A new trend recently covered by some major news media outlets has consumers doing a bit of hands-on window shopping at eyeglasses stores, but then waiting to make their purchases online.
The reason for this phenomenon is the savings offered by online vendors.
For years the more Internet-savvy have been buying cheap prescription glasses frames online, but then had to go to their local eyeglasses store to have their prescription lenses put in. And anyone who wears glasses knows that the lenses often cost more than the frames.
The biggest step forward in this new shopping trend in recent months and years is the ability now to be able to buy prescription glasses online, including the lenses, and to save on the entire package.
Finding cheap prescription glasses is not merely an act of casual frugality. Well, for some it may be. But for others, especially those with multiple children who need glasses, finding cheap prescription glasses is a financial necessity. A decent pair of glasses and lenses can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Multiplied by a few kids and that becomes a debilitative expense.
With no option but to shop at a local optician or eyeglasses store, families that need to shell out on multiple pairs of prescription glasses are usually forced to settle for cheaper brands of reduced quality. When children are involved, that typically means the glasses become scratched, worn down or broken at an accelerated rate.
For the local eyeglasses business, this situation is every bit as lucrative as if the family had been able to purchase more expensive prescription glasses in the first place, as they will need to constantly repair and replace the cheaper models.
So being able to buy more expensive and sturdy glasses for the same or similar price as cheap models are offered at brick-and-mortar stores is a cherished opportunity for many.
For others, it’s just about finding cheap prescription glasses.
Whatever your reason for searching out cheap prescription glasses (or sunglasses), it can’t hurt to try this method.
Nor is this new market limited to standard glasses. It is now easy to find cheap prescription sunglasses online as well. There is no denying the benefit of wearing sunglasses if you spend a lot of time outside, so it is highly recommended to keep a pair of prescription sunglasses in addition to your regular glasses.
So, next time you or a family member needs glasses, go get your eyes checked at the local optometrist or optician and make sure to take your prescription data with you, and then go browse and try on glasses at the nearest store. Don’t be shy, go ahead and try anything your heart desires, even the most expensive models.
When you find a few favorites, write down the makes and models, or maybe even snap a few quick pictures so you remember the look you wanted. Then have a look through online eyeglasses vendors for the same makes and models, or at worst a different brand with a similar look. You may be pleasantly surprised by the savings.