Canon Customer Relations

So as some of you know, my canon 30D is broken due to the Error 99 issue.  I did my own research on Error 99 and it seems that a lot of people have the same issue, not just on the older model 20 and 30Ds but the Rebels, 40,50,60D, 5Ds, and 1Ds all have this sort of issue.  Some people experience it after they've had the camera for a couple of years, and some only after a few weeks.  I know that Error 99 means the issue could really be ANYTHING, but I was just really disappointed with Canon.  So, I decided to email them.  I did not know which email to email them, so I just went on their website, and found an email under public relations and decided to send them an email complaining about this error.  Now, people that know me, know that I NEVER complain or fight for anything.  When it comes to right and wrong, I'm usually a push over and I just like to stay quiet and not complain about the issue.  But my main concern was that if I were to ever upgrade to a 5D or a 1D, and spend anywhere from 3k - 6k, I don't want my cameras to be having this Error 99 issue and have to spend a grip of money fixing something that I spent thousands and thousands of dollars on.  Anyways, Canon actually emailed me back.  Here is the email:

Dear Mr. Lee,


I hope that all is well with you. 


Thank you for contacting Canon regarding your camera.  I certainly am
sorry to hear of the difficulty that you have experienced with your
equipment.  Canon constantly strives to maintain the highest levels of
customer satisfaction.  Please accept my sincere apology for any
inconvenience you may have experienced.


In an effort to further assist you, please provide the needed
information below:


1.    Camera Model
2.    Camera Serial number 
3.    Date of purchase 
4.    Lens model used with camera when you got Error 99 -
5.    Your address 
6.    Your phone number


Thank you and have a nice day!


Regards,
Jennifer
Canon Customer Relations

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So I emailed her back with all the info, and she actually gave me a call.  Talk about customer service.  I was really thinking about switching over to Nikon after reading all these posts from other people stating that Canon was charging them for the repair, and that Canon's customer service wasn't being very helpful.  But after I received the phone call from Jennifer, I had changed my mind about switching over to Nikon.  I guess she did her job.  She told me that I could send my camera in to the Canon Service Center in Irvine, and get my camera fixed for free.  That was pretty cool of her I gotta say.  Things like this never happen to me... but I guess it's because I never fight for it I guess.  Oh, btw, I had taken my camera into the Canon Service Center before and they quoted me around $200 to repair the camera, and I told them I would think about it.  Good thing I emailed Canon before shelling out the $200.  I also understand that anything electronic will have it's problems, but honestly, I took REAL good care of my camera, and even though I've had my camera for 4-5 years, I didn't really shoot that many pictures on it.  So after getting off the phone with Jennifer, I took my camera to Canon and dropped it off for repair.  Shortly after sending it in, I received another email confirming the repair was free:


Dear SHERMAN :
   


We have received your equipment for evaluation and repair. Based on our initial examination, we will start the necessary repairs at no charge to you. You can expect the repair to be completed and returned back to you within approximately 7 business days* from the date shown above. There is no need to respond to this notice.


Please note that in the unlikely event that any additional internal damage is found due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent for your authorization, since these conditions are specifically excluded from warranty coverage.


Thank you for purchasing Canon products and for allowing us this opportunity to serve you.








   


Best Regards,
Canon Factory Service Center


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So yea, I just wanted to say thanks Canon! You didn't let me down after all.  And thanks to Jennifer from Canon's Customer Relations department, you were a great help.  I guess I'm not switching over to Nikon =)