First and foremost, this is being ported directly over from POTN for people that aren't members there or have yet to be a member there for the requisite 30 days. As such, thanks to Stu (Smacatl) for all the hard work.<br><br><b><span style="color:#FF0000;">Overview</span></b> - The program is basically designed in order to allow people that have a broken and out of warranty Canon camera an alternative to repair. I received this information directly from Canon.<br><br>

The way the program is usually used though, the Canon Loyalty Program provides the opportunity to trade in an existing Canon product for a refurbished Canon Digital SLR. There are Point and Shoot and Video options available, but this Thread will focus on the DSLR options. The program requires the trade in product to be broken. There are people who have responded to this thread that have not been able to participate in the CLP because their old out of warranty camera was not 'broken'. I'm not sure where the claim that they have relaxed this restriction to simply being out of warranty came from, but it appears to be incorrect. You can use out of warranty film cameras too.<br><br>

This is a very fluid program. Pricing, availability, requirements, and eligibility have changed almost on a daily basis. You will also find a wide range of answers from the Customer Service Representatives at the CLP - especially regarding product availability. If you read about a new development and don't like the answer you initially get when calling, I would recommend calling back and checking with a different CSR.<br><br><b>How do I contact Canon?</b> The phone number for the CLP is 1 (866) 443-8002. Select option "2".<br><br><b>When are they open?</b> They are open 7 days a week. Phone lines are answered from 8:00AM to Midnight Eastern.<br><br><b>I have searched the Canon website and can't find anything about the Canon Loyalty Program. Why is that?</b> Because it is not published on the website. The only way to order is via the phone number above.<br><br><b>What models are available?</b> Current DSLR availability includes:<br>

Canon XS <i>(Removed from Program March 1, 2011)</i><br>

Canon XS with 18-55 IS Kit Lens<br>

Canon T1i<br>

Canon T1i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens<br>

Canon T2i<br>

Canon T2i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens<br>

Canon T3i<br>

Canon T3i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens (New, added to this list 1/4/12)<br>

Canon 40D <i>(Removed from Program March 1, 2011)</i><br>

Canon 40D with 28-135 IS Kit Lens <i>(Removed from Program March 1, 2011)</i><br>

Canon 50D<br>

Canon 50D with 28-135 IS Kit Lens<br>

Canon 60D<br>

Canon 60D with 18-135 IS Kit Lens <i>COLOR="Blue"](Added to Program August 20, 2011)[/COLOR]</i><br>

Canon 7D<br>

Canon 5D Mark II <b>Returned to the program! Confirmed 4/24 via phone call <img alt="wheee.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.overclock.net/images/smilies//wheee.gif"></b><br><br><b><i>Note:</i></b>If you are interested in a 5DMII I would recommend calling the toll free number above and asking for availability under the CLP. IF for some reason the person you speak to says they aren't available, call back and ask somebody else.<br><br><b>But wait, there's more!</b><br>

As of Friday 4/6/12, (first report I've heard of it), if you purchase a refurbished lens at the same time, you also get 20% off that lens. This comes from a report from POTN where a user bought a refurb 7D and 24-70 for just over $2000, <i>including</i> tax and shipping. Normally, this would run much closer to $2200+ tax and shipping. I'm going to try to confirm this, but if you're in the market for a lens offered refurbished, definitely try to do this and report in!<br><br><b>Are there any Powershot Models available thru the CLP?</b> If you are in the market for a refurbished Powershot camera, I would check the availability at the Canon Direct site and then call the phone number above and ask if the model you want is available thru the CLP. The link for Powershot models on Canon Direct is: <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252" target="_blank">http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252</a><br><br><b>What is the cost?</b> Prices as of <b><i>February 2, 2012</i></b>:<br><br><span style="color:#008B00;">Canon XS - $319.99 <i>(Removed from Program March 31, 2011)</i></span><br>

Canon XS with 18-55 IS Kit Lens - $319.99 (Price cut from $399.99 April 1, 2011)<br><br>

Canon T1i - $332.79 <i><b>(Price cut Feb 1, 2012)</b></i><br>

Canon T1i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens - $383.99 <i><b>(Price cut Feb 1, 2012)</b></i><br><br>

Canon T2i - $383.99<br>

Canon T2i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens - $447.99 <i>(Added to Program Feb 1, 2011 @ $575.99. Price cut March 1, 2011 to $511.99. <b>Price cut Feb 1, 2012)</b></i><br><br>

Canon T3i - $479.99 (<i>Added to Program Jan 4, 2012 @ $512.99. <b>Price cut Feb 1, 2012</b>)</i><br>

Canon T3i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens - $543.99 <i>(Added to Program Jan 4, 2012 @ $575.99. <b>Price cut Feb 1, 2012)</b></i><br><br>

