Be warry and please take care of you r Nikon D50 and Nikon D200 or all new Nikon dSLR.

Our only so called authorized service center can't handle these models. They can't repair it.

I really think Nikon should move out from Columbia Global like what Olympus did.

Not only they charge so high for their service (4K minimum), they are veri incompetent. And they deal with you as if you are lucky to have them.

Somebody should pull off their plug.

:Oops: :Oops: :Oops:

sir rolly, did you encounter any bad service from Columbia lately? would you mind sharing? i'm a nikon system user as well.




j

Story please, Mr. Avecilla.:Smoke:

yeah rolly is right... i heard the news from Frank (Aperture) that Columbia is not going to service anymore nikon cameras or other nikon stuff...even if u bought it from them.. too bad.. but i just hope that there will be a nikon service center in hidalgo that sir john have mention before as part of the plans for hidalgo....:Grin:

i think nikon japan is the problem. from what i know the last time nikonians had a talk with people from columbia but the support nikon is giving the local distributor is very minimal coz the stocks that arrive in the philippines is actually stocks for nikon singapore. i dont think there is enough demand here for japan to put up a local nikon subsidiary. not like canon which they get their stuff direct from japan because there is a local subsidiary.

At the very least they should honor the warranty since they sold the products. Buti pa sa Quiapo at ibang dealers, kahit gray market me warranty pa. Offical nga sila, wala naman warranty.

Folks, this is a an opportunity for enterpreneurs and hobbyist alike. As Nikon camera users we can lobby for whatever we want. We bought into a system that we thought works, however the support system in the Philippines sucks. We can collectively speak out and make a change. Anybody willing to organize this?

i think nikon japan is the problem. from what i know the last time nikonians had a talk with people from columbia but the support nikon is giving the local distributor is very minimal coz the stocks that arrive in the philippines is actually stocks for nikon singapore. i dont think there is enough demand here for japan to put up a local nikon subsidiary. not like canon which they get their stuff direct from japan because there is a local subsidiary.

I don't believe that. I believe Columbia has always been the problem. Their business practice is to get exclusive distributorship, do a lock in, and earn the benefits. They've had Nikon for 30 years or more and they did nothing.,


Canon's service was also very bad in the early years under SuperEast Asia, till Canon Phils was established. Now, there is a system and speed to market and adverticing and promos are in abundance.


Also consider these facts:

- You can find Canon brochures, hand outs, posters, etc, even books, bags, etc. When was the last time Nikon had one?

- Under Axis Global, you can find brochures, hand-outs, etc. now of Olympus products. But did you see the same effort in marketing when Columbia was solely handling it?

- Under Axis Global, Olympus products became affordable. Support was easier and fast. Not so when Columbia was handling it.

- Under Axis Global, Olympus products never saw the light of day in malls, or in other stores. They never offered incentives to stall owners/sellers.

- Under Axis Global, Olympus products became widespread, in prices that is competitive, etc. Not under Columbia. They even help sponsored a recent eyeball of a small band of Oly users. Try and see if Columbia will spend money for that!

- Unde Axis Global, Olympus products grew and flourished. And to think that Axis Globa is NOT a photo company. It is a multiproduct company primarily into computers and similar stuff!

- Under Columbia, for a brief period, I hardly saw any effort to push for Minolta products whether in ads, brochures, etc. The same treatment regardless of the company it represents.

- Under Columbia, when the D70 came out, there were so many problems that they never resolved that you can see D70s being sold by their owners after 1-2 months of introduction because Columbia coudn't fix it.

- To this date, early models would still hang, be returned and gone for 2 months for "repairs" and still hang just after 2 hours from getting it from them. I am a personal witness to these problems.

- And there are more horror stories that simply cannot be ignored and be considered isolated cases. And this is not 2nd hand or gossip. I heard it from the people who owned the cameras. People I don't even know.

But more importantly:

- How Can a single company represent the BEST interest of a camera company or product when it is the sole distributor of 3 competing brands (Nikon, Olympus, Minolta)? And when that same company practices virtually very little service and support except selling the product and holding on to the legal rights of "sole distributorship?"

Yes, Nikon folks should band together and NOT accept his type of abuse. Sure Nikon dslrs now are more stable, but what kind of support does the company do? And right now, there is a benchmark to compare what a good forward thinking, people-service oriented company running in the 21st century should be. Columbia's performance is abysmal, to say it mildly if compared to Axis Global, or Canon, or even Sony. And to some even some of these companies are also lagging.

Columbia, Photokina and their likes still live in the Middle Ages in customer care. Ask your self why there is no Tokina or Tamron support in this country. Ask yourself WHO holds the exclusive distirutorship of these brands. And how long have they held it and why is there no presence or effort to promote them.

And no, having a small market is no excuse. If you take on the mantle of exclusive distirbutorship, then it is also your task to develop and aggresively market the products you represent. You just don't sit on your behind. You can't claim nikon Japan is not doing its part. Axis Global, and even the lowly vendor at Hidalgo can give you better support, why not Columbia? Henry's supported me with my Tamron lense and had it calibrated and returend in 3 weeks. Try that kind of service if it were Columbia!


Columbia's performance is no excuse and comparing it to the glaring better performance of its competitors, is simply unacceptable. And mind you, Nikon is a popular brand and a great brand with great products. It is simply a failure of Columbia because its business practice is poor, except if it just wants to sell you stuff. After that....

I won't miss Columbia for losing Olympus or Nikon. I'm glad too that KM is bought by Sony. That takes them off their hands too! In fact, it's good for these companies are now handled or will be handled by others (hopefully not by the same people who worked for Columbia though). Yes, there will be horror stories on support or products failing and bad service from others. But never in the same magnitude or consistency that Columbia has shown thru the years.

It is just fine that the last vestiges of any camera company is not held by Columbia. When a company becomes arrogant and insensitive, in these times of IT, the Internet, and very, very stiff competition from very hungry and desperate camera makers where analogue is dying if not dead, then Columbia is not just a liability to us consumers, but also to the companies they represent.

Columbia as a photo company will not be missed.

And trust me, you won't too.


-Mel

:( reading this thread makes me feel like reading an article from the now defunct "www.themassif.com" i don't know if you guys are familiar with this site. i discovered the massif on its last few weeks of being online. anyway, all i know is and as far as i know is it's a site/blog for nikon loyals here in manila. they had a series of talks with columbia people to air their concerns for services, warranties and etc. they even had a sort of signature campaign (i signed up) to be sent to nikon japan to ask for a nikon support here in the philippines. but then after the website went down, kaput. no more feedbacks. :( any of you guys familiar with the massif?

Columbia still lives in their glory days when photography supplies was rare in the Philppines. If there service was poor then, they'd tell you tough luck and everyone had to swallow it because there was no choice. They still believe they can get away with that service in the twenty first century. I hope they keep it up because one day they will lose their Nikon brand and everyone in this country would be happy.

Rather than bitch on this forum and try to get people together to raise a complaint, I say hit them where it hurts; in their wallet. How? Don't buy any Nikon items from Columbia period. Lets see how long they can keep up the attitude.

Dont they also overprice their stuff? A d70s from Columbia goes for 70+K

This is not good news... I never realized that Nikon users have been swallowing this kind of treatment everytime those products need repair. I bet the Nikon users dread that chance when their/your gear haults.

It seems that a lot of groups have tried to initiate some change or to put a stop to the agony. Howcome there is no success to this date?

This is significant enough for Nikon lovers to use other brands anyway, for convenience.

Frustrating isn't it? We can do nothing. If only DTi will hear us.

To stop buying from them is not enough. Their distributors should also stop. Do you know that they do not support their distributors? One case is the Nikon D200. They were selling it for 105K while Mayers which is their distributor sells it for 95K only. You know what they did? They held the supply to anybody and took the salesmanship themselves so they can get away with 105K SRP. Isn't that being greedy?

A service charge of 4,000.00K? Hello? As if their technicians are graduate from top schools of engineering and was trained at NASA!

I had my Nikon D70 repaired. Brought it in December 2005, a week before Christmas. I accepted the two months turn around, just fix my camera. If I did not became hysterical, they wouldn't fix it.. and you know how long they fixed it? 3 DAYS!!!


The story:

The problem of my camera was the AF coupler (it's a piece of metal, more than half an inch long, it is used to AF non AF-S lenes). Due to my carelessness, it got damaged.

