Quote:
Originally Posted by Hesla
I am sorry. But this is extremely false.
There is a vast difference in quality in the eye care market and numerous factors to consider.
1) Quality of the optics in the lenses. My office could bring in lenses that cost $5 apiece if I wanted to, however they are poor quality, lack UV protection and have a lot of excess distortion to them. They are also of really low grade plastic (think cheap safety glasses) and they easily scratch.
2) Frames can be brought in for very cheap from China. Direct from factory type of thing. Once again, there is poor craftsmanship and there is a tendency for them to fall apart quite easily.
3) It is highly unlikely that you have significant myopia or astigmatism. People with these issues need a higher index lens to decrease the thickness and potentially digital technology to reduce distortion on the edges.
4) Many people see glasses as a fashion accessory as well. Hence the popularity of designer glasses.
5) Brick and Mortar stores provide service, repairs and very good warranties.
In short. Our office could provide glasses that cheap, but we choose to cater to those that care about quality of the product they use. I have a feeling that if you were to spend even $200 on a pair of in store glasses, made at a reputable location, you would notice a large difference optically.
There is a reason that Clearly contacts' prices are creeping up and they are starting to open brick and mortar locations. It is very tough to compete to be the cheapest on the market and is always a money losing venture.
We have long ago learned to not cater to those always looking for the cheapest option. They will never stay, and there will always be a place that will offer things for less. You will alienate those that want good quality as well.
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Dude. $19 (including anti-reflective, anti-scratch, UV, 1.57 lenses) - had various pairs for up to two years, never had a scratch, or a single problem. Never had a frame problem - not one.
I mean, even $50 (if you don't get a great deal).
Versus $500?!?!?!?! That must be some great service people are getting.
Fashion accessory - yes. That is one of the reasons I have six pairs, and will likely get more in the next couple years (I do plan on getting the surgery in the next five years).
I'm -450 in both eyes - not good but not horrible. A simple upgrade to 1.57 lenses works just fine.
Service, repairs, warranties - $20!!! Just buy a new pair!
Your office could not offer them that cheap, and would never do that even if they could because there are still enough unconnected people out there who are unaware of just how much they are getting ripped off at these b&m places.
"We have long ago learned to not cater to those always looking for the cheapest option. "
This is total BS, because since time immemorial prices have been set by the industry, and consumers had no other choice. $500 glasses were the norm. $20 cost, $480 gross margin. Now consumers can do better. It's only a matter of time before the dinosaurs have to shape up or ship out of business.