Canon 40D - $559.20 <i>(Removed from Program March 1, 2011)</i><br>

Canon 40D with 28-135 IS Kit Lens - $719.20 <i>(Removed from Program March 1, 2011)</i><br><br>

Canon 50D - $562.69 <i>(Price cut March 1, 2011 from $719.20)</i><br>

Canon 50D with 28-135 IS Kit Lens - $665.09 <i>(Price cut March 1, 2011 from $839.20)</i><br><br>

Canon 60D - $639.99<br>

Canon 60D with 18-135 IS Kit Lens - $831.36<br><br>

Canon 7D - $1,087.20 <i>(Price increased to $1,119.20 briefly in early November 2010, but reduced back to original pricing in December 2010)</i><br><br>

Canon 5D Mark II - $1583 <i>(Re-added to the program sometime after 5D Mark III launch, confirmed via phone 4/28/12). Previously removed from Program November 1, 2010) - <b>reduced to 10% discount at some point during June or early July, 2012)</b></i><br><br>

You <b><i>will be charged</i></b> your local state sales tax for your purchase UNLESS you live in the following states; Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, or Oregon (those states have no sales tax).<br><br><b>How can I pay?</b> CLP accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express<br><br><b>What comes with my CLP Camera?</b> You will receive a refurbished Canon Product. It will come in a plain white box, with a complete set of accessories (battery, charger, strap, cables, CD, Manuals - may or may not include a small capacity CF card). For orders placed from October 24, 2010 thru November 6, 2010 (while supplies last), Canon is including 2 each 1 GB Compact Flash memory cards with each camera ordered. Initial reports are that the included cards lack both needed capacity and write speed for the higher end models.<br><br><b>What is a "Refurbished" Camera?</b> Refurbished cameras include: dealer overstocks, damaged packaging returns, test units pulled from production, and customer returns. Refurbished cameras are calibrated to factory specifications, updated to latest firmware, and in most cases cannot be distinguished from new products. The majority of the cameras are arriving to buyers with a shutter count of less than 1,000, with some as low as 12-15.<br><br><b>Are there any markings or other identification for a refurbished camera?</b> There will be a small 1/4 inch gold sticker located on the bottom of the camera and on the side of the kit lens. "Refurbished" is written in red letters. The sticker can be easily removed.<br><br><b>What is the Warranty?</b> Warranty is 90 days from delivery. Service must be done thru the CLP which will require returning the camera to Canon. There have been only a few reports of OOB (Out of Box) issues, which have been addressed by Canon with a replacement. <i><b>(Mistabernie Note -- if you purchase through Adorama, they will offer you a 1 year replacement warranty as well).</b></i><br><br><b>Can I get an extended coverage warranty from a third party?</b> Yes. There are a number of 3rd party Extended Service Contracts available for Refurbished Electronics. Google "Canon Digital SLR Extended Service Contracts" and find the option that best fits your individual needs. One option is $80 for 2 years available here:<br><br><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.adorama.com/IMXW2UP.html" target="_blank">http://www.adorama.com/IMXW2UP.html</a><br><br><b>Why do I need a trade in?</b> The trade in provides you the additional discount (20%) off the published Canon Refurbished Prices. The Customer Service Rep may ask for the serial number from your trade in product.<br><br><b>Do I need to be the original owner of the trade in? Do I need to provide the original receipt? Does the trade in need to be registered with Canon?</b> No to all of the above. The only requirement is that the product be a Canon camera that is out of warranty. You also do not need to return any accessories that go with the original camera when you ship the trade in; batteries, straps, cables, manuals, can all be kept. Just return the stripped down camera.<br><br><b>I don't own any Canon products that I can / want to trade in. How can I take advantage of this program?</b> Check eBay, your local Craigslist, or post in the POTN Buy Forum. You should be able to purchase a broken Point and Shoot for under $30. If you end up having a P&S shipped to you, don't forget that you will need the serial number to place your order. (Mistabernie note -- if you're a member of POTN, look for a seller by the name of Fibrepunk, he usually has some to sell around the $16 mark).<br><br><b>What if I have a broken DSLR such as a 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, etc. - can I get a bigger trade-in credit?</b> No! The model of the camera is irrelevant to the trade in value. As a result, if you have a broken 50D that is out of warranty, you may be better to repair and sell it, or sell it for parts as opposed to using it on this program.<br><br><b>What happens if I don't return the trade in?</b> Canon will charge your Credit Card for the discount if the Return is not received within 14 business days of shipment of your CLP product. Several members have reported difficulty in receiving the return label for the trade-in camera, while others have reported not returning it at all without consequence. I would recommend erring on the side of following the program for no other reason than it is easier to drop off a prepaid shipment at UPS than it is to fight for a credit should your credit card be charged the amount of the 20% discount after Canon does not receive the return. (Don't forget that since they are generating the pre-paid shipping label, they will have the tracking number!)<br><b><br>