So I followed up early February 2006, I wanted to make it to the Hot Air event at clark. But they said the camera isn't ready yet because the part hasn't arrived yet. So okay. comes March... I called again... the excuse was the Technician assigned was on leave. (Good thing with doctors, one can substitute if the one is sick or at least recommend and endorse you to another one)... So I followed up after a week then fortunately, I was able to talk with Alvin... he is now assigned to me for my future problem, according to them. Yeah right! To my surprise... Alvin answered me with "Ano po ba ang sira?" (What is wrong with your camera?)... shucks! I think I really turned RED. I started to loose it. To cut it short, I gave them hell. I traced their flow and learned more things that almost had me charge to their office that day. Different excuses like, the order was not made after all, actually, every step of the way is flawed. They would not even get me their manager. After so many heated discussion with them, they gave me the manager. I do not know if it's really him. He just commited that they will service my camera with in a week. They did it in 3 days.

I really wish we can do something that will make them hear us. Make them realize that they get their income from us.

We can actually lodge a mass action against them, and file it with DTI. take a look at this page from the DTI site: http://www.dti.gov.ph/contentment/78/82/370.jsp

It won't cost us anything to file a consumer complaint. Maybe an online signup sheet will suffice?

all the best to us darksiders ;)

I don't know if this is feasible, but what if the same online sign-up sheet was also submitted to Nikon (maybe Nikon does not know how bad the service is here)? Maybe they'd realize that the service here in the country needs a lot of improvement-- and that it would kill their product if handled the same way.

I think we as nikon users should all join this action so nikon japan will take notice of the bad service being given by their official distributor and maybe they will take corrective actions. If not then do what most other people are doing and purchase from either grey market sources or buy in HK at least with the money you save you will have enough money for repairs evenif you have to send it abroad.


just my 2 cnets.

This is sad news. I had a similar exprience when I had one of my lenses cleaned. Although the pics I took with it was ok, inside the lens, I could see some fungus buildup. So I brought it to Columbia to have it cleaned. I wasn't in a hurry so after two weeks, I got it and found liquid residue and some scratches on the glass. Naturally I complained and had it returned to them.

After another two weeks or so they said it was not finished yet. So I called them up the next working day and demanded an explanation. They told me that they had removed the residue and fungus but at the price of abrading the glass. Their explanation was that the fungus was stubbornly stuck on the side of the lens, they had to literally scrape it off! Although the technician assured me that the scratches won't affect my picture, my heart literally sunk in dismay.

So in the end I agreed to pull it out once they got it back together. They eventually finished it another two to three weeks later. :(

This is sad news. I had a similar exprience when I had one of my lenses cleaned. Although the pics I took with it was ok, inside the lens, I could see some fungus buildup. So I brought it to Columbia to have it cleaned. I wasn't in a hurry so after two weeks, I got it and found liquid residue and some scratches on the glass. Naturally I complained and had it returned to them.

After another two weeks or so they said it was not finished yet. So I called them up the next working day and demanded an explanation. They told me that they had removed the residue and fungus but at the price of abrading the glass. Their explanation was that the fungus was stubbornly stuck on the side of the lens, they had to literally scrape it off! Although the technician assured me that the scratches won't affect my picture, my heart literally sunk in dismay.

So in the end I agreed to pull it out once they got it back together. They eventually finished it another two to three weeks later. :(

Were your pics still ok even after the lens abrading?

They seemed ok. But I'm psychologically scarred :) Maybe just a bit twitchy knowing that my lens is abraded.

They seemed ok. But I'm psychologically scarred :) Maybe just a bit twitchy knowing that my lens is abraded.

good for you Ian:)

good for you Ian:)

I just hope that Nikon service here improves. I am a nikonian at heart but it does make one think of the better after sales service offered by C..... ;)

Columbia still lives in their glory days when photography supplies was rare in the Philppines. If there service was poor then, they'd tell you tough luck and everyone had to swallow it because there was no choice. They still believe they can get away with that service in the twenty first century. I hope they keep it up because one day they will lose their Nikon brand and everyone in this country would be happy.

Rather than bitch on this forum and try to get people together to raise a complaint, I say hit them where it hurts; in their wallet. How? Don't buy any Nikon items from Columbia period. Lets see how long they can keep up the attitude.


Gabriel,

I've read, and heard as early as 3-4 years ago, this effort to talk, to report to Nikon Japan. Looking at what has happened the past 2 years, nothing has changed.

When I got my 300d about 3.5 years ago, I switched. And I vowed to myself, that NEVER will I buy Nikon products from Columbia. I've had enough. This has been happening for over 20 years. This is not new! This crappy service and support and pricing has been that way for that long!:Angry:

Going on 4 years on dslr, I am glad I switched. My friends, and I know how the service on dslrs are with Canon. Prices were ok. repairs ok. Not cheap, but not outrageous like Columbia! I have had my 300d shutter button fail and they texted me of the progress and how much. My friend's 300d shutter failed after 62,000 actuations and he had it fixed for about P6k. Romy Ocon's 1d mk2 shutter failed after 11k, past warranty, and Canon Phils replaced it for free. I can go on and on with Canon stories on pros and semi-pros whose units got repaired with no untoward incident and didn't last 2-3 months and then you have to bring it back because it failed after a few days or a month.

But I can tell you lots of horror stories with nikon. And mind you, these are from people I don't know or have met only at the store.

I can't help it. You wait for your prints, and a guy beside you complains of his d70 to his friend. Go to the yearly exhibit at Glorietta, and you overhear guys talking of his d70 still with columbia after 2 months. I go to Myers or some comera shop to buy some mini-DV tapes, and you see a guy who just got his d70 out after 2 months and just 2 hours after he got it, it is freezing up again. I buy some CF or batteries in one, Frank pulls me over to ask why the new d70 out of the box has it's top lcd lighted up and the camera doesn't take pictures, in front of a buyer. I could go on and on. I haven't talked about color correction problems, etc. etc.

Now, granting there was a bad batch, it is supposed to be the responsibility of Columbia to recall or to repair, or replace the units. Canon had it's debacle with the AF of the 10d (that's why I will never buy a 10d even if it's just P10k). But it never got blown off here in the RP. Why? Because Canon Phils, handled that well and quietly.

This is not about Nikon vs Canon. This is not w/c is a better camera. This is about the local distributorship doing its job, being responsible, and supporting their customer base.

If Olympus only didn't have such a higher ISO noise, I would have switched to them. But it's hard to switch now with all my Canon glass and accessories. But I would have been nice if Axis Global was holding it 3 years ago. But it was Columbia who is in charge 3 years ago. They overpriced the E1, and no support. And with my past experience with Columbia, no way! If I were starting with my dslr again, I'd considered Olympus, only because it is no longer handled by Columbia. I've had good experience with support with Axis Global with my ECS desknote and c-750 and my friend's p&s cameras. Like Canon, they follow up your special orders (water housing for example) via text, or other items not in their official list.


So, what to do with Nikon?

I don't know. Maybe the new company that is being put up or is up will change that. As for me, I won't buy anything Nikon as long as Columbia is holding the rights to Nikon.

Too extreme? Maybe. But maybe I am just a sole individual who is sourgraping. But I don't own a nikon gear except for my old Ai-S lenses and F3! And they haven't broken down since!

What I know is that I chose wisely 3.5 years ago. And because I did, I do not have the headaches of the others who have problems with Nikon. I did the choice based on the fact, that if I have to go pro or semi-pro, I cannot have a vendor that will leave me hanging.

Is the service of Canon Phils ok? Personally, and to my friends who did experience their service, YES. Maybe it's never perfect, but I am no big time shooter. But my stuff got fixed and my old 50-200L got cleaned ok.

Look, I'm not saying you guys should switch. But something has got to be done. If you ask me, the only thing that keeps Nikon here going is the good experience we all have with the product and the name Nikon, especially the old cameras. But we are now in a digital world where every 18 months there is a new dslr. And every year there is a new p&s. Something is about to break and when that happens, can you trust your vendor/distributor to back you up? Mind you, these dslrs are not the FM2s or FE2s or F3/F4s of old. And because we don't use film anymore, we tend to shoot more. My 25 yr old F3 probably has yet to reach 20,000 actuations. But my 300d, before I sold it has about 30,000 already. I'm not even counting my d60. And I've had these cameras less than 4 years!

