Nikons warranty repair changes
Thu 14-Jan-21 06:41 PM
Bob Baldassano
My Nikonians Gallery
"Nikonians membership - My most important photographic investment, after the
camera"
Retirement is a gift of time - Don't waste it!
Old age is a special gift that very few receive. Be thankful if you get it.
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#5. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 1
Fri 15-Jan-21 02:57 AMWell in general Ned felt that most US buyers buying new lenses would not have real issues but he did express concerns about repair issues for older lenses as Nikon has stopped supplying parts to 3rd party repair sources. He felt Nikon should continue to support repairs even if the customer had to pay. I agree with him.Bob Baldassano
My Nikonians Gallery
"Nikonians membership - My most important photographic investment, after the
camera"
Retirement is a gift of time - Don't waste it!
Old age is a special gift that very few receive. Be thankful if you get it.
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#2. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 0
Thu 14-Jan-21 11:42 PM | edited Fri 15-Jan-21 07:39 AM by mklass
I have always thought it absurd that the country of purchase, original or repair should make any difference.
If Nikon made the item, it should be repaired in any country by a Nikon service center. Furthermore, if it is under warranty, it should be repaired in any country, regardless of origin, purchase location or anything else. Nikon corporate would guarantee this, not leave it up to their balkanized national organizations to bear the cost. This is the 21st center, for pete's sake. Tracking and managing this should not be very hard.
Apply has gotten into trouble and been forced to change their repair policies to support repairs at 3rd party repair locations. Nikon should do the same and continue to supply 3rd parties with parts to repair their products, although I understand that warranty repairs would still need to go to Nikon facilities.
I suspect it will take a lawsuit to get Nikon to change.
If Nikon made the item, it should be repaired in any country by a Nikon service center. Furthermore, if it is under warranty, it should be repaired in any country, regardless of origin, purchase location or anything else. Nikon corporate would guarantee this, not leave it up to their balkanized national organizations to bear the cost. This is the 21st center, for pete's sake. Tracking and managing this should not be very hard.
Apply has gotten into trouble and been forced to change their repair policies to support repairs at 3rd party repair locations. Nikon should do the same and continue to supply 3rd parties with parts to repair their products, although I understand that warranty repairs would still need to go to Nikon facilities.
I suspect it will take a lawsuit to get Nikon to change.
Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796
See my portfolio.
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#3. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 2
Fri 15-Jan-21 12:18 AMThis is not an easy issue to objectively comment upon. The reason is that we/Nikon 'people' are so emotionally invested in the brand. And thus, we become passionate in our evaluation.
From a strictly business perespective; Nikon has been battling pricing differences throughout the world. They have empowered their 'National' entities to set and control the pricing. In the US, grey market goods are not warrantable/serviceable. Clearly this is Nikon USA'a method of deterring USA buyers from buying grey market. It is their way of protecting their dealer network-- that is the life force for their business. Of course they could charge to do the warranty work--but they will not because it will not stem the purchase of grey market. This is not unethical or bad business. Of course many will disagree; but they are not running the business. And the same applies to their entire regional/national distribution chain. Yes there are some technical issues (in limited cases). But these are still secondary to the primary objective.
And, when I read about a Pro complaining about traveling with a lens to a foreign country--and it breaks--and will not be able to have it repaired locally (on purchases after 1/1/21!). Give me a break. Assuming your job takes you out of country of origin (and origin of purchase) for a short period of time; you would not have the use of the lens anyway if it went in locally for repair. Take it home and get it fixed. And, if you need the use of the lens--rent one. And wasn't the Int'l Warranty for only 1 or 2 years? Maybe Nikon should provide lifetime warranties on all their products to be serviced anywhere in the world. And turn around in 3 days! And maybe Nikon should allow purchasers to transfer their warranty on a camera or lens. I haven't heard much about this--why not?
I'm passionate here because of how there is a complete lack of appreciation for how a good company chooses to warrant their products. This is not sprung on us unexpectedly. As with anything you buy--beware and educated. Make your purchase decisions based on your priorities. You don't like Nikon's warranties--buy another brand that measures up to your requirements.
