Apparently, even the Silver membership will cost EUR 100, Gold will be EUR 200, and Platinum EUR 350 plus VAT. And worst of all, members must be a registered business entity, so unlike now, it's not open to hobbyists anymore even if they are willing to pay. Instead, they 'offer' to join the Canon Club with such meaningful benefits as 'join the community', 'pursue your passion' or 'learn from the best'.Welcome to the club, Europe. Canon USA has charged for CPS memberships offering meaningful benefits for many years. The base level 'silver' membership is free, but that only gets you a CPS ID card, a 'hotline' and 3-5 day service turnaround. The gold and platinum levels that offer repair discounts, faster turnaround, service loaners and equipment evaluation loans cost $100 / $300 per year, respectively.
According to the graphic, ALL memberships will offer repair discounts and free shipping (the Canon USA Sliver level offers neither).Apparently, even the Silver membership will cost EUR 100, Gold will be EUR 200, and Platinum EUR 350 plus VAT.
CPS has always been for 'imaging professionals' (professional and semi-professional photographers, full time photographers in the US). It has never been intended for hobbyists even though they let that slide in most geographies. For example, Canon USA eligibility states, "Membership is available only to those individuals (self-employed or employed by a professional imaging business), who play a direct role in the creation of moving or still images for third parties on a full-time basis and are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia." AFAIK, they don't actually verify that information so it's possible to sign up even if you don't meet the requirements (except the resident of the US part, it's easy to only accept credit cards issued to a US address).And worst of all, members must be a registered business entity, so unlike now, it's not open to hobbyists anymore even if they are willing to pay.
up to now, despite its name, CPS membership in Europe had no such professional requirements. It was open to anyone over 18. From the terms and conditions:According to the graphic, ALL memberships will offer repair discounts and free shipping (the Canon USA Sliver level offers neither).
CPS has always been for 'imaging professionals' (professional and semi-professional photographers, full time photographers in the US). It has never been intended for hobbyists even though they let that slide in most geographies. For example, Canon USA eligibility states, "Membership is available only to those individuals (self-employed or employed by a professional imaging business), who play a direct role in the creation of moving or still images for third parties on a full-time basis and are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia." AFAIK, they don't actually verify that information so it's possible to sign up even if you don't meet the requirements (except the resident of the US part, it's easy to only accept credit cards issued to a US address).
Interesting, thanks. Seems like Canon EU is aligning with Canon USA – paid memberships intended for professional photographers.up to now, despite its name, CPS membership in Europe had no such professional requirements. It was open to anyone over 18. From the terms and conditions:
1.2 CPS Membership is available within the CPS Participating Countries for the customers over the age of 18, who wish to register themselves as CPS members.
Canon Professional Services (CPS) Terms and Conditions
Read our terms and conditions for Canon Professional Services. Visit our website to learn more.www.canon-europe.com
My e-mail tells me this, translated from German:... worst of all, members must be a registered business entity, so unlike now, it's not open to hobbyists anymore even if they are willing to pay...
The bold part leaves place for interpretation and for those who are not professionals but still need/want the professional service.the e-mail said:All CPS members who are not professionals or businesses, or who don't need the professional service, can become members of the exclusive Canon Club. This new community for creatives like you offers support, inspiration, and many other benefits.
"This new community for creatives like you offers support, inspiration, and many other benefits." = pure BS.My e-mail tells me this, translated from German:
The bold part leaves place for interpretation and for those who are not professionals but still need/want the professional service.
We'll see as soon as the registration procedure gets more detailed.
Yep!"This new community for creatives like you offers support, inspiration, and many other benefits." = pure BS.
Yeah, I also got this one yesterday, and I'm mad as hell about it.Canon is continuing to support its customers in the way to which we have now become accustomed by taking it to a new level.
View attachment 207738View attachment 207739
Apparently, even the Silver membership will cost EUR 100, Gold will be EUR 200, and Platinum EUR 350 plus VAT.
I've received it as well in DK. I've been eyeing the CPS USA situation, so I can't say I'm surprised. I have Platinum level membership (As @Viggo probably would say: "for mye penger og for lite vett"), but as far as I know, I haven't received any particular benefits from this. OK, maybe free shipping to/from the service center in Göteborg of the lens+body that I recently had serviced.I have not received this email yet (Netherlands) Not a favorable development. I myself have a free CPS gold membership.