If I were an amateur only with light shooting, maybe not. But as a semi-pro. Well, I just don't choose my cameras. I also choose those vendors and suppliers who will back me up when the chips are down. I cannot put my trust and faith with Columbia.



-Mel

changed the title: Nikon Local Distributor Problems

Yes I totally agree columbia sucks but nikon does not. I never had any of my cameras serviced by these nincompoofs.......my D70 is still in tip top condition if ever I will have it serviced somehwere else maybe Singapore or Thailand. Well all my MF cameras ; FM2N, FM3a chrome, FM3a black and F3HP and a seizable MF lens inventory is still my main gear and if ever I need service I just bring it to R. Hidalgo kay Ogie of Acel.

Ouch... I never realized that the service of Nikon here was really this bad... Luckily I get my equipment serviced in Nikon (Japan) c/o my Father-in-law.

Yes I totally agree columbia sucks but nikon does not. I never had any of my cameras serviced by these nincompoofs.......my D70 is still in tip top condition if ever I will have it serviced somehwere else maybe Singapore or Thailand. Well all my MF cameras ; FM2N, FM3a chrome, FM3a black and F3HP and a seizable MF lens inventory is still my main gear and if ever I need service I just bring it to R. Hidalgo kay Ogie of Acel.

i would totally agree with you gil. nikon makes fantastic cameras. but the local tech support is just a headache.

:( reading this thread makes me feel like reading an article from the now defunct "www.themassif.com" i don't know if you guys are familiar with this site. i discovered the massif on its last few weeks of being online. anyway, all i know is and as far as i know is it's a site/blog for nikon loyals here in manila. they had a series of talks with columbia people to air their concerns for services, warranties and etc. they even had a sort of signature campaign (i signed up) to be sent to nikon japan to ask for a nikon support here in the philippines. but then after the website went down, kaput. no more feedbacks. :( any of you guys familiar with the massif?

I recall that a Dave Deluria was running the site...if I am not mistaken...and he may be the same Dave Deluria who is a member here...He might be able to help..

Ooooh... I saw my name in vain (he he he)... correct Last name, wrong first name. That epic tale belongs to my younger brother TAJ and Nikonian.

I use Canon but not because of the tale, but because I have used Canon since my teens (way before he even picked up a camera).

Hi Guys,

This comment is not mine but from an authorized Nikon Dealer in Hidalgo. He said that the reason why Columbia does not provide good after sales support is that most of the complaints are due to mishandling of the equipment by the owner and not a factory defect. In some way, I agree because my Nikon D70 is almost 2 years old and never had a problem even when the EN-EL2 battery was recalled. I was glad and happy that Columbia replaced it wih a new Nikon EN-EL3e battery that I can also use for the Nikon D200. It has better life span and my camera seems to perform better when I'm shooting on continuous or sports mode.

Going back to the After-Sales Service, there is a big difference between local and international warranty. Units purchase abroad carry with it international warranty only for the service but when it comes to the parts to be replaced, the country of origin and purchase is the one liable for that. Cameras bought locally can be serviced by Columbia, it's just that you have to call first before you go there and try to check their work load so that you will not be disappointed waiting. I waited for 2 hours just for a battery replacement and complained to the Manager, she apologized and promised that the matter will be reported to Management and rectified in the future to maintain brand loyalty.

Dealers in Hidalgo can send the equipment either to Singapore or Japan for repairs but you have to shoulder the cost of shipping and handling. Nikon is a good brand and Columbia needs to improve its service. I used to be a Canon user and believe that Nikon has better after-sales support and service inspite of the shortcomings of the local distributor and service center represented by Columbia Photo.

This comment is not mine but from an authorized Nikon Dealer in Hidalgo. He said that the reason why Columbia does not provide good after sales support is that most of the complaints are due to mishandling of the equipment by the owner and not a factory defect.


Huh? What a logic! GOOD AFTER SALES SUPPORT is their obligation. Have we forgotten our rights as a consumer? No matter how we hadle our stuff, we have paid for it in full and in good faith. We do not ask for them to give this support for FREE! We ask for the support to be available and reasonably priced. WE are willing to pay, actually, we have no choice but to pay... what hurts is that they are playing us for a fool, and we have to pay more than what is really needed.

My first digital camera was an Olympus C-750. It was from them, it cost 24K. I have paid them my hard earned money, two weeks later, fungus was in the lens... I ask for a SUPPORT, I was told that I have to pay 8K for the part replacement and have to wait until further notice. Good thing was that I visited Axis Global's site and found out that they were also handling Olympus. I got the camera repaired for 3,500.00, parts and labor. Most of all, the camera was ready after a week.



I waited for 2 hours just for a battery replacement and complained to the Manager, she apologized and promised that the matter will be reported to Management and rectified in the future to maintain brand loyalty.


Did you actually beleived the management heard about this? If so, you have been played for a fool too. I pity you and I pity us.

In consolation for you, I think you are really one of the few and the brave. :D

It's really a pity why we nikon users are subjected to poor after sales service. I have been a loyal nikonian since I started photography 20+ years back but the new digital technology now is something that really has to be supported as not all service shops will be able to handle it not considering the proprietary tools & equipment needed to do adjustments. Before, the nikon cameras are built like tanks specially the F series pro models and the only service you may need is Clean Adjust and Lube (CLA) which many shops are able to handle. My F3 is stil in top condition after 15 years in service.....I agree that handling is very important but digital is different...problems may crop up without warning, you must see some of the horror stories in some sites.....like DSLR going dead, lens breaking apart, etc. without a good service support people may tend to go to another brand but most of us nikonians have already heavy investments in lens so turning back is not an immediate possibility. So we are hostage and left without recourse.....wait until Fuji comes out with an S4 or S whatever ,one that has big buffer and not a slow as the S3....I might seriously consider that. I heard they will annoiunce something in the coming Photokina show in Germany. I just don't know how their service is but that should teach columbia a lesson .....

Hi Rolando,

Thanks for your input. I'm been in the service industry for quite some time and I did make sure that management heard about this because I threatened them. Same incident happened at Sigma, a customer was given the talk to this and that and when they were told that the incident will be reported to Japan, they had no choice but to attend to the problem locally. My mentors advised me to buy equipment at Hidalgo instead of Columbia because they have good after sales support. I'd rather be called one of the few and the brave rather than being Canonized and brain-washed by a marketing person to buy something that I don't need.
Good to know that you are resourceful and willing to pay for the parts, the dealer told me that Columbia had this "It's not my problem attitude" because many go to their office expecting a free service for mishandled equipment and many cameras were either bought abroad or from the grey market.

Huh? What a logic! GOOD AFTER SALES SUPPORT is their obligation. Have we forgotten our rights as a consumer? No matter how we hadle our stuff, we have paid for it in full and in good faith. We do not ask for them to give this support for FREE! We ask for the support to be available and reasonably priced. WE are willing to pay, actually, we have no choice but to pay... what hurts is that they are playing us for a fool, and we have to pay more than what is really needed.

My first digital camera was an Olympus C-750. It was from them, it cost 24K. I have paid them my hard earned money, two weeks later, fungus was in the lens... I ask for a SUPPORT, I was told that I have to pay 8K for the part replacement and have to wait until further notice. Good thing was that I visited Axis Global's site and found out that they were also handling Olympus. I got the camera repaired for 3,500.00, parts and labor. Most of all, the camera was ready after a week.






Now, you know why likely Columbia lost the exclusive distributorship of Olympus. And that is to the advantage of Oly users. I have had very, very good dealings with Axisglobal. And you ask the indie camera vendors at Hidalgo, and they will tell you they lilke Axisglobal too.


Here's another story that happened to me. When I was in one of the labs, about 2 years ago, waiting for my prints, a couple of old timers came in to have their negs developed and printed. The other pros there knew them. I also recognized them, even if I don't know them by name. And you know by the way they moved that they have been at it for some time.

As we waited for our prints, their talk moved around to one of the elder photog's exotic and expensive Nikon lens (a 200 f1.8 or something, not sure, but it's an expensive one). He said, that it got damaged and after 2 months, Columbia hasn't fixed it. He had to call someone from the inside whom he knew and after a week or 2 he was told they have to ship it to Japan and if he is willing to pay the cost. There was no parts for the damaged lens. 2 months and 2 weeks, and one phone call to a manager to determine that the lens cannot be fixed and had to be sent to Japan?