Will Nikon lose customers because of their warranty policies--I don't think so. Will us Nikon users suffer as a result of their policies? Not me, at least. And will I buy grey? Not a chance.
Hopefully the authorized Nikon dealer network, here in the USA, will survive and continue to provide the expertise, service, and product selection that we have come to expect.
My rant...sorry if I have or will offend anyone.Now known as Poppyrazzi for our family---sweet!
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#4. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 3
Fri 15-Jan-21 12:39 AMJon, I disagree, I is an easy issue to objectively comment on. It is not that complicated. It is a straight-forward question of a company, supposedly making high quality, well engineered, premium products, standing behind those products in the modern, international world.
This is an example of a company running their business with little regard for their customers in thier overall decision process. This sounds like a lawyer having too much influence over business decisions. In the long run, those businesses suffer negative consequences from their near sightedness.
And perhaps it is time for NIkon to reorganize their sales and distribution network to reflect the modern world, not the segmented, post-war world of 70 years ago.Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796See my portfolio.
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#6. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 4
Fri 15-Jan-21 07:59 AMAgree with Mick and as a small side issue, why do some countries have five years Nikon warranty on lenses against only one year in UK. Is there a private or subsided scheme in some countries?Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#10. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 6
Fri 15-Jan-21 10:59 AMMy understanding is that the 5-year warranty for lenses is not a Nikon warranty, but a Nikon USA warranty, Nikon USA being the USA importer.Fred
Florida, USA
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#8. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 4
Fri 15-Jan-21 10:54 AMMick, respectfully, I think you are expecting something that is not common or realistic. Just because we are in a global economy and people travel outside of their country of residence; does not mean that companies must provide warranties for their products that are fully serviceable in other countries.
In fact, most manufacturers do not. And those that offer International Warranties are so restrictive that you may not get it serviced if you stood on your head. And, if you could-- you may still have to ship it someplace--and not be in the same place when it is ready.
More specifically:
Apple: Yes their products are covered by carry-in or mail in warranties in other countries. BUT....iPhones, iPads, and watches are specifically called out for restrictions by Apple. They break in another country-- you more likely will have to send it home. And, Apple's warranty is 1 year limited in US and may be modified by country of origin. Buy their extended warranties and see restrictions. Not everyone buys extended warranties--do they?
Autos: Yes they are bigger than a camera. And more expensive. In general, you are not covered under warranty if you take your care 'out of country'. And, if you import your car to the US; there are hoops you must go through to ensure that it can be covered under US warranty in various states. I wonder why? Again, to ensure that it not only meets US standards, but to protect their dealer network. No different than Nikon.
Watches: Easy. Yes most top of the line come with International Warranties. But, in most cases, if you don't have your 'Warranty Card' with you--properly filled out by the seller-- you will be out of luck to get it serviced.
We are so used to 'easy' service here in the US; that we have taken for granted the size and extent of our 50 states. Everything is seamless for us. The EU has aspired to replicate this model; but with mixed reviews. So, we expect the same service abroad. It is not easy-- or in most cases, economically viable.
Canon: Everyone likes to say how great Canon warranties are compared to Nikon.
Canon does not warrant or cover grey market goods in the US.
Canon generally does not service or warrant goods outside of the 'region' purchased--throughout the world. You can submit your claim and documents to see if Canon will do anything for you regarding reimbursement. (If someone will take it in the first place).
All of this reply is to illustrate that we are really talking about something that may be a 'wishlist' but is not a service provided by anyone in a manner described by the original OP's link.
Lawyers, business owners, international companies are easy to target for criticism by many of us who only 'consume' their products. There are valid criticisms, but Nikon's clarification of their warranty policy does not qualify for this. Of course they can improve areas of concern.
And, all of this is really on point if people are only trying to save money by purchasing outside of their country of residence and looking to circumvent the business models of international companies--blaming them for not allowing them to do this with impunity.Now known as Poppyrazzi for our family---sweet!
