Seems strange that Canon has continuously renewed the rebates for almost a year. Is that normal? Anyone willing to guess based on past practices whether they will be renewed again to take us through the holidays? Do they usually go through the holidays? I am interested because they affect the used lens prices quite a bit. Thanks!
Buying items and getting rebates will motivate people and make people feel better about their purchase. Keep in mind that a percentage of folks does not turn in their rebate request for whatever reasons. So, at the end, Canon will take in more than just universally lowers the prices. I am not sure whether it has been their practice issuing rebates for an extended period or not.
Just a sign Canon is not selling the quantities they would like. The depressed state of the global economy has hit a lot of people and unfortunately for Canon, photo equipment is not a staple for the majority of folk.
Luxury items are not selling. All the companies are taking a big hit in sales and profits. And ... It might get worse. Once the initial rush is over, I look for the 24-70mm mk II to start appearing in promotional deals and eventually drop in price.
Canon is desperate. Given the economy right now and that their new gear is horribly overpriced, and people are speaking with their wallets. I'm in that category, and putting off my purchases until prices come down to something more realistic.
If I was a professional who made a living taking pictures, then that's a different story all together.
erikburd wrote:
If I was a professional who made a living taking pictures, then that's a different story all together.
Wouldn't count on it, most pro's I know are not updating and haven't for a while, they aren't making the same money just like everyone else and to be honest, the newer updates are nice, fun but not really all that necessary.
AGeoJO wrote:
Buying items and getting rebates will motivate people and make people feel better about their purchase. Keep in mind that a percentage of folks does not turn in their rebate request for whatever reasons. So, at the end, Canon will take in more than just universally lowers the prices. I am not sure whether it has been their practice issuing rebates for an extended period or not.
I believe all Canon rebates are instant and reflected in the price at time of purchase, so nothing to send in.
AGeoJO wrote:
Buying items and getting rebates will motivate people and make people feel better about their purchase. Keep in mind that a percentage of folks does not turn in their rebate request for whatever reasons. So, at the end, Canon will take in more than just universally lowers the prices. I am not sure whether it has been their practice issuing rebates for an extended period or not.
snapsy wrote:
I believe all Canon rebates are instant and reflected in the price at time of purchase, so nothing to send in.
Well, then things changed lately. I remember a few years ago we had to send in the receipt and UPC code... Or has that been longer than just a few years? Anyway, it was a pain, for sure.
saneproduction wrote:
So no one remembers if the rebates are usually around at the holidays?
From what I remember, the best rebates last year were around the holidays (Dec - Jan), although the pattern has been different this year, with rebates all year.
chez wrote:
Just a sign Canon is not selling the quantities they would like. The depressed state of the global economy has hit a lot of people and unfortunately for Canon, photo equipment is not a staple for the majority of folk.
Wouldn't count on it, most pro's I know are not updating and haven't for a while, they aren't making the same money just like everyone else and to be honest, the newer updates are nice, fun but not really all that necessary.
+1. No professionl photographer with any business sense would upgrade their camera just to have the "latest technology".
Canon can keep these rebates forever because in most cases the price before the rebate is the same as the price now with the rebate. I guess if Canon keeps the rebate in effect long enough people will forget that. Back when you used to have to cut the UPC code and mail it, I remember double and triple rebates off existing prices. Those were some good rebates but you did have to wait on them and they weren't without problems.
Last year, the best prices on certain items were during flash sales around the holidays. Amazon had their gold box discounts, retailers like B&H and Adorama had short term significant discounts. That may not happen again of course but I wouldn't fear the end of current rebates. Prices usually come back down to those rebate levels anyway soon enough.
NCAndy wrote:
Last year, the best prices on certain items were during flash sales around the holidays. Amazon had their gold box discounts, retailers like B&H and Adorama had short term significant discounts.
How does one know when the flash sales occur? I have a few things on my shopping list that I'm waiting for a rebate/sale on.
Last year, several threads were started alerting members here about various sales. Often it was too late for the Amazon gold box sales because they are very time and quantity limited. The B&H sales were often posted on Facebook if you like their page. I expect most vendors will have some sort of sale around the Black Friday shopping period and then through the holidays. At least that has happened in the past. You have to keep looking around.
Ah dunno, Canon always had rebates running year round since the early 90s so I don't think the lack or presence of debates mean much. Some of you OF might remember the mail-in rebates of yesteryear with the complicated instructions and requirements that seemed to befuddle many a photog. That with the lame fulfillment vender lead to lots of denied rebates claims. However, those of us that actually got a $300 check two months later, really felt like we got a deal. I suspect the process was designed to filter and reduce payout. Now with auto price reduction for rebates Canon has to payout 100%, hence they designed little to no actual savings into the process.