Now, here is a known person amongst the photo world at Hidalgo, with lots of contacts, also getting the run-around. :RedEye: Can you imagine how a newbie will be treated?



Did you actually beleived the management heard about this? If so, you have been played for a fool too. I pity you and I pity us.

In consolation for you, I think you are really one of the few and the brave. :D

Also, as to the d70 story I related in earlier posts. These were the d70 when the d70 was introduced. I mentioned how many d70's in the market as used only after 2-3 months of its sale. And these stories is when the D70S has yet to replace it. So, these are not warranty expired cameras or cameras turned in after heavy use. These were literally brand new units. I think Eric's sources were just trying to soften the issue. Again, putting the blame on the consumers instead of themselves.

I re-iterate again the same thing I wrote before. There is now a benchmark of what good customer support is. AxisGlobal is one, and to an extent Canon Phils. Columbia cannot put the finger on others anymore. There is a comparison now by which a 21st company should behave, service, and compete. There is very little excuse by their performance by today's standard.

-Mel

Maybe Eric is right. Maybe it's not just Columbia. Read these threads at dpreview. Here's an excerpt from one poster:

" Not only did we have to send bodies and lenses for multiple fixes, they lost one body for 6 months and an 80-200 for 3 months. Only to turn around and charge us full price for repairs. When I told the the repair person that the recent repairs would weigh on our decision to switch, we got the "go ahead and switch" also. This was a mere 14 months ago and I doubt much has changed.


" As for the rep., I suspect he didn't put up a fight since he probably lost too many people to the 1D mark 2 with 2x the mp and only $500 more. Then again, this was someone who was part of a crew that earlier told other colleagues of mine that the D2h was "The best pj camera out there, you guys just aren't using it right" during a show you how to really use it session. He was never able to make ISO 1600 and 3200 look decent even with the tweaks. Anyway, we switched and we are not looking back. Canon Pro services gets it, we have not had any lost items or multi repairs yet, knock on wood."

So9und's like Columbia, doesn't it?:Mad:


This is the original thread that started it all:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1032&message=19617862


Please do not focus on the w/c brand is better, but on customer support.


-Mel

i just had a chat with one of the owners of columbia global, apparently they are spliting the company apart. from what ive gathered they apparently do not have the wholehearted support of nikon japan. makes sense, boils down to simple economies of scale.

They have been like this from the very start... why did they still took the sole dealership of the brand for crying out loud?

But I am not new to this, the same excuses since my very first purchase from them (Olympus C-750). But they did not told me that they do not have wholehearted support from Olympus Japan. :D

i just had a chat with one of the owners of columbia global, apparently they are spliting the company apart. from what ive gathered they apparently do not have the wholehearted support of nikon japan. makes sense, boils down to simple economies of scale.

They have been like this from the very start... why did they still took the sole dealership of the brand for crying out loud?

But I am not new to this, the same excuses since my very first purchase from them (Olympus C-750). But they did not told me that they do not have wholehearted support from Olympus Japan. :D

they are shifting their alliances to canon. another splinter company will handle nikon

Hi Guys,

I don't think that Columbia does not have the full support of Nikon Japan because there is Quality Control for Japanese Companies. What I heard from the Dealers in Hidalgo is that Columbia does not have enough technicians to handle the damaged equipment and it does cost money to send someone abroad to be trained by the Main Office. If ever there will be a new partner that will handle Nikon, I am just hoping that they have better After Sales Service. Look at what happened to Chowking, when the former owners sold it to Jollibee, food and service was improved. Let's just hope for the best.

Dear Nikon Users,

Columbia Global has now been dissolved. Columbia Global was once a corporation run by 2 families. These 2 families had friction ever since the beginning... in the end they did not get along with each other thus the corp. was dissolved.

Now a new company has been formed... Columbia Digital Sales Co. Under Benito Tan's (original founder of Nikon Philippines) and my leadership, I promise you all Nikonians that I will improve service here in the Philippines.

Please kindly enumerate and simplify all the changes you and I will implement them ASAP.

Note: Nikon HK has never failed to support Columbia Global in the past. It was the neglection of the previous service manager that lead to all this. Nikon HK guaranteed to support me 100% to improve Nikon service in the Philippines.

Please have confidence in Columbia Digital Sales Co.

Many thanks mga kapatid.

I would also like to apologize for everything that transpired.

Boogie Man,

Hi! Is this your real name? Anyway, thanks for shedding light on this matter. I've been waiting for someone to clarify this since it is difficult to prove something if I am just alone. A lot of Nikonians have been disappointed even the loyal supporters. I'm sure that the original owner is sincere in correcting the mistakes done in the past. In business, this is called "Service Recovery Program".

This is what we should do, identify the problem then have altenative courses of action. You have my full support. Even if I bought my equipment in Hidalgo, Columbia has not failed me except once when they made me wait for 2 hours for a battery replacement but it was worth it since they have upgraded my EN-EL2 to EN-EL3e for free which can also be used for the Nikon D200 aside from my D70. My D70 has been performing well since I received the original upgraded battery from Japan . I am now only using my other EN-EL2 as back-up. May the Force be with you. Nikon Rules.

i'm more than willing to give your new company the benefit of the doubt. :) we'll buy more nikon stuff if you can take care of us :)

cheers!

Now a new company has been formed... Columbia Digital Sales Co. Under Benito Tan's (original founder of Nikon Philippines) and my leadership, I promise you all Nikonians that I will improve service here in the Philippines.

Please kindly enumerate and simplify all the changes you and I will implement them ASAP.

Have something here similar to NikonPro... We need fast professional service, specially for those who pay premium to buy professional equipment right. :)

Boogie Man,

I agree with Earl. Fuji film in the United States also has a membership program for Professionals. Fuji Film-YKL here in the Philippines also has a local Pro Card or Discount Card. Hope you can come up with a similar program both for professionals and hobbyists. There are however certain parameters and requirements to be met in order to shoulder any overhead cost on your part. If the supplier doesn't take care of its customers, someone else will take care of them like the other side. There are some Nikonians who already crossed the other side of the border. This is a good opportunity to have repeat business and get referrals from loyal clients. Good Luck and Best Wishes. This will give "C" a run for its money and better service to the end-users through healthy competition.

Note: Nikon HK has never failed to support Columbia Global in the past. It was the neglection of the previous service manager that lead to all this. Nikon HK guaranteed to support me 100% to improve Nikon service in the Philippines.

Please have confidence in Columbia Digital Sales Co.

Many thanks mga kapatid.

Sir,

I'm really looking forward to this. This is as good a time as any to turn a new leaf. :)

Go Nikon!

might i also suggest to have a decent supply or at the very least an organized system of providing a supply of lenses and other equipment. take the much sought after 50mm 1.8 for example, it hasn't been able for the longest time. it would be a shame if you lose business not because people didn't want to buy but because they wanted to but there was no supply. on multiple occasions i've had to contend with this, and as a result, i've had to find alternate channels. mind you the lenses need not be on stock all the time (stock costs money), but at the very least, maybe there would be a possibility of placing an order and not having to wait forever to get your order (assuming global supply constraints don't come into play).

Hey, Eric.

I like your title "The Empire Strikes Back".

Adds a great touch to it since Nikon users have been regarded as "The Dark Side". :)

Notice that you are the only person on this forum who continues to use an alias or tag name? Its because only REAL first and last names are allowed as part of our rules. So as a benefit to all our members, we appreciate if you can post us your real name so they know who they are communicating with.

Anderson Cho Tan :)

I think it would be better if we organize a mini EB in my office to further discuss these matters. What do you all say? Sept 6, 7 or 8 I'll be free 1PM onwards.

Address is the dreaded 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC (Death Star). Hopefully it will become a safe haven for all you fellow photographers and hobbyists.

Anderson Cho Tan :)

I think it would be better if we organize a mini EB in my office to further discuss these matters. What do you all say? Sept 6, 7 or 8 I'll be free 1PM onwards.

Smashing... Anderson! More power! :) Change Nikon here. :)

Address is the dreaded 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC (Death Star). Hopefully it will become a safe haven for all you fellow photographers and hobbyists.

Who's joining this EB?

Anderson can you confirm the other threads saying that columbia is selling nikon lenses at up to 40% off? if so can you email me a pricelist? please :)

By the time you get a pricelist, your too late. Early bird gets the worm.

A friend already mentioned that it's all gone.

