Nikon Customer Service

I accidentally knocked my tripod over while doing Christmas photos for a client, and it's clear that it needs to be repaired. While the damage isn't extensive, it's enough that I want to get my camera repaired and I want to have it done right. Therefore, the only place I want to handle it would be a Nikon service center. However, I don't think there are any around me and I don't know how to use my warranty plan. I'm a professional photographer and I'm usually very careful. This is not the type of thing that usually happens to me. 

So, I assumed the best thing I could do was call Nikon and see what they could do for me. While there are a lot of people who own Nikon cameras, I figured the wait couldn't be that bad. At least, I would know what I was doing by the time I was done. I'm sure other people have to call about repairs, replacements, and just general questions about their cameras and technical compatibility etc.

All in all, it wasn't a terrible phone call, but I did really have to pay attention because there were a lot of steps to get through. The categories were a bit technical. I got the standard greeting when I called and was told to press 1 to continue in English. It then launched the first directory with the following options, "For technical support with a Nikon Z Series mirrorless camera, Nikon lenses, Nikon Speedlights or Nikon Digital, please press 1. For technical support with a Nikon 1, Nikon Coolpix, or any other Nikon camera, press 2. For assistance with a Nikon store order and information regarding Nikon School, press 3. If you have sent your product in for repair or need help with sending a product in for repair, press 4. For all other technical support questions, press 5."

I pressed 4, since I needed to have my camera repaired, and then I was given another suite of options which included, "For shipping instructions, press 1. For driving directions and hours of a Nikon service facility, press 2. For warranty information, press 3. For a battery recall or service advisory, press 4. To speak with the support staff, press 0." This list seemed a bit useless because I'm not sure people would really call for shipping or driving directions. Most callers with a repair question would probably want to talk to a person.

Of course, I chose to speak with support staff, and after a short period of ringing, I was told, "Your call may be monitored and recorded. If you consent to this, please hold for the next available training representative." Then, I was connected to a friendly rep. We discussed what my warranty covered and what I would probably be liable for in terms of repair. She also explained the process in detail until I felt confident in my decision to ship my camera to them.