Saving Money On Eyeglasses
I pause after hearing the final cost of the "Buy One Get One Free" offer while purchasing new eyeglasses for Youngest Son and myself. The salesmen had so graciously offered to allow us to both purchase glasses and one to receive the "free" pair. After some consideration, Youngest Son and I had our frames in hand and were making the final transaction to purchase and have our frames completed with new lenses.
I was a bit overwhelmed with the projected cost and was quietly considering what to do. We had already checked out the place where glasses had last been purchased. The price at this place although couched in sale terms as well had been beyond out budget. Now again, I realized that this projected cost was more than I had anticipated. As I quickly thought through this and the fact that there was one other store close by to check out, the young woman now helping us made a suggestion. She could tell I was not ready to bite at this "sale" so she said there might be another I would consider. After checking with her manger, she returned to us and said there was another sale we could have.
Would you believe that this other sale which was not "Buy One Get One Free" was actually much better? We ended up saving $125.00 on the first estimate. I said yes and two hours later we returned to get our eyeglasses. What I have learned from this little experience is to be careful when "sale" shopping and don't be too fast to follow what is supposed to be a deal. Some consideration and even some further investigation may gain you some saved cash.
I want to be clear that I am not saying that I feel a need to purchase products in such a way that the seller makes no profit. Husband works in retail and the truth is profit is what companies need to purchase their products, pay their bills and pay their employees. I am all for profits as it truly is the American way. However, I do try to be sure that the profit margin for the items I am purchasing is fair to both sides. I really do think my eyeglass shopping accomplished this goal.
I know many have had great success with purchasing eyeglasses online. I have not used this company personally, but have heard recommendations from others of Zenni Optical. A great review of Zenni Optical can be found on Moneysavingmom.com.
As I wear progressive lenses that need somewhat careful measuring, I have not tried to purchase my eyeglasses online. I do know several people who have purchased regular glasses in this manner and have been quite pleased with the end result.
Any other recommendations for where to purchase eyeglasses for a fair price and a satisfactory product?
6 Responses to “Saving Money On Eyeglasses”
February 5th, 2013 at 8:25 am
My mom works for an optometrist. I am to old now to benefit from the family discount, so it’s been too long since I’ve had my eyes checked. I’ve been needing to have it done, though, and I’ve been considering Zenni Optical. Glad to hear more good reviews.
February 5th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
I have purchased half a dozen pair of single vision glasses from http://www.eyebuydirect.com and had good luck with all of them. I have bought everythig from the $7.95 types and up to ones that sell for $60 a pair. If you can wait they have buy one get one free sales a few times a year. They have also gotten some good press on the national networks. Now I have to let you know I have never had to deal with their customer service people so I can’t comment on that.
February 6th, 2013 at 7:58 am
We’ve purchased glasses through Zenni and also Coastal.com. Both companies have been very good to work with. One time Zenni included what is called a PD measurement ruler, which is very handy in measuring for new glasses. I have progressive lenses and was a bit nervous about ordering online, but with my husband’s help we ordered from Coastal.com and I didn’t even have to go to the local optometrist’s office to have them adjusted for my face! Coastal offers your first pair of glasses for free; I wanted more than bare bones glasses and also needed bifocals, so they gave me quite a bit off on my order instead.
February 6th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
I have purchased my latest pair of glasses from goggles4u.com. I didn’t expect much, when the final price, including shipping for a pair of prescription glasses was $16.00!!! They are perfect, the lens, the frame (got compliments on it), are perfect. I used to pay more than 10x this with insurance. It is a relief to me, since I no longer have insurance.
February 7th, 2013 at 7:54 am
Thanks so much for these recommendations and endorsements!
February 10th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
I have had very good luck with Costco optical. Last year when my boyfriend and I both needed glasses it was worth it to us to rejoin and travel just for this. His were $125 (with transition lenses and no line bifocals) and mine were $140 with transitions lenses (fancier, more $ frames than his were). WE got out of there with 2 pair of transitions lenses, new frames for $265 plus $50 to join… last time I bought glasses at an opticians I paid almost that just for mine alone…
Leave a Comment