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#11. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 8
Fri 15-Jan-21 11:32 AMJon,
My point it the business model is antiquated and not relevant in the present world. Whether is is Nikon, Canon, Apple or Ford is not relevant. And automobiles are not a portable as camera or phones.
These companies are living in the past, not the present, nor looking to the future. But their bureaucracies are based on a balkanized, national or regional approach. They will resist any change.Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796See my portfolio.
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#12. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 11
Fri 15-Jan-21 12:04 PMAntiquated, not relevant, portable, balkanized...are all great descriptions but the criticism is not constructive. How would you implement a warranty that makes sense across all borders, languages, legal differences by the country, technical differences within the product, appropriate service locations and access in every region; and make economic sense? There is not one company in the world that provides the type of warranty you think should be available to us all--no matter where purchased or manufactured--large or small. I want Nikon to replace my Z6 when they stop providing substantive firmware updates. Or Apple or Microsoft, when they discontinue support for an operating system. They should do this universally-regardless of the economic impact to their company and shareholders.
This is a Utopian request. Seamless globalization is not realistic and will never come to pass. Why would a 'company' make decisions that would be antithetical to the ones you personally make every day? Can I afford to purchase the $2500 lens or should I go with the $900 lens? I want to donate to Doctors Across Borders..how much can I afford? How will investing in this business affect my cash flow and retirement benefits?
This is the present--not the past. It is up to us to come up with solutions that can be realistically implemented.Now known as Poppyrazzi for our family---sweet!
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#13. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 12
Fri 15-Jan-21 12:12 PMIt is simple, Jon.
You make a lens in one factory, as Nikon does. You sell it worldwide, as Nikon does. If it breaks (not due a defect or failure) while under warranty, Nikon covers the cost of repair, regardless of the country where the repair is done. If it breaks while not under warranty, or due to some accident or damage caused by the uses, Nikon or an authorized service center will repair it at a cost. There is a reasonable time frame for discontinued equipment to to no longer be repairable due to lack of parts or support, after all, Nikon also makes teh parts at a location that they control.
This is not like cars that are made in several different countries, although even that is changing.
How is this solution difficult? Only those with interest in preserving the status quo or a lawyer who sees problems not solutions, would object.Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796See my portfolio.
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#14. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 13
Fri 15-Jan-21 12:32 PM | edited Fri 15-Jan-21 12:33 PM by jbk224You use the term 'reasonable'. Not everyone's reasonable is the same.
And, you don't accept that Nikon and all other businesses that are global and make make their product in the same factory (your requirement--what about multiple factories/)- need to set up separate entities throughout the world to handle their 'business'. You want to apply the concept that the parent should be responsible...period! No matter the consequences; financial or otherwise. So easily said. You keep referring to those interested in preserving the status quo or a lawyer who sees problems..not solutions. These are platitudes. Lawyers do not make the decisions for the corporations-- regular people, like you and me, do so. Lawyers are advisors and we evaluate and take their advice as we see proper. If we make too many bad decisions; then we are replaced. And if the lawyer provides bad advice--they are replaced. Status Quo from the 70's is clearly not the Status Quo today. It has evolved for everyone and every thing. Unfortunately not all like the Status Quo at any time. Mick, all I am suggesting here is that change is inevitable and it is based and will be based upon the same underlying principles for all time. Maybe we will have what you would like for Nikon lenses and cameras. And maybe not. It seems to be a national pastime to tell everyone what they should do and not try and understand their limitations. For now, I am content with Nikon's warranty policy and will continue to support the company--until I don't.Now known as Poppyrazzi for our family---sweet!
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#9. "RE: Nikons warranty repair changes" | In response to Reply # 0
Fri 15-Jan-21 10:56 AM | edited Fri 15-Jan-21 10:57 AM by wile e coyote
I totally agree with Mr. Levi's blog and solution! Not being a "Professional", entitled to special consideration, and not being financially able to replace my Nikon system, at least the suggested change would be a welcome clarification. Sellers would probably benefit, also! A list of reliable camera repair businesses that will service Nikon equipment would be welcome.
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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The link is to Ned Levi's blog where he discusses Nikons upcoming changes that effect your ability to get repairs.