Mark A wrote:
> "Iain" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>>
>> Who do the frames of basic distance glasses cost so much when they are
>> just the same as those of reading glasses (or are they)? Surely it is
>> not the frames that are custom-made, so why the price difference?
The simple answer: Because they can. A slightly more complex explanation:
Supply and demand. The real reason: People are poor shoppers.
> There are several reasons:
>
> 1. The frames are usually not the same quality as those made for custom
> fitted lenses. This includes materials and workmanship.
Sometimes you need the best "quality" available, but most of the time you
don't. The expensive frames break just as easily as the cheap ones when you
step on them. I was behind a woman in line who had just picked up her $250
glasses the previous day and broken them. She was told, in effect, "Tough
luck, you should have bought the breakage insurance."
> 2. Many frames sold for custom fitted lenses are designer brands, which
> inflates the price significantly.
At least in this case, stupidity carries its own punishment.
> 3. Frames for custom made lenses are fitted to the patient by an optician.
> Time is money, do the math.
The 99-cent off-the-shelf glasses may be perfectly comfortable. If not, try
a different pair -- there are generally a lot to choose from.
> 4. Frames for custom fitted lenses usually come with a warranty. Even if
> they don't break, much time is often spent with customers coming in for
> adjustment, etc.
How much should I pay for a warranty on 99-cent reading glasses? If I don't
come back for an adjustment, should I get a rebate at the end of each year?
What if I wear them for 10 years without a problem? Do I have to prove
that I'm still wearing them to get my rebate?
> 5. Frames for custom fitted lenses are sold in optical stores where they pay
> rent, utilities, insurance, advertising, etc. This adds up to quite a lot of
> expenses. This is much more expensive per frame than a small display in a
> discount store.
The 99-Cents-Only stores have the same expenses but manage to sell their
reading glasses for 99 cents and still make a profit.
If you actually need prescription glasses there's no substitute for the
high-priced option, although it's possible to reduce the cost considerably
by careful shopping.
If you only need reading glasses (+1 to +3.5) you can buy them off the
shelf. You can buy LOTS of them off the shelf.
--
Cheers,
Bev
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^
Why is it so hot and what am I doing in this handbasket?
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