Finding a great deal on a Canon 40D camera can be a hunt, but with persistence, you can find the camera you want at a price that won't break your budget. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with gray market cameras that are refurbished with non-Canon parts or cameras that were manufactured to be sold outside of the U.S. These gray market cameras may not work as advertised and they may not be covered by warranty. Make sure that you are getting a quality camera--and a not refurbished gray market Canon 40D--by knowing what to look for.
Instructions
1. Read over the offer carefully. Many gray market Canon 40D cameras come without the accessories that are included in an authentic Canon 40D. These "body only" units are sold cheaply, while accessories like lens caps, lenses and neck straps are sold at inflated prices. Check the ad of a reputable Canon dealer to be sure that you're getting everything that is supposed to come with your new Canon 40D.
2. Check the box for damage or off color or misspelled printing. Gray market Canon 40D cameras usually come in a plain box, or a box that has been salvaged from another retailer. Look for bent or crushed corners to determine of you have a used box. Gray market retailers can also print their own boxes, but the colors may be off and there may be misspelled words. These are red flags that the Canon 40D for sale is an inferior gray market camera that has been refurbished using off-brand parts.
3. Take a few practice shots with the Canon 40D before making your final purchase. A gray market Canon 40D may have been returned as defective and refurbished with other used or off-market parts. These cameras may work, but they could also be defective.
4. Examine the warranty for the Canon 40D. If the warranty is less than from a reputable dealer or isn't valid in the U.S., walk away from your purchase. Failure to stand behind the product is a sign of a gray market dealer. The camera dealer should also have a clear return policy.
5. Call the retailer's advertised number to make sure that you can get in touch with them in the event you have a problem with the camera. A phone number that asks you to leave a message for customer service is a red flag that you will not be able to talk to anyone about your purchase.
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