Trying to register a Canadian EOS R5 in the US

[hdewayne1]

I have purchased a new EOS R5 camera from Walmart, but when I try to register it, it says I cannot register it because the serial number is for a Canadian product.  I live in the US and I ordered directly from Walmart. How can I add my camera to my registered equipment?

[deebatman316]

You can call Canon USA but your camera is what is called Gray Market. Meaning it was sold in a market it was not intended to. Canon USA has the right to refuse repair or to register the product with Canon USA. Also avoid online marketplaces such as Walmart's website. Now shopping inside Walmart will more than likely not have Gray Market gear.

[Waddizzle]

“ Now shopping inside Walmart will more than likely not have Gray Market gear. “

Shopping in the big box stores can be just as risky as shopping in their online marketplaces.  You are likely to get a bad item as you would online. They keep inventory in a secure place, where new items are stored in the same place as customer returns.  The sales associates don’t know what is which is where.  The shelf will look different every day that they come to work. 

YMMV from one store to the next.  I am pointing out the risks.  Most locations are not bad.  It’s still better to shop at the store than online. 

Now shopping inside Walmart will more than likely not have Gray Market gear.  The online marketplaces can switch vendors on you, if your selected vendor is out of stock.

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I recommend returning the item for a full refund.  Explain exactly what is wrong and don’t accept any exchanges.  

I recommend purchasing from Canon or directly from vendor on Authorized Dealer list.  I use B&H most often.  

[deebatman316]

Now I personally use B&H. Now the bit about Walmart was from Canon USA. I only shop from Canon Authorized Dealers such as B&H Photo. 

[wq9nsc]

As Demetrius noted, Walmart corporate IS listed as an authorized Canon retailer BUT there online operation is much like Amazon in that they simply serve as a virtual storefront to guide customers to independent retailers who sell via that storefront and pay Walmart a fee for the privilege.  If you look carefully at the listing at Walmart online, it should indicate the seller.  Some items will have a choice of Walmart or other sellers.

Rodger

[LeeP]

B&H Photo is the gold standard and their shipping is FAST. They are highly reputable and very honest. I even buy my film from them for my oldies but goodies.

[BlackIce670]

I got my R5 from B&H On line and I have the same issue.

[shadowsports]

B&H sells grey market items, but they tell you so.  Look below the product name. 

If you buy a product intended for sale in another country or region, you have to register it in that country.  So if you buy a Canadian product it has to be registered in MyCanon Canada.

Of course I did find one exception because I bought my BG-R10 from B&H and it wasn't listed as grey market.  It arrived with a AU/New Zealand warranty.  I sent it back to them and they sent it back to me saying don't worry.  I registered it on the Canon USA website.  How? I don't know but I think I bought a carepak for it too.  🤣

In any event, I don't think you'll have any luck trying to register a camera body from another country on MyCanon USA.

This is a perfect example of why buying gray market or when you're traveling to another country isn't a good idea.  In Canada, you're likely going to pay much more for it.  If you buy it in Japan, you may save a little money, but when you try to get support for it here in the US, you may be out of luck.  Every service center operates a little bit differently. They may help you if they have parts, but if they don't it's not that they don't want to help you. They just can't guarantee a repair if they don't have parts.  Parts availability can vary by region.  Canon will always try to help if they can.