Canon Privilege Purchase Program is a program that you get discounts by “trading-in” your old Canon camera for a new Canon set. It is basically a service to retain customers when your old camera is beyond repair, by offering you another new Canon camera with a discount. Below are some FAQs that I hope can answer most questions.
Q: How does this work?
A: No appointments needed. Just pay a visit to Canon Service Centre(CSC), take a queue number and wait for your turn. Request that you will like to participate in the program mentioned above, the service personnel will then proceed with your request.
Q: Where is CSC located?
A:
Click here for more details. Take note, CSC is at Level 4.
Q: I’m a driver. Where do I park my car?
A: Good news, there’s a Canon carpark(facing the sea) beside Keppel Bay Tower(@Harbour Front). You can park there, and remember to request for a receipt from the caretaker. Make sure the receipt is stamped by the CSC personnel before you leave. When you go back to your car, give the receipt back to the caretaker. This will make your parking free! More details
here. This is strictly for Canon’s customers, not Vivocity.
Q: Can I participate in this program at authorized retailers or Canon showroom at Vivo?
A: No, only available at CSC.
Q: How much discount can I get?
A: Around 17% off Canon's RRP. However, there are a few reports discounts still being offered at the old rate, 20.5%. You can check the RRP at
Canon Singapore website.
Q: What equipment can I use in this program?
A: Any old Canon camera products, even old film camera is accepted.
Q: Can i accumulate the discounts on my new camera by using multiple old Canon cameras at the same time?
A: I wish it too...but NO.
Q: Can I use other brands for this program?
A: No, only Canon brand.
Q: Can I use Canon products other than camera?
A: Although some brothers here have reported using printers/faxes/underwater housings, but it seems that Canon has stopped all this.
Q: Does my old Canon camera have to be spoilt?
A: It can be spoilt, but Canon does accept working ones as well. No questions asked.
Q: What new camera can I request from this program?
A: Up to Canon 50D can be requested from old/used SLR/DSLR cameras. Likewise, you can request up to Canon 600D for old/used PnS film/digital cameras. 7D and 60D are not available in this scheme. I've read that the 50D is no longer available, so 600D could be the max model you can get. PM me any confirmation if you have, so I can update on this point.
Q: Can I use this program for lens(L) or other accessories like flash, original battery?
A: No. Strictly camera for camera only.
Q: Do I get my new camera on the spot?
A: Unlikely, and depending on the stock level, waiting time can range from days to weeks. You will be notified when it's ready. If you cannot wait, pls buy from retailers.
Q: Will there be a charge if I change my choice of new camera later?
A: There will be a $20 admin charge.
Q: What does CSC need for the old camera?
A: Only the body, they don’t need the rest, e.g chargers, manuals/CDs, box, strap, memory card…
Q: Will I enjoy Canon promotions like the rest if I participate in this program?
A: It seems that those promotions meant for computer fairs(e.g PC Show, IT Show, Comex) are not applicable to this. The only extra stuff you get is a memory card and a bag of your choice(EOS bag or tote bag).
Q: What are the modes of payment?
A: Cash, Nets, Credit/Debit Cards with no surcharge, pay upon collection. No upfront payment needed.
Q: How about installment plans?
A: No such service.
Q: When will this program ends?
A: Ever going till Canon says otherwise.
Q: Do I really benefit from this program?
A: Well, you have to do your maths on this one. For e.g, if Camera A’s RRP is $500, the price you get will be $415(after 17% discount). But since retailers will always sell at a cheaper price than RRP, say $450, the true discount you get is only $35 ($450-$415). That also translates that your “traded-in” old Canon camera is only worth $35. If you think your old current camera can fetch a higher price than that, it will be wiser to sell it at BNS, and then buy a brand new one at outside retailer. So this program may not make financial sense to everyone, do homework before you decide.
If you still have any doubts after reading this, or unclear, pls call Canon Service Hotline at 1800-799 8686, or other inquiries at 6799 8888. However when you ask about this program, pls state the correct name, i.e. Privilege Purchase Program.
Credits: Information above is based from my own personal experience, and also from the bros/sis who contributed at the old thread.
PS: Kindly PM me if there are any errors or updates. I will change accordingly. Or if you have a good FAQ to add, PM me as well! I hope this FAQ will solve the spoon-feeding problem, and also easy reference for newbies. Cheers.