Anderson can you confirm the other threads saying that columbia is selling nikon lenses at up to 40% off? if so can you email me a pricelist? please :)

:) Vince, I guess it's better if we just ask them to reconstitute the "sale" if the situation resolves...

This is a positive step for us Nikon users to get the customer support we deserve. I understand it won't happen instantly but I can always wish! I'm game for that EB. September 8 is a Friday and it might be easier for people to attend after work. What do you guys think? Anderson, would you care to post an agenda for the EB so we know what to look forward to? Thanks!

September 8 Nikon EB at 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC
1. TJ Parpan

September 8 Nikon EB at 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC
1. TJ Parpan
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin:

Dear Nikon Users,

Columbia Global has now been dissolved. Columbia Global was once a corporation run by 2 families. These 2 families had friction ever since the beginning... in the end they did not get along with each other thus the corp. was dissolved. Gilbert Tan was in charge of Nikon camera repair and spare parts in the past. He did not do a good job at it. Thus all this frustration, grievances, anger occured from ALL Nikon users in the Philippines.

Now a new company has been formed... Columbia Digital Sales Co. Under Benito Tan's (original founder of Nikon Philippines) and my leadership, I promise you all Nikonians that I will improve service here in the Philippines.

Please kindly enumerate and simplify all the changes you and I will implement them ASAP.

Anderson, Eric Dino's post #15 on this thread (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?p=13920&posted=1#post13920) mentions the following:

"Hi Guys, here are the Pros and Cons of buying stuff on Sale:
Data gathered is from Columbia Digital Sales Philippines and Nikon Japan.

1. All lens and cameras even batteries bought with the warranty that says Columbia Global - without the imprint of Digital Sales will not be recognized and serviced by Columbia Digital Sales. Said warranty card is now null and void. "

Care to shed light on this point? I purchased my D200 from Columbia in January of this year. Is the warranty indeed null and void? What is the "imprint of Digital Sales" all about?

Anderson, Eric Dino's post #15 on this thread (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?p=13920&posted=1#post13920) mentions the following:

"Hi Guys, here are the Pros and Cons of buying stuff on Sale:
Data gathered is from Columbia Digital Sales Philippines and Nikon Japan.

1. All lens and cameras even batteries bought with the warranty that says Columbia Global - without the imprint of Digital Sales will not be recognized and serviced by Columbia Digital Sales. Said warranty card is now null and void. "

Care to shed light on this point? I purchased my D200 from Columbia in January of this year. Is the warranty indeed null and void? What is the "imprint of Digital Sales" all about?

:Thinking: There are too many grey points to what's suppose to be something in black and white here... Luckily I get all my stuff abroad, but it's still a pain to think about it since, one needs to source out (far) just to get the service one deserves... And apparently even the term service here in the Philippines needs to be redefined and posted as a clear white paper to most relevant centers. :D

Anderson can you confirm the other threads saying that columbia is selling nikon lenses at up to 40% off? if so can you email me a pricelist? please :)

Yes we still have an on going sale and it's 50% off on some lenses. There are still some stocks left. I'll hold them off for the EB on Sept. 8

Tuloy tayo on Sept 8. I'll be free from 1-5PM only. I won't be available sa evening. OK ba to sa inyo?

Anderson, Eric Dino's post #15 on this thread (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?p=13920&posted=1#post13920) mentions the following:

"Hi Guys, here are the Pros and Cons of buying stuff on Sale:
Data gathered is from Columbia Digital Sales Philippines and Nikon Japan.

1. All lens and cameras even batteries bought with the warranty that says Columbia Global - without the imprint of Digital Sales will not be recognized and serviced by Columbia Digital Sales. Said warranty card is now null and void. "

Care to shed light on this point? I purchased my D200 from Columbia in January of this year. Is the warranty indeed null and void? What is the "imprint of Digital Sales" all about?

All Nikon equipment bought under Columbia Global and Digital have warranty. But if you buy from Columbia Enterprises. This is without warranty.

Agenda of Meeting:
1. How to improve sales of Nikon
2. How to improve service of Nikon in the Philippines
3. How to keep customers happy

Agenda of Meeting:
1. How to improve sales of Nikon
2. How to improve service of Nikon in the Philippines
3. How to keep customers happy

Anderson is in the house everyone... Now you heard it straight from the man himself. :)

that is very comforting news for all nikon users:)

hi anderson,

thanks for your e mail to me today. unfortunately, my reply was bouncing. will try again tomorrow.

i truly appreciate your efforts on this and hope that all will be resolved for the betterment of the brand and its service.

Hi Guys,

Count me in on the scheduled EB at Columbia Digital Sales Co. Main Office (aka Death Star).

TJ

Sorry for the late reply. Andrson said it right. All units purchased from Columbia Global are still covered by the warranty card issued to them. The units not covered are the ones sold by Columbia Enterprises. They don't have the stamp of Digital Sales after Columbia Global. This can also be traced by the serial numbers and date of purchase. The blacklisted items are the units sold on sale by Columbia Enterprises recently or from other dealers selling units supplied by Columbia Enterprises. No need to worry, you are still covered by the warranty for your Nikon D200. Your serial number is registered on the Death Star Database. Units purchased from the other planet are the ones not covered.

Anderson,

As part of your service recovery program and service-quality enhancement, it would be nice to have a Fellowship Type EB with cocktails and snacks (hopefully catered) in order to foster a friendly atmosphere and comaraderie among Nikonians. It would also be the perfect time to sell some of the last remaining items on sale so that you will have a fresh new start on business with a new inventory for the tentative launch of the Nikon D2Xs and D80 hopefully by next month. What do you think? You don't have to spend that much, there are only a few Nikonians here in the Philippines.

Sorry for the late reply. Andrson said it right. All units purchased from Columbia Global are still covered by the warranty card issued to them. The units not covered are the ones sold by Columbia Enterprises. They don't have the stamp of Digital Sales after Columbia Global. This can also be traced by the serial numbers and date of purchase. The blacklisted items are the units sold on sale by Columbia Enterprises recently or from other dealers selling units supplied by Columbia Enterprises. No need to worry, you are still covered by the warranty for your Nikon D200. Your serial number is registered on the Death Star Database. Units purchased from the other planet are the ones not covered.


I'm sorry, I'd rather hear it straight from Mr. Tan since it's he who is the definitive authority to answer.

Rolando started the thread and I don't want anybody else taking credit for getting this far to getting an official response so please don't assume to know everything and let the man speak for himself.

I apologize for my rudeness.

Dave,

You were not only rude but judgemental. First of all, I am not taking credit for anything or presuming to know everything. I am just helping people who want to go to the nearest dealer and buy stuff without knowing the pros and cons. You don't know me that well to judge me. As what I have said to Rolly, I am just referring the information I gathered from Columbia Digital Sales. You are free to believe or not but coming from a Canon-user like yourself. I will first verify everything you said. I don't trust a Canonite like you. You are on our turf so be careful of what you say unless you want to prove to me that you are in an authority through a shootout in total darkness with a moving subject. Tu eres Barbaridad. Just because you are a moderator in another forum does not give you any right to judge me. You are the one presuming to know everything because you attack me without knowing my intention.

Oh grow up.

I don't give a hoot if you verified your so-called facts. I wanted the man to speak and not you to speak for them. Unless you own Columbia, your word is hearsay and no amount of name dropping is gonna change my opinion on the validity of your claims unless it's from a authority. So clam up and pray these posts get erased by morning by the mods because people are really gonna know what a insecure and immature "poser" that you really are.

If you even did bother to google me, you'd find out that it was my brother first took up the fight to alert Nikon Japan of the problems here brought upon by Columbia waaaaay back before you probably had a camera junior!

I even asked a PRO who I know you respect to reply to your stupid Prime Zoom Lens argument that only the WPP seems to recognize and you couldn't fight him when he politely shot you down!

So you don't like being insulted... well so did the others you shot down in DPP. If you can't take it, don't dish it.

Dave,

Inspite of the accusations you threw at me, I will not waste my time arguing with you. Look at TJ, he did not even attacked me. What he did was to verify the information I got from Columbia this afternoon. That is the protocol you should do before you judge anyone. What's wrong in advising people to be careful regarding their purchases? I simply clarified with the main supplier the notice of sale that you posted and found out the reason why they are having an inventory sale. It's a free country, you can have your own opinion but make sure it is complete and supported by facts.

