Frequently Asked Questions: Canon Mail-in Rebates, Selling Printers

Many readers are asking questions about Canon’s mail-in rebate, thanks to the Adorama and B&H blockbuster deals.)

Three years ago we wrote an FAQ on the Canon mail-in rebate after a similar great deal. We’ve updated it in this post to reflect the latest knowledge and advice, and have added some new tips on how to sell (or enjoy) your printer.

Click through to see the full post.

Is the mail-in rebate real? Since switching rebate processors four years ago, Canon has had a very reliable mail-in rebate program. There’s an online submission tracking feature, and the rebate processor can be contacted easily. I’ve personally called several times to seek clarity on rules and policies and have found them to be very responsive. Readers have reported that a quick call usually clears up issues, ranging from a rejection due to error or lost mail.

What form is the rebate in? It’s a pre-paid American Express card, that you can use as a credit card, anywhere AMEX is accepted. Alternatively, once you receive your AMEX card, you can call 866-668-9861 and ask to “refund” the full balance (no fees). They’ll write you a check, or ACH transfer it right into your bank account. This takes an extra 3-4 weeks.

How long does it take? The rebate form mentions it could take up to 6-8 weeks, but our readers report that it usually takes 2-4 weeks to receive the AMEX card. You can use the card right away, but if you opt for the refund option, it takes a further 3-4 weeks after you ask for the cash refund to receive it.

Can I do more than one mail-in rebate? You are limited to one printer mail-in rebate per rebate period per household address. (The current rebate period runs October 1st – December 31st.) You can also do any number of lens combo mail-in rebates.

Do I have to buy the rebate-eligible products at the same dealer? There are different rules for different rebates. For the printer mail-in rebate, the printer, paper, and camera need to bought on the same day and with the same billing address. For the lens-combo mail-in rebate they must be purchased in the same transaction (at one dealer.) Only brand new items at Canon USA authorized dealers are eligible.

How do I minimize the chance of problems? Make sure you photocopy (or photograph) everything, including the UPC cutouts, prior to submission. Pre-submit on their rebate portal prior to mailing everything in, so you’ll be able to check the status of your rebate — check it often. This is the best way of knowing if there was an error or mistake in your submission. You will be given a grace period to correct any errors, but the onus is on you to check and notice it. You can use your copies to help in any re-submission. The rebate processor is extremely responsive by phone (866-668-9861) and will work with you to resolve issues. If you’re planning on selling items, don’t do it until the rebate clears. Don’t throw out boxes until the rebate clears. If there is a problem (like a lost submission) the rebate processor may require you to have physical access to your items and boxes as proof-of-purchase.

How about the clause that blocks rebates on “products packaged together and sold for one price”? The official receipt from the dealer will itemize any bundles, to ensure you are eligible for the rebate. In the slight chance it’s not — you can ask the retailer for this. They’d be happy to oblige.

When do I have to submit the rebate? You generally have up to one month after the conclusion of the rebate to post-mark your submission. The current rebates end on December 31st and you have until January 31st to mail (post-mark) your submission. Many people mistakenly believe they need the item in-hand at the end of the rebate period to be eligible. This is not true; your order can ship after the rebate period. As long as your official sales receipt is dated within the rebate period, and you mail your form in before 30 days after the rebate period, you are eligible.

How do I sell the PIXMA PRO-100 printer? Don’t sell the printer in its entirety. The heavy weight of the printer (50+ pounds) makes it very cost-prohibitive to ship, and your local market may not be large enough to sustain the steady sale of a niche pro photo printer. Instead, there are consumable components of the printer that represent most of the value of the printer, and they’re small and easy to ship. The print head fetches about $70 when still sealed (eBay Completed Sales, Amazon Listings), and the full ink tanks fetch about $90-$100 (eBay Completed Sales). After shipping and seller fees, you can expect to net $120-$130 for these printer parts. Unfortunately, the remaining “carcass” is almost worthless (as horrible as that is for the environment.)

How do I enjoy the PIXMA PRO-100 printer, without spending a fortune on ink and paper? This is a really great wide-format printer that is definitely a joy to use. The Canon Direct Store will often offer obscene amounts of free paper when buying ink cartridges, or buy-1-get-19 paper deals. We’ve also heard good things about Precision Colors Ink Refills.

Does the printer come with full ink cartridges or “starter” ink? The PIXMA PRO-100 comes with full ink cartridges. This has been well-studied by weighing full and empty cartridges; the “with printer” cartridges are identical in weight (both full and empty) to retail cartridges.

Any other tips for fellow readers? Put them in the comments below!


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36 comments on “Frequently Asked Questions: Canon Mail-in Rebates, Selling Printers

  1. November 20, 2017 at 9:18 pm EDT

    I got screwed on a $400 rebate last year never got it from canon sent in my bhphoto receipts for the printer on time got nothing, never again.

