the advertising of the bundle deal that is restricted.
For example, the 7D Mark II MAP is $1499. That means the lowest bundle deal we’ll see available after MAP is $1499 + $350 = $1849 before rebate, after a $350 MIR would be $1499. Not a deal anymore…
OK got it. I’m sure though they will find some way around it. Like a memory card and printer for $300 that you get an instant in store $300 rebate on if you spend $1,499 on “select products”. At the end of the day, these deals sold a LOT of products for Canon. (I was planning on buying the 7D2 with printer bundle next month but won’t if the price is now $300 higher.)
The only possible result of this is a decrease in MAP prices on Canon cameras if they want to keep steady their camera sales. I think we’ll see a shift towards the middle and I’m wondering if Canon cuts prices on the 5D3 and 6D in May and going forward (not only because they are being replaced). If the rebate program was just a way to boost sales and incoming cash in order to pay for research and development of new models (and mirrorless system design + development), then I guess I could see it as essentially ending, but we still haven’t seen a Canon mirrorless prime-time competitor.
I think we’ll see the rebate program appear again sometime next year once the new cycle of cameras begins with the 5D4 and 6D2, as their new policy seems to both be aiming at reclaiming lost sales money from resellers who are cutting into their profit margin as well as winding down production on the 5D3 and 6D. They will need to do a good job of pricing the two new cameras and getting the demand vs. production right.
glad i order the 80D bundle – so far they havent replied to my order inquiry that I ordered last week ( they did say the deal is subject to extended shipping scheds) hopefully the order will be at the door sooner than later – Ebay did sent me an email for the invoice.
If I placed the order online today via BHphotovideo, i can still get the MIR, right?
Yes BHphotovideo online ordering is open this week (until 7:45pm on Thursday)
thanks!
Like to hear the feedback on buying now or later. Interested in 5D3
In light of Canon’s enforcement of MAP for bundle deals, do you think CPW could start offering bundle deals at less than MAP? I think my last three camera purchases have all involved camera/printer/paper bundle deals.
Also, does MAP restrictions apply on auction sites like eBay. For example, do you think BuyDig would be able to offer the 80D bundle for $849 again?
Thanks.
MAP still applies to authorized dealers selling through platforms like eBay.
As for your other suggestion… we are already considering it… Stay tuned.
That’s great news. I hope it happens. Thanks!