In this forum, using foul language is also not allowed. You are the one who presumes to know everything and quite arrogant by calling my syllogism stupid. You even looked down at WPPP. I know Ken personally. The things I mentioned regarding the prime-zoom lens was a marketing term and verified by him. Why would I even fight with Ken Go? He hasn't done me anything wrong. Ken is polite because he has breeding and a professional who knows what to say properly without offending anyone. It's called "Finesse" FYI.

Are you representing Rolly? Why are you friends? I wrote to him and even offered to help him with his problems at Columbia and did not received a reply. I even advised him from refraining cursing Columbia for their lousy service in the past. I try to help people in this forum by sharing my experience. I might be younger than you but I always see the other side before I believe any comment from any DPP Member. Louie sent me PM to verify data I gathered and I have been doing this ever since. How about you? You said that there was a Problem with Nikon and a Sale with the lens. Same thing that Rolly did when he commented with the D50, D70 and D200 without even verifying it which he later on admitted that was more of an algorithm problem instead of the CCD sensor responsible for the banding. I did not buy any lens on sale because I know that there is a catch to it. I have to test it first before buying and find out why it is on-sale. I'll also make sure that it will be covered by a local warranty to avoid any problems in the future to get good value for my hard-earned money.

You are the one who should grow up because you are very emotional protecting your younger brother without thinking straight and getting all the facts needed. I never had the intention of shutting anyone down or discrediting the opinion of your brother. Just wanted members to verify raw information first before they post it in any forum. I suggest you clarify the things I said with Nikon first thing in the morning so that you will know the truth for yourself and accept it as a mature man. First things First, always do data verification from the authorities as what I did.

Boys will be boys but this argument stops here. If you guys hold a grudge against each other then please settle your differences somewhere else and not in DPP forum. Both of you guys, Eric and Dave, have contributed to DPP Forum with good and informative posts. Let's keep it that way please.

All Nikon equipment bought under Columbia Global and Digital have warranty. But if you buy from Columbia Enterprises. This is without warranty.

Whew! Thank you for the verification. I checked the warranty of mine and they're both Columbia Global. :)

chillax guys its nice to see this thread headed somwehere. lets respect the original posters intentions, im sure you guys had good motives as nick said but if you guys wanna shoot each other down kindly use the pm functions or better yet settle your differences in private please:).

September 8 Nikon EB at 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC
1. TJ Parpan
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin
3. Anton Sheker

Do we also get a chance to buy some old stock? news has been going around that lenses and camera bodies are sold dirt cheap....:)

Nick,

Thanks for your invervention. Really appreciated it. Best Regards.

September 8 Nikon EB at 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC
1. TJ Parpan
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin

Enough of the arguments :)

We are given a venue to voice out our concerns, lets use it wisely and let them know our sentiments... if they dont hear from us.. they'll never know.. we cant have them keep guessing what we want and how we want things done.

I hope we get attendance here as good as the one we get in the EB...

Tuloy tayo on Sept 8. I'll be free from 1-5PM only. I won't be available sa evening. OK ba to sa inyo?

I think this will be a problem. You can assure the most number of attendees if you do it after office hours on a Friday or on a Saturday morning.

September 8 Nikon EB at 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC
1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin

September 8 Nikon EB at 46 Santa Rosa St., SFDM, QC
1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin
5. Pio Sugay

just renewed my leaves this month :) just need to do something about my color coding problem :(

1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin
5. Pio Sugay
6. Nino Carandang + 1

what time pala official start ng meeting?

1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko). :Grin
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin
5. Pio Sugay
6. Nino Carandang + 1
7. Willie de Vera (also if after office hours):)

1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko).
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin
5. Pio Sugay
6. Nino Carandang + 1
7. Willie de Vera (also if after office hours)
8. Jason Buera (after office hours... :] )

1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko).
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin
5. Pio Sugay
6. Nino Carandang + 1
7. Willie de Vera (also if after office hours)
8. Jason Buera (after office hours... :] )
9. Nolan Empalmado (after office hours)

1. TJ Parpan (after office hours)
2. Raffy Crucillo (If after office hours... depleted na leaves ko).
3. Anton Sheker
4. Vince Villamin
5. Pio Sugay
6. Nino Carandang + 1
7. Willie de Vera (also if after office hours)
8. Jason Buera (after office hours... :] )
9. Nolan Empalmado (after office hours)
10. Rolando Avecilla (if after office hours)

happy times for Nikonians!!! :)

Sir Anderson Tan, i sent you a PM...

Anderson,

As part of your service recovery program and service-quality enhancement, it would be nice to have a Fellowship Type EB with cocktails and snacks (hopefully catered) in order to foster a friendly atmosphere and comaraderie among Nikonians. It would also be the perfect time to sell some of the last remaining items on sale so that you will have a fresh new start on business with a new inventory for the tentative launch of the Nikon D2Xs and D80 hopefully by next month. What do you think? You don't have to spend that much, there are only a few Nikonians here in the Philippines.

There will be snacks on Sept 8. Meeting will be at 1PM. :)

D2XS now available.

I'm sorry, I'd rather hear it straight from Mr. Tan since it's he who is the definitive authority to answer.

Rolando started the thread and I don't want anybody else taking credit for getting this far to getting an official response so please don't assume to know everything and let the man speak for himself.

I apologize for my rudeness.

All items sold under warranty under Columbia Global or Columbia Digital will be serviced by my company.

All items sold under Columbia Enterprises will not be entertained by my company. Hope everything is clear now.

There will be snacks on Sept 8. Meeting will be at 1PM. :)

D2XS now available.

Shucks... guess I can't go.

Do we also get a chance to buy some old stock? news has been going around that lenses and camera bodies are sold dirt cheap....:)

hi anton. yes we do have old stocks. almost everything are 50% off. except some new lenses, coolpix and DSLRs :)

Thanks sir anderson.

what time do you guys want the meeting? basta im free 1pm-6pm. after 6pm may dinner meeting me. please advise. thanks.

what time do you guys want the meeting? basta im free 1pm-6pm. after 6pm may dinner meeting me. please advise. thanks.

Hi Anderson, based on the initial sign-ups, majority are ok after work, meaning 6 onwards. If we meet at 1pm, then most of the guys with fixed work schedules won't be able to go. What day are you available after work? I'm sure we'll be more than happy to adjust.

Sept 7 6PM Starbucks Banawe, QC

im also free on the 7th. bstat nikon :)

saw your PM sir, i also replied regarding another matter. THANKS! :)

Sept 7 6PM Starbucks Banawe, QC

I guess I'm ok with this. I'm also guessing that the "old stocks" and the sale goods will not be there as well. I kinda hoped to check some of them out sana.

Am I dreaming?

Thanks... but I do not know who to thank for finally having this Nikonian Missery heard... Was it because I had a sort of duscussion with the ever informed Eric Dino? I do not know, but I am really happy.

I am hoping that this is not just another page of the diary. I am aware of the many tries before to shape Nikon's service up, but they all failed. I am looking forward to the wind of change.

Thanks Mr. Anderson Tan for the meeting.

:D

If you guys want to see the old stocks dapat during office hours tayo meet. Please try to think talaga when you want to meet. Thanks.

will join the EB on the 7th or the 8th. i am just hoping for better service in the phillipines... and probably better prices..

Guys! Can you deal with the sale on different days and time? I was hoping that we do not loose the ball and concentrate on:

Agenda of Meeting:
1. How to improve sales of Nikon
2. How to improve service of Nikon in the Philippines
3. How to keep customers happy


Let's not hassle Mr. Tan and make him bring his sale stuff in the location of our meeting. The purpose of the meeting is clear and simple and no matter how many times I read it, it did not mention anything about making any of us reach the items for sale at our convenience. I did not started this thread, and as per Eric Dino, cursed Columbia Global for the purpose of checking out what Nikon Gears are for grab at a discount.

How can you discuss if you are bussy checking the sale stuff? Come on guys, focus!

Sept 7 6PM Starbucks Banawe, QC

Hi Anderson, glad to hear that finally we'll have something to look forward to. Good service and competitive pricing are good news to us. Btw, would you happen to have the film scanner Coolscan V ED up for sale?

hi guys,

since im in davao and wont be able to attend the meeting, im sure you will be bringing up the issue on repairs and the length of time it takes to do the repairs.