  2. November 20, 2017 at 10:00 pm EDT

    I just got my $250 American Express prepaid card from Canon, no issues. In fact the info said it would take 8 weeks to process and I received it in less than two weeks. No complaints from me.

    1. November 20, 2017 at 10:15 pm EDT

      Did you presubmit online? What reason did they give for the rejection?

    2. November 20, 2017 at 10:17 pm EDT

      CanonPriceWatch.com I didn’t have a problem. I’m happy. I think you replied to the wrong comment.

    3. November 21, 2017 at 12:05 am EDT

      Ooops. Now that looked silly πŸ™‚

  3. permitwriter
    November 20, 2017 at 10:22 pm EDT

    Thank you for this useful information. I got a rebate for this same printer a few years ago. It sounds like I can get another one. Good to know they are full cartridges. I wondered about that.

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      November 21, 2017 at 11:29 am EDT

      That is correct, you can do one printer rebate per rebate period. They have about 8 or 9 rebate periods a year. That’s a lot of printers.

  4. Brian
    November 21, 2017 at 1:55 am EDT

    If I’ve already taken advantage of the printer rebate this period, would the rebate work if I had it shipped to a different mailing address, for example my work address? I would still be using my household’s billing address, however. I’m trying to get around someone else purchasing for me. Thanks in advance.

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      November 21, 2017 at 11:29 am EDT

      This is a very grey area, I’m not sure if they are checking billing or shipping addresses to enforce the 1-per-household rule. To be safe you may want to ensure the entire second order is fully in a second address (billing and shipping), and the rebate is submitted from there.

      1. Brian
        November 21, 2017 at 6:08 pm EDT

        I just contacted Canon’s rebate program. They said “household” is defined by the billing address, so sending to a different address would still be considered the same household and the rebate would not qualify. Although I did not ask, it’s probably also the case that using a different billing address (someone else pays), but sent to a previously-used shipping address, would also be considered the same household and the rebate would not qualify.

        The best way to handle a case like this is the have someone else purchase for you and shipped to their address.

        They did offer one distinction that I was not aware of. Most of the rebates being submitted are probably for the PRO-100 printer, since that’s what retailers are typically bundling in their camera deals. However, the representative said that purchasing a PRO-10 and a PRO-100 printer would qualify for two rebates even if purchased within the same rebate period. Just something to be aware in case retailers start bundling deals with the PRO-10 – something they have done on occasion in the past.

        1. CanonPriceWatch
          November 21, 2017 at 6:17 pm EDT

          That is correct. The PIXMA PRO-10 and PIXMA PRO-100 are considered two different eligible products.

  5. JK
    November 21, 2017 at 2:04 am EDT

    Before sending in the proof make a copy of all that you are submitting. I usually scan and keep digital files
    While sending in the proofs please send with tracking
    USPS has lost mine once, I contacted the rebate processor and they asked me to send scanned copy of the forms submitted along with the UPC codes, pictures of serial # of the printer from inside (there is one location near to the palce where the catridges are installed) I guess that was to make sure I did not sell the printer and picture of the hole in the printer box and camera box where the UPC code was cut out and picture of serial # from the camera body. The rebate was processed once I submitted all these
    Wish everyone good luck

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      November 21, 2017 at 11:31 am EDT

      Thanks, I updated to include “don’t throw out boxes until the rebate clears”, in addition to our advice not to sell items until the rebate clears.

  6. JK
    November 21, 2017 at 2:06 am EDT

    Once I messed up and send the serial # instead of UPC code. They send me a letter and I had to respond to the letter along with the UPC code cut out from the box

  7. Jonathon
    November 21, 2017 at 9:18 am EDT

    Anyone know when the crazy paper deals come back? I know one just ended in October, is it just a once a year thing?

    I just bought the printer so it would be nice for paper deals to come back for the holiday πŸ™‚

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      November 21, 2017 at 11:32 am EDT

      They seem random. We’ll probably see something over the holidays, but it’s typically the Glossy II 4″x6″ deals, not the crazy 13″x19″ deals with ink.

  8. Lan
    November 21, 2017 at 12:45 pm EDT

    Hi. If I’m reading the post correctly, I can have a camera+printer rebate sent in AND the lens rebate as well? I looked at the lens rebate from canon and it said that the rebate cannot be combined with any other promotion. I’m a bit confused as to whether I can submit both rebates (#1 for the camera+printer and #2 for buying two lenses). Can you help clarify?

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      November 21, 2017 at 1:04 pm EDT

      Yes, you can do both a printer promotion and the two-lens promotion. You are not combining the promotions because the eligible items on each promotion are different. (Combining the promotions would be applying for two different rebates on the same items. That is not the case because the eligible products do not overlap between the two rebates.)

