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Cinema & Television  > Ask The Experts >  Setting Up an Account with Kodak 

Setting Up an Account with Kodak in the US

The following are excerpts from an interview with Cecelia Coffey and Kathleen Fabian, our Senior Credit Representatives, covering the Americas Region and the West Coast-Hollywood. They both have over 20 years of service and work endlessly in helping customers do business with Kodak.

Q: How does one go about setting up an account with Kodak?
A: Simple: Contact one of the Account Managers, Sales Assistant or our Customer Service Group for an application. Once you have finished filling out the forms with the necessary information, return them to Kodak. There is a 72- hour turn around time. However most accounts are listed within 24 hours.

United States Toll Free: 1-800-621-FILM (3456)

Los Angeles, California
6700 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90038-1203
Phone: 323-464-6131
Fax: 323-468-1568
Fax: 323-468-2124

New York, New York
360 West 31st Street
New York, New York 10001-2727
Phone: 212-631-3400
Fax: 212-631-3470

Q: What if I just want to be on a mailing list?
A: That's a different process. But it's still just a simple request to be put on either a mailing list for our quarterly Kodak publication, In Camera, or to give Kodak permission to send email updates -- both of which you can do by registering below.

To receive InCamera quarterly (free subscription), or to be added or deleted to the magazine's mailing list, please send an email to us-ei-motionpicture@kodak.com and state your country in the subject line.

Email Updates! Don't miss a thing. Sign up to receive announcements, newsletters and event info.

Q: Does Kodak extend credit?
A: Over the last few years, the majority of the accounts have been set up to pay in advance. We offer several forms of payment: Credit Cards (American Express, Master Card and Visa); Certified Check or Wire Transfer. All advance payments will be extended a 2% discount.

However, if you are under contract with a studio and our credit department can confirm the project with that studio, you will be extended the same terms offered to that studio.

Q: Isn't there a fee associated with a credit card transaction?
A: Yes, there is a fee however Kodak absorbs the cost and extends a 2% discount, for using the credit card.

Q: What are the other advantages?
A: It provides you a 30-day window to pay, along with all the other perks, such as frequent flyer mileage, bonus point for restaurants, hotels and specified retail stores.

Q: How can I put a credit card on file?
A: We will provide you with a credit card authorization form. The form needs to be completed and signed by the credit card holder. Return the form along with a copy of the credit card back and front and a copy of the cardholder's driver's license, if available. You can also include a list of authorized users or a password, for extra protection.

Q: What if the card is over the limit?
A: Then we will ask for cash or another credit card before we can release the order.

Q: You mentioned electronic fund transfer.
A: You can have your bank wire money to our designated bank and as soon as the transaction clears, the order is released. Remember these transactions are not instantaneous. So, plan for at least several hours -- or possibly overnight -- for the transaction to complete.

Q: So "the check is in the mail" line doesn't work?
A: Most likely not, but if we have a history of working with you, we will do everything we can to help you out.

Q: How about credits and product returns?
A: If you are returning product and the original order was paid for by credit card, the credit for that return will be issued back to the same credit card. If you paid by Certified Check or Wire Transfer the refund will be returned in the form of a check. Our company policy is, all product must be returned within 72 hours, in stock condition and will be subject to a 10% handling fee. All returns must be set up by our Customer Service Group. They will provide you with an RA number (Return Authorization) that should be noted on the box you are returning.

Q: Can my Sales Representative or Sales Manager extend credit?
A: No. We have strict regulations in place that prevent the Sales Organization from making such decisions. Only our Credit Department can extend terms.

Q: So, the times they are a changin'?
A: Actually, they've changed. But think of it, any purchase you make anywhere today is either via cash, check, debit card, credit card or a third party loan secured by collateral. It's just the way business is done today - whether you're buying a hamburger or a house.

Q: A far cry from old George Eastman's day?
A: Truly - back then George only took cash.