It sounds as if arrangements in the States are very different from arrangements in the UK. Here a company called Digital River (based, I believe, in the Netherlands) sells on behalf of Canon via eBay. I've bought lots of things from them over the years, two cameras, three printers, and, more relevant to the OP, a 100mm 2.8L IS macro. They never offer a full range of Canon equipment. Items vary and the selection seems arbitrary, though items that are nearing their 'sell-buy' date, like the 5D Mark 2 and the 7D have appeared in quantities at very much reduced prices over the past few months (5D Mk 2 body only £999 at one point, 7D body only £699 when it's on).
Until recently everything was sold on an auction basis. They now seem to have gone over largely to 'buy it now' sales. Everything I bought came in original Canon packaging, not marked 'refurbished' and carried a one year UK Canon guarantee, which is the same cover as you get in the UK if you buy new. Everything that I have bought has been completely unmarked and has functioned perfectly. The 100mm came in all the original packaging, no 'refurbished' marking, appeared to be brand new, had lens & body caps, lens hood and pouch. I bought it about three months after that lens was released and paid more than £150 less than the cheapest available elsewhere, including on the net, at that time. I would be only too happy to buy another lens from them, though they don't seem at present to be offering as many as they once did.
Googling Canon eBay store will get you through to it. And, no, I don't work for Canon or their eBay store!
Until recently everything was sold on an auction basis. They now seem to have gone over largely to 'buy it now' sales. Everything I bought came in original Canon packaging, not marked 'refurbished' and carried a one year UK Canon guarantee, which is the same cover as you get in the UK if you buy new. Everything that I have bought has been completely unmarked and has functioned perfectly. The 100mm came in all the original packaging, no 'refurbished' marking, appeared to be brand new, had lens & body caps, lens hood and pouch. I bought it about three months after that lens was released and paid more than £150 less than the cheapest available elsewhere, including on the net, at that time. I would be only too happy to buy another lens from them, though they don't seem at present to be offering as many as they once did.
Googling Canon eBay store will get you through to it. And, no, I don't work for Canon or their eBay store!
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