The Canon loyalty program (CLP) remains something of a mystery. Depending on which corners of the internet you frequent, you may have already encountered a rumor or two. Some claim to have saved hundreds of dollars through the scheme, while others are less convinced.
So what is the CLP? Is it worth using and how can you even access it? This post is designed to demystify the often confusing world of Canon’s Loyalty program. We’ll run through what it is, who it’s best for, and how other people have accessed it in the past.
Read on to learn more.
What is the Canon Loyalty Program?
Reader please note – the Canon loyalty program had the most buzz online a handful of years ago. As it’s rarely promoted online, your mileage may vary. We run through some great alternatives in 2021 further down this page.
From what can be ascertained online, the CLP is essentially Canon’s own trade-in program. It’s designed for people with broken or damaged cameras. These defective units can be exchanged for a discount on a refurbished Canon product.
Depending on the specific item you trade in and the new unit you’re interested in, this could save you a fair bit of money. If you’re happy with a high-quality refurbished model, the CLP might just be the way to go.
Is There a Site?
One thing that makes the Canon loyalty program so elusive is the fact that it exists without a dedicated promotional site. A Google search for the scheme pulls up forum posts from several years ago with no official page to be found.
This lack of official online promotion keeps a degree of mystery around the program.
So How do People Access the Scheme?
Many Canon products come with a CLP number within their user guide, warranty information, or promotional material. Many customers have reported success in the past when using these numbers.
If your camera has become broken or damaged, it’s worth checking out your original box and materials if you still have them. If you find a CLP number, give it a call and see what options are available to you.
The specific deals available appear to be quite dynamic. This can make it difficult to predict what to expect.
Main Pros of the Scheme
So why would someone choose the CLP over selling their unit online or trading it in elsewhere? We run through some potential advantages to using this kind of program below.
Can Save You Money on a New Canon Purchase
Several users online have reported that the Canon loyalty program saved them a considerable amount of money on the purchase of a new camera. It seems that the company is willing to offer substantial incentives to customers that go directly through them.
Many defective cameras will only have one or two slightly damaged parts. Canon may be salvaging these components to be reused in other refurbished products. It appears that they’re willing to pass on some of these profits to their more ‘loyal’ customers.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult to pin down the specifics of what the CLP offers at any given time. For this reason, your experience may differ from the reports of customers online.
Recycles Unwanted Cameras
Another great thing about this kind of scheme is that they can significantly decrease the number of unwanted cameras going to landfill. Repurposed units can eliminate electronic waste, reduce emissions from disposal methods, and dramatically extend the life of optical components.
If you like to make sustainable decisions when shopping, using a trade-in scheme can be a great way to reduce the impact your purchases have on the planet.
Can be More Cost-Effective Than Ebay
While it’s true that broken cameras are sold for parts all the time on sites like Ebay, you might not be able to earn as much as you’re hoping for. This is especially true if you’re trying to sell a less well-known Canon camera.
If users online are to be believed, a trade-in through the Canon loyalty program can give customers significantly more bang for their buck. Canon has the experience and staff necessary to make the best use of the parts in their cameras.
They can generate profit more efficiently with defective units as they understand how best to repurpose them. For this reason, it’s possible that a CLP trade-in might be more worthwhile than putting your old camera up on eBay.
Main Cons of the CLP
It’s important to note that the Canon loyalty program might not be the best option for you. Depending on your use case, you might be better off taking advantage of something else altogether. This section will explore some of the main disadvantages of pursuing this type of scheme.
The Details are Hard to Pin Down
You don’t have to spend long researching the CLP before you’re left scratching your head. The lack of online promotions can make it challenging to determine whether it’s the right option for you.
The only way to know for sure is to call the number that you find in your product’s box and manual. This phone call could give you the good news you’re looking for. It could also be a waste of your afternoon.
It’s for Refurbished Models Only
In our opinion, there’s no reason to turn your nose up at a warranty-backed refurbished product. That said, there are plenty of people who think twice about buying a camera that’s already been used.
If you’re hoping to use the CLP to pick up a brand-new camera or even get some cash directly, you won’t have much luck here. The loyalty program is designed as a trade-in scheme for the purchase of refurbished units only.
You’re better off elsewhere if this doesn’t suit your needs.
Hard to Pin Down Specific Offers Online
As mentioned earlier on this page, you won’t know what to expect until you pick up the phone and give Canon a call. If you’re hoping for a one-click, convenient option, the CLP definitely isn’t for you.
Depending on the query volumes on the day you call, you could end up waiting for longer than you’d like
Ever-Changing Options
According to the multitudes of user posts online, a camera that could grab you a deal today might be all but worthless tomorrow. The ever-changing nature of the CLP can be a double-edged sword.
It takes a little patience and luck to get the results you’re looking for.
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Are there Alternatives to the Canon Loyalty Program?
In 2021, there’s a fair bit of choice when it comes to trade-in programs, especially in the US. We list a few options below. Keep in mind that this list is far from exhaustive. You may have local options that are even better.
Best Buy Trade-Ins
Link: here
Best Buy offers some pretty decent trade-in deals on electronic products. Their online site can give you an instant estimate. If your product is too old to be worth anything, you’ll still have the option to recycle it free of charge.
Money from trade-ins comes in the form of a Best Buy gift card.
Walmart Trade-Ins
Link: here
Walmart offers a similar program for their online customers. Fill out the details of your product for an instant quote. Your trade-in value will be issued on an eGift card, so keep this in mind when shopping.
Conclusion
We hope this post has cleared up any confusion. For better or worse, the Canon loyalty program remains an elusive option in 2021. Try your luck by calling up today, or consider the alternatives if you don’t have the time.