Im hopeful as Mr. Tan is addressing my concern re the 18-200 lens I have but according to Mr. Ramil Portes, it will take 30 days to get the suspected part in. so until then, ill be thudding away with this defect on my lens.

looking forward to some positive resolutions to your meeting.

Balita naman kayo for the benefit of shooters from the south.

cheers

I met Mr. Anderson Tan a few months ago while I was preparing for the R Hidalgo Project. Young energetic person, He means business. He has committed during our meeting that once the problem has been settled with Columbia Global, he will fix the Nikon Service. True to his word.I trust him. Lets all give him a chance. He will make things happen for the Nikon users. John

Hi Anderson, glad to hear that finally we'll have something to look forward to. Good service and competitive pricing are good news to us. Btw, would you happen to have the film scanner Coolscan V ED up for sale?

I think we do. PM me your e-mail address so I can have my staff contact you. Thanks.

I met Mr. Anderson Tan a few months ago while I was preparing for the R Hidalgo Project. Young energetic person, He means business. He has committed during our meeting that once the problem has been settled with Columbia Global, he will fix the Nikon Service. True to his word.I trust him. Lets all give him a chance. He will make things happen for the Nikon users. John

Thanks for the heads up John. More power to project Hidalgo. You have my full support with my shop there. Nikon Philippines as well... :)

Due to majority vote: Our EB will be on Sept 7 6PM Starbucks Banawe, QC. I will be bringing along the head of technical (be nice to him please) and my product manager. See you soon.

Love live Nikon!!!

I'll start another thread for the Nikon Users / Columbia Digital Sales EB.

Love live Nikon!!!

Together with Mrs. Edi Huang and Lito Beltran, we had a meeting with Mr. Anderson and Ms.Malou on the revival of R hidalgo. During the meeting, Mr. Anderson has mention of renovating their R Hidalgo Columbia branch ( where they all started) putting up a Nikon Camera Service center, a Nikon Showroom and a Photo Gallery for Nikon Users. I believe in him, and with his vision, it made me more determine to pursue the R Hidalgo project, soon other camera companies will follow suit including Canon Phils commitment to our R Hidalgo Project. I am sure Columbia will join us full force in putting up the 3 day mega Rummage sale. What ever their"old stocks" remain will be place in R Hidalgo shop w big discounts. So save up for this super event. Sept 29,30 and oct 1 2006.

Hi Rolly,

Good to hear from you again companero. As what I have said before, at the end of the day, delighting the customer should be the main objective of any corporation and this can be done through diplomatic channels. I think credit should be given to the following people with this recent development. Just add if I forgot to mention anyone:

1. Mr. Anderson and Benito Tan
2. Mr. John Chua
3. Mr. TJ Tarpan
4. Mr. Dave Deluria and his young brother

That's all. TJ has already started a new thread regarding the next Nikon EB. I'll try to use another car for the Sept. 7 EB, my service vehicle is coding but I believe Q.C. is not covered by the MMDA ruling? Don't forget to bring your D200 so that we can show it to the head of the technical department. I believe he is also attending with Mr. Anderson Tan. See you then and Best Regards.

:Angry: Hmmm... I will meet the head of technical.... Har,har,har...

Nah, I will just thank him for ironing out the fiasco your people did when I had my D70 repaired early this year. I am anxious to tell you the whole story. :)

Due to majority vote: Our EB will be on Sept 7 6PM Starbucks Banawe, QC. I will be bringing along the head of technical (be nice to him please) and my product manager. See you soon.

Mr. Tan, Di I read you right? Nikon Philippines? AS IN? just like Nikon Malaysia and Singapore and Hongkong, etc? YIPEE!!!

Together with Mrs. Edi Huang and Lito Beltran, we had a meeting with Mr. Anderson and Ms.Malou on the revival of R hidalgo. During the meeting, Mr. Anderson has mention of renovating their R Hidalgo Columbia branch ( where they all started) putting up a Nikon Camera Service center, a Nikon Showroom and a Photo Gallery for Nikon Users. I believe in him, and with his vision, it made me more determine to pursue the R Hidalgo project, soon other camera companies will follow suit including Canon Phils commitment to our R Hidalgo Project. I am sure Columbia will join us full force in putting up the 3 day mega Rummage sale. What ever their"old stocks" remain will be place in R Hidalgo shop w big discounts. So save up for this super event. Sept 29,30 and oct 1 2006.

We will not be putting up a service center sa Hidalgo at the meantime. We will focus muna on the head office then branch out in the future. However, we will be putting up a drop of point there soon sa Hidalgo shop. Nikon showroom and photogallery to follow din.

Mr. Tan, Di I read you right? Nikon Philippines? AS IN? just like Nikon Malaysia and Singapore and Hongkong, etc? YIPEE!!!

Nikon Philippines under Columbia Digital Sales Co. that is.

Hi,
I am planning to buy nikon d70 . But, after Reading about the Nikon local distributor problem, I am now wary I f I should buy nikon brand considering the very bad after sales service of Columbia. What brand Of Digital SLR I should buy instead where after sales service is excellent.

thanks ,
florencio:Shock:

Hi,
I am planning to buy nikon d70 . But, after Reading about the Nikon local distributor problem, I am now wary I f I should buy nikon brand considering the very bad after sales service of Columbia. What brand Of Digital SLR I should buy instead where after sales service is excellent.

thanks ,
florencio:Shock:

Florencio,

You'd be surprised how the after sales service has greatly improved... Columbia Digital has made extensive efforts in order to change or rectify the bad stain that has plagued it's reputation for long... Everything now is geared towards the possitive. :)

Go to Columbia Digital and get your Nikon gear there! :) You'd be thoroughly supported...

Hi,
I am planning to buy nikon d70 . But, after Reading about the Nikon local distributor problem, I am now wary I f I should buy nikon brand considering the very bad after sales service of Columbia. What brand Of Digital SLR I should buy instead where after sales service is excellent.

thanks ,
florencio:Shock:
Hi, Florencio.

Can't deny that there have been horror stories here. A lot of steps has been taken to address this... thanks a lot to Mr. Anderson Tan, Earl, and a lot of the DPP members... and it all unfolded in the last few months.

Just to share my after-sales service experience with another brand - Pentax - I've been to both Sanly and Super East (both distributors) for SLR and lens repairs - and I would say they're both acceptable - around 5 days to 1 week turnaround.
Cheers!

Just to share my after-sales service experience with another brand - Pentax - I've been to both Sanly and Super East (both distributors) for SLR and lens repairs - and I would say they're both acceptable - around 5 days to 1 week turnaround.
Cheers!

I didn't have problems too when I used to have my Zx-50 serviced with Sanly.

Hi, Florencio.

Can't deny that there have been horror stories here. A lot of steps has been taken to address this... thanks a lot to Mr. Anderson Tan, Earl, and a lot of the DPP members... and it all unfolded in the last few months.

Thanks Bro., I'm sure Anderson appreciates all the support he can get from us Nikon folks!!! "The few of the proud who are at the heart of the image!" :)

im confident enough :)

i got my D80 from one of their dealers. at least i know i have local warranty service.

...just waiting for my "The One" card :) :) because i purchased it a week after the Nikon rebirth party.

Hey Pio, congrats on the D80!

Congrats on the D80, Pio! :)

thanks guys! i couldnt resist . . . . :)

so much for my wifes 13th month pay. hahaha!

thanks guys! i couldnt resist . . . . :)

so much for my wifes 13th month pay. hahaha!

Hahaha! :D So you sold your old cam? D70 ba?

thanks guys! i couldnt resist . . . . :)

so much for my wifes 13th month pay. hahaha!

Nakuh... :) So Bro., how many 9mm rounds did it take to convince her? :D hehehehehehe

rosalie : D50 lang yun. i guess im keeping it nalang as back up cam, resale value is too low :) same size naman and also uses SD :) yipee

earl : my wife was the one nudging me to buy it (even the D200). i dont know, go figure :)

Guys,

I suggest that we still establish a Nikon Users Group even if amongst DPP members at first.

The reason I say this is to provide ourselves with some sort of consumer protection strategy. As a group, we can take our grievances directly to DTI and they will be more than happy to receive us. They are there to help consumers like us.