What happens if I change my mind?</b> There is a 14 Business Day Return Policy for refunds should you change your mind. After that ALL SALES ARE FINAL. <b>One important note:</b> If you return the trade-in during the 14 days, the sale is considered completed and final. In other words, you will not be able to return the camera for a refund if you have shipped your trade-in back to Canon. If you decide to return your refurbished camera to Canon for a refund, <b><span style="color:#FF0000;">DO NOT USE THE TRADE-IN LABEL FOR A RETURN! THE TRADE IN LABEL GOES TO A RECYCLING FACILITY WHERE THE CAMERA YOU SHIP WILL BE DESTROYED. IF YOU RETURN YOUR PURCHASED CAMERA USING THE CANON SHIPPING LABEL YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE RETURN AND YOUR PURCHASED CAMERA WILL BE DESTROYED<br></span></b><br><br><b>After I place my order what happens?</b> After ordering, you will receive 5 emails; in this order:<br>

- Welcome to Canon account (creating your account)<br>

- Canon Account Password request (activating your account)<br>

- Order Number (acknowledging your order)<br>

- Shipment (acknowledging shipment)<br>

- Canon Consumer Products Recycle Label (shipping label for return of your trade in)<br><br><b>How is it shipped?</b> Standard shipping is FedEx 2nd business day shipping. There is a line item for the shipping charge, but it is credited back to you - so essentially it's free shipping. If you are in a hurry, you will have the option of Next Business Day shipping for an additional charge of $12.00. <b>Shipment will be "Signature Required"</b> (You will be warned that FedEx will NOT leave it at your door if no one is home). Shipping cutoff is around noon Eastern, so if you order early morning and there are no credit issues to hold you order, chances are your camera will ship the same day.<br><br><b>How can I track my order?</b> FedEx tracking number will be included in your shipment acknowledgment.<br><br><b>How can I check availability without calling Canon?</b> Check the availability of the model you are interested in on the Canon Direct Store:<br><br><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252" target="_blank">http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252</a><br><br>

Inventory changes daily! If your desired model is not available, check back. (Note: Not all products listed on the Canon Direct Store website are available thru the CLP).<br><br><b>Are Lens products available with this program?</b> Other than the kit options for the XS, T1i, and T2i (which include the 18-55 lens), and the 50D (which includes the 28-135 lens) there are no lens options available.<br><br><b>Is there a limit to the number of times I can participate in this program?</b> It has been reported that there is a limit of 3 transactions per address, however your individual experience may vary.<br><br><b>Is the program available in Canada, UK, Australia, Asia, South America, Africa, etc?</b> Currently this program is for the United States only. It has been reported that Canon Canada is considering a similar program, but that is not confirmed yet. If you are outside the United States, I would check with your Canon National Sales Office.<br><br>

Contact information for worldwide offices can be found at <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.canon.com/" target="_blank">http://www.canon.com/</a><br><br><b>When does the Program end?</b> The Canon Loyalty Program has been running for approximately 3 years. There is currently no published expiration date for the CLP. However, that does not mean that the program cannot end at anytime without notice.<br><br><b>How can I check the shutter count after I receive my refurbished camera?</b> Shutter count for the 40D, 50D, and 5DMII can be determined with EOSinfo. Download the program here: <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://astrojargon.net/EOSInfo.aspx" target="_blank">http://astrojargon.net/EOSInfo.aspx</a>.<br><br>

Currently there is no software available for the Windows operating system to read the shutter counter on the T1i, T2i, 7D or 60D. There is an application developed for Linux called gphoto2 that can be used for the 7D (and I assume the other bodies as well). Full instructions for booting Linux on your Windows PC or Laptop can be found on this post: <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=11813682&postcount=19" target="_blank">http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=11813682&postcount=19</a><br><br>

Download site for gphoto2 is located here: <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://www.gphoto.org/" target="_blank">http://www.gphoto.org/</a> Gphoto2 can also be used via openSUSE, Redhat, etc.<br><br>

MOkoFOko has also posted a step by step tutorial on how to use the Linux emulator on a Windows platform.<br>

For step by step instructions see MOkoFOko's thread here: <a class="bbcode_url" href="http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1058019" target="_blank">http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1058019</a><br><br><b>I want to learn more about other POTN members experiences with this program and I have a lot of spare time on my hands - where can I go?</b><br>

(Mistabernie note -- I've changed this)<br>

You can register for POTN (<a href="http://photography-on-the.net/forum" target="_blank">photography-on-the.net/forum</a>) and check out the original thread here:<br><a class="bbcode_url" href="http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=948785" target="_blank">http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=948785</a><br><br>

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With any luck, the powers that be will make this a sticky so people can easily find this in the future. Thanks again to the community, POTN user Smacatl (and POTN in general)