  9. AL
    November 27, 2017 at 10:55 pm EDT

    Hi, Looking for some clarification and advice. Looking to buy the 6Dmkii bundle with this great promo (Thanks Canon price watch for posting! ) and submit for rebate. I’m not a US resident (I’m Canadian), but do have a family member working there. Will ship to them, but neither of us has a credit card with a US billing address. Does the billing address have to be US to qualify for the rebate?

  10. Tom H
    December 5, 2017 at 9:32 am EDT

    Like an absolute idiot, I just threw away my PIXMA PRO-100 box (printer purchased from B&H a few weeks back. Is anyone aware of any recourse or am I completely out of luck in regards to getting my rebate? Ugh!

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      December 16, 2017 at 1:22 pm EDT

      Contact the rebate processor. They may let you submit photos of your printer or something like that.

      1. Tom H
        December 16, 2017 at 1:35 pm EDT

        Thanks for the reply. I had done that about a week ago. They told me to pre-submit, mail in form and receipt, wait for the rejection, and then call back to discuss possible secondary options. Waiting for the rejection letter. Thanks.

  11. Anurag Saxena
    December 20, 2017 at 12:13 am EDT

    Hi,

    I have bought Canon 6D Mk II and Canon PIXMA Pro 100. Do I have to send UPC code cutouts for both camera and printer for $350 rebate or only the printer?

    Thanks

    1. BT
      May 7, 2018 at 7:13 pm EDT

      That’s a good question. Have you found the answer yet?

  12. Mike
    December 29, 2017 at 12:43 pm EDT

    I have received the Amex card and I called the number to get a “refund” to my bank account but I was told this is not an option.

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      December 29, 2017 at 12:44 pm EDT

      Interesting. Is a check still an option? Or have they done away with this completely? Can anyone else please confirm?

      1. Andrew
        January 30, 2018 at 9:46 pm EDT

        I am on the phone with them now.

        The first rep didn’t want to, the second one did the usual “I need to suspend this card and then process the refund” – they need to use an “exception form”.

        Seems like a case of “hang up, call again” if you don’t get what you want. They can still do ACH or check.

  13. Joe
    January 3, 2018 at 6:57 pm EDT

    I do a Canon Printer/Camera rebate for every period that they have one. I personally have a Canon Pixma Pro-100 printer and I buy the bundle just for the paper and ink. I sell the printer (sans ink) for about $75 and I sell the camera and lenses together on craigslist for a little less than Amazon sells them for.
    I am always able to sell everything and I always get the rebate. I end up getting the ink and paper for free, then I print my photos and sell them at a local gallery for about $100 each.

    1. Ana
      March 6, 2018 at 11:46 am EDT

      Hi Joe! How often throughout the year do they have rebates? I’m thinking about passing on this one and waiting until the next one comes up but I’m worried that prices will increase or the rebate won’t be happening again for a while! Thanks!

  14. Dee
    January 7, 2018 at 10:55 pm EDT

    My current status is β€œ Program Violation β€œ but i did the same way you said up there, what’s next move ?

    1. CanonPriceWatch
      January 7, 2018 at 11:04 pm EDT

      Call ACB promotions and ask them why, then rectify the issue they identify (or point out to them where they’re wrong and resubmit copies, etc.)

  15. Aaron
    January 30, 2018 at 3:44 pm EDT

    CanonPriceWatch Posted:

    “The current rebates end on December 31st and you have UNTIL JANUARY 31st to mail (post-mark) your submission….
    ….As long as your official sales receipt is dated within the rebate period, and you mail your form in BEFORE 30 DAYS after the rebate period, you are eligible.”
    ===========================================
    I used your site for purchases this holiday season, including this rebate and I just noticed a discrepancy in the deadline instructions given up above in this post!
    Im hoping you can clarify, as I don’t see any instructions on the Canon rebate page..

    Is the post-mark deadline certainly January 31st?
    Or
    Is it ‘Before 30 days after the rebate period!!??’
    (which would undoubtedly be Jan 30th!)

    Please tell me I can still post it tomorrow because I am stuck troubleshooting a computer system right now!

    Thank You!
    Aaron

  16. BT
    July 28, 2018 at 9:54 am EDT

    Is there anyway I can exchange the card for cash?

  17. Jungwoo Lee
    December 20, 2018 at 12:01 pm EDT

    I’ve been through this two years ago and Canon people were super helpful back then. However, this time they are not as responsive as before. It is hard to get update from them.

  18. CanonSpacey
    May 25, 2019 at 7:18 pm EDT

    I have been getting these rebate since 2016. Recently they changed promotion issuer to ACB k promotions? My last entry 2018 was issued w/ another card I had in 2017. The same credit line $250.

    I thought I had received the canon rebates correctly. But this wasn’t the case. I have been frustrated with the run around between ACB promotions and American Express.

    Who do I talk to the fix this mess? the actual card issuer?

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