Case in point: I had a major problem with my laptop from a multinational firm which I paid a lot of money for; I was basically told the 90 days was over and therefore I cannot return it for a refund. I presented a "hidden defect" argument. I also corresponded with their main office in the States and addressed it to the CEO and other top honchos. Finally, I took it to DTI with copies of all my communiques. Both the multinational firm who produced this laptop and the store I bought it from banded together and tried to intimidate me with their hired guns (from a bigtime legal firm in Ayala Avenue), but DTI saw to it that I was given my every right as a consumer.

It took many months, but at least now they are going to give me a full refund upon the return of my laptop, which should be next week (I told them I had to buy a new laptop first to transfer all my files into it).

From my experience, our system still works!

Now, in the future, with my Nikon D80, whether it's Japan or its exclusive distributor who may be unwilling to provide me with their service means nothing to me. What matters is that I had spent my hard-earned money on a product that has become troublesome. In this situation, I will write all the necessary letters first to all parties concerned, photo-copy each one, and then go to DTI. Believe me, if an American multinational company was rattled enough upon receiving a subpoena from DTI, so would NIKON!

Also, using our credit card provides us with additional protection. Visa and Mastercard will also step in and protect their cardholders.

So let's band together because it is our hard-earned money that is at stake in every purchase that we make.


Eric Isaac

Eric, may I ask where you bought your D80 and how much you paid for it?

I bought it at Mayer for P60T.

If in case I develop problems with it and will be charged an additional 30%, I might have to involve DTI as well with this 30% surcharge.

My point here is that we happen to be engaged in an area with pricey items (from camera bodies, lenses, tripods, and etc.), and this makes a stronger argument for us to protect our hard-earned money by becoming more cognizant of our rights as consumers.

I get your point, but since Mayer sold you a grey import which are technically smuggled in, how can you hold Columbia liable? Columbia is clear about the policy - they will service all Nikon products regardless of source but will give preferential treatment to those who purchase through official/legitimate channels.

Perhaps instead of calling it a 30% surcharge, they should instead maintain one price and give discounts to customer who buy from Columbia - that should work for you right?

If you want to protect your hard-earned money and fight for your rights as a customer, I opine that you purchase from legitimate channels as well. That way, legitimate distributors and legitimate resellers benefit from the transaction and serve you well.

When you buy from a gray market reseller like Mayer, chances are, the products were purchased in the black markets of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Russia and imported via unofficial channels which deprives the Philippine government of import tax revenues (and reduces funding for social services to the Filipino people) while Columbia Digital is deprived of the profit to recover investment in equipment, people, & training to serve you competently.

But we all naturally want to get the best deal, and as such, I suggest that if your unit breaks down, you take it up with Mayer directly.

In a free market economy and democratic country like ours, all consumers are free to buy where they please (legitimate sources or otherwise), while businesses are free to price their products in any way that will ensure a viable operation. If Mayer doesn't give you the service that you expect (being that they run a retail operation rather than a service/distribution operation), write Nikon Japan directly. In as much as Nikon Japan can't punish Mayer, DTI can't touch Nikon Japan as well.

In as much as you it is your hard-earned money that is at stake, it's also Columbia's, and Nikon Japan's hard-earned money that's at stake. And remember, we're talking principles here and not the amount of money you, Columbia, or Nikon make.

You get what you pay for, after all. And in a country governed by laws, distributors/resellers have rights too. It's a two-way street sir.

Hoping for your understand despite your negative laptop experience.


Now, just a clarification, this thread is old. Columbia is now under new management and, as such, the original poster's sentiment may not apply at all and this content can be considered as defamatory in nature.

I move that the moderators kill this thread as it has become irrelevant in light of the changes in the management structure of Columbia Global which is now officially Columbia Digital.


Disclosure: I'm a Nikon, Canon, and Olympus reseller that's struggling to make a living against gray market players.

In that case, DTI ought to close down all businesses that engage in smuggled goods and/or gray market -- to protect consumers like me. As far as I am concerned, I was buying from a legitimate store with a business license, with my legitimate and hard-earned money.

In that case, DTI ought to close down all businesses that engage in smuggled goods and/or gray market -- to protect consumers like me. As far as I am concerned, I was buying from a legitimate store with a business license, with my legitimate and hard-earned money.

That's why if most Nikon users would only buy direct from Columbia Digital or any of it's Authorized affiliates, regardless of the temptation of the extremely lower cost of grey-market equipments... Then, we would be in effect helping ourselves in the longrun because of better product support that CDSC can potentially concentrate more on... Rather, than it's focus narrowed down to killing grey market entities which is a near futile but certainly not an impossible cause... This is definitely possible if people are more aware that not all that's cheaper, though seemingly the same, is better... I know that the value of money certainly talks, but if one is aware of the repercussions of buying from other sources other than official ones--this offsets the market, and is both chaotic and detrimental for legitimate establishments carrying authorized goods with effective warranties... Think about it...

In that case, DTI ought to close down all businesses that engage in smuggled goods and/or gray market -- to protect consumers like me. As far as I am concerned, I was buying from a legitimate store with a business license, with my legitimate and hard-earned money.

i think it may not be correct to lump the grey market and smuggled goods market under one brand name...even in the US (if you check b&h, and other NY based photo dealers) they sell those with dealer warranties, and those from the so called grey market...these are legit units, not smuggled, but not supplied through or did not go through the usual company's dealer network. e.g. it could have been brought in from say nikon hk, and brought in legally...reason why it is cheaper is that maybe nikon hk overbought units, or intentionally did so to get a bigger discount, knowing they can sell it cheaper to other nikon entities...

gray units still carry a warranty of whichever authorized dealer it originated from. if you went to the authorized hk distributor and bought a unit there, but your place of residence is, say, the US, you would in effect have a grey unit...

this of course should not detract from what earl is saying - that we need to support the local distributors in order for them to survive and help us in the long run...

when the buying (of grey market units) stops...then... :)

but most shops that sell grey market units also sell legit (local distributor) units right? would it be feasible or good business sense for the local distributor to penalize these dealers by not providing them supply? even if these dealers give them the volume? if not, then, does that mean that they are being tolerated or even condoned by the distributor/s? that the distributors are just letting the market forces dictate this? so really the rule is still buyer beware. that is how business is...:D

Some people just want everything.

You bought it grey, leave the warranty to the dealer where you bought it from since they will honor it anyway. Do not expect the local dealer to honor your warranty since it wasn't an importation of theirs. They did not refuse your unit for servicing anyway. You did save money from your purchase and took the risk of not having a local warranty when you purchased your unit. The local distributor did not make money from you with unit, they really deserve to charge you extra for their investment in service equipment and tooling.

If you were in their position, you would do the same.

With regards to hard earned money, I think it also fair to say that they also used their hard earned money to buy the servicing tools and equipment. That is why they deserve to receive what is due to them.

Even if you buy a grey market unit elsewhere and live elsewhere it will still be the same. The warranty is in-store and not distributor warranty.

Your laptop case is a very much different one from the Nikon case. That one, I believe had a just cause since it was really defective according to you and they refunded you the money after you proved it was really defective.

Some people just want everything.

You bought it grey, leave the warranty to the dealer where you bought it from since they will honor it anyway. Do not expect the local dealer to honor your warranty since it wasn't an importation of theirs. They did not refuse your unit for servicing anyway. You did save money from your purchase and took the risk of not having a local warranty when you purchased your unit. The local distributor did not make money from you with unit, they really deserve to charge you extra for their investment in service equipment and tooling.

If you were in their position, you would do the same.

With regards to hard earned money, I think it also fair to say that they also used their hard earned money to buy the servicing tools and equipment. That is why they deserve to receive what is due to them.

Even if you buy a grey market unit elsewhere and live elsewhere it will still be the same. The warranty is in-store and not distributor warranty.

Your laptop case is a very much different one from the Nikon case. That one, I believe had a just cause since it was really defective according to you and they refunded you the money after you proved it was really defective.

Well expressed Bro. :)

Quite simple, really...

If you bought a brand new BMW from Subic, and its ECU went up in flames, can you go to Prestige/Autohaus and complain about the car and demand them to replace it under warranty?

What's the point of investing serious money and quotas to get a distributor status if everyone else can undercut you and you'll still have to shoulder their defect expenses?

Does the local distributor collect the warranty claim from the manufacturer if someone comes in with a defective product?

Does the local distributor collect the warranty claim from the manufacturer if someone comes in with a defective product?

Yes. Though labor is also charged on our account... :Shock:

Nikon does not honor grey market units for claim.