You’re moving the goal post to fit your narrative. The printer doesn’t have issues. You want a perk that is only offered from bambu directly. To use your car example, mercedes makes the car and sells it to the dealer. You buy from the dealer. Go buy from 2 different dealers. do you pay the same price and get the same perks? How is it any different with bambu?
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There’s no issues with the car though, there’s issues with your deal because you bought through a dealer…
Looked like a clear cut answer in the 4th comment, it’s right on the website. Can no one here admit they’re wrong and move on? You didn’t purchase from the source, you don’t get the membership.
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Wrong! when factory gives perks all dealers offer the same factory discounts etc. Your point of view apply to dealer promotions. In the US a lot of dealers add accessories to differentiate themselves from the pack but the factory rebates or perks are still passed on to the consumers.
If Microcenter offers a free spool but Best Buy doesn’t then it’s their way to attract more customers.
If BL wants to attract more customers to their online store with special promotions they are in my opinion being unfair with the retailers and consumers.
I think that I am getting tired of this discussion. Talk to 1000 people and get 1000 different opinions.
The best of luck to everyone here, thank you for chiming in!
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Yes whatever moving on! This discussion is not making any of us rich!
Agree to disagree!
Good luck, God speed!
This is far from discriminatory. This is the definition of capitalism. Increase market share, increase profit margin. Having an intermediate sales channel drasticly reduces profit. It’s not unusual to offer additional cost incentives and benefits for buying direct.
I am assuming Bambu works on a very small profit margin and they are experimenting with advantages and incentives with different sales channels.
Having a local retailer is a really expensive service to offer the consumer. Someone has to pay for it.
Though I will say their filament is really overpriced. They probably make more profit selling a dozen rolls of filament then they do selling a printer.
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To be fair id choose the authorised reseller especially Microcenter, better to deal with them than direct with Bambu if you have a problem.
On a point to note the filament membership is rather useless, have a quick look most of the filament is always out of stock as they cant keep up with the demand. I have the membership and haven’t used it cause there’s nothing in there available I want or need. Its basically a pointless. You’ve got the best deal trust me.
Great to hear! Thanks for your engagement!
I did register my machine with Bambu, they still won’t give me the filament deal because “I bought through a third party retailer” is what I was told.
I’m glad I bought from Microcenter in hind sight. I didn’t have to wait around for Bambu to return my A1.
I just won’t be buying any more filament from them so yeah I guess I do have my cake and eat it too.
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I suppose victimhood is bliss for you. Keep enjoying being the victim since it makes you happy.
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Thanks for sharing that. It’s pretty clear a lot of us are in the same boat with Bambu Lab’s rules. Good on you for finding a workaround by buying from Microcenter. I’m with you on not buying their filament anymore. If they’re going to make it hard for us just because of where we bought our printers, they’re not getting any more of my money either.
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We can complain, we can try to fight it but we won’t be able to change it.
Meta does the same thing with their VR headsets, most computer manufacturers and printer (for paper) manufacturers do it…
This scam is made possible through legal loopholes most countries adopted in the early 2000’s and then failed to update when the laws and regulations in the EU markets changed.
Global corporations or just companies selling products globally now have to business models to choose from.
First they can add a head office of sorts in the countries of question.
This gives them a tax benefit in most cases but also comes with liability and warranty things to consider.
Secondly there is the option to stay solo and to just have a list of ‘supported countries’.
Meta and Bambu opt for a mix.
Meta has a US and a Ireland head office to allow them to cater for the demanding EU market while the rest of the world is at the mercy of US regulations.
Bambu does offer a few more fake offices around the world but like Meta NO proper return service.
Means that if something serious or big fails the consumer first spends weeks fighting the non existing support to have their warranty claim accepted to then hear that they have to post it back at their costs to the other end of the world.
In the rare cases the ticket includes a return service you get a courier service that won’t pick up from residential address and has the next drop off centre 50km away from you.
Bambu, unlike Meta however offers authorized retailers.
Means they get machines, consumables and spares quickly and in bulk quantities at a price slightly below retail value.
Like Meta though Bambu does not honor any inclusions or special offers through their retailer network - this is exclusive to Bambu customers and seen as an incentive.
On the other hand the retailer won’t accept Bambu devices for service or repairs unless you pay full price for their services and even then then often refuse.
Even within the warranty period a retailer won’t give you anything for free unless you bought the machine through them.
That is NOT because these retailer could not do what you ask, it is simply because Bambu won’t allow for a warranty transfer of their devices to a retailer.
It like with your new car: You get the free service and repairs under warranty from your dealer but for your preferred local mechanic it all comes with a hefty bill…
Welcome to the future of doing business…
Well that sounds plain silly. Loyalty programs are when you by from that source.
I buy petrol at certain station, they give me free car washes.
I dont expert to go to a different station and expect free car wash there.
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I think the real discriminatory practice here is that not everyone can live close to a sweet place like microcenter.
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Microcenter is a great store.
Very customer centric! Their filament seems to be good but it comes in a cardboard spool.
Cheers,
Filament discounts are now available to everybody without a membership, starting March 13.
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Wow! This is definitely a plus! I will purchase from BL if they apply discounts!
Here is the email they sent this morning
In the past, filament discounts were exclusive to members. We hope that more people can enjoy them. Therefore, we have now decided to remove the membership restrictions starting from March 13th and open up the filament discount benefits to everyone, adopting a straightforward approach by “calling a spade a spade”.
What This Means for You
Buy More, Save More: Enjoy discounts on PLA Basic, PLA Matte, PETG Basic, PETG Translucent (new), and ABS. Get as low as US$19.99/roll for filament with spool and US$16.99/roll for refill, and there are no quantity limits on the purchase of filaments. Check the prices in your local currencies.
Trials of new filaments: By subscribing to Bambu Lab’s newsletter, you’ll become eligible to participate in trials of new filaments, getting the chance to try them before their official launch.
Being Truly Eco-Friendly
Environmental protection is something we care deeply about. We encourage you to continue using your finished master spool by reloading it with a new refill. In real terms, people now pay less for daily filaments than ever before and receive much more.
Expanded Refill Color Variants: We are in the process of completing refill options for all colors of PLA Basic and PLA Matte. Additionally, you can expect to see more options for cosmetic PLA and carbon fiber reinforced materials in the near future.
Happy 3D printing! If you have any questions about the filament, do not hesitate to contact us.
Warm regards,
Bambu Lab Team
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Thank you Bambu Labs!!! 
I have been and will forever be a loyal customer as you treat all your customers the same.
Can’t wait for you guys to release the large format printer and I’ll be waiting in line to buy any and all of your new products including your filaments, builder kits and anything else you guys release.
Yes! This is huge! We are all the same! We are all backing up Bambu Lab products!
Congratulations on this decision! I just ordered 3 spools! I know the discount will start on March 13 but I couldn’t wait as I have a tradeshow coming up at the end of the week!
I will definitely buy more from BL!
Congratulations again!