Online frame and lens dealers!!!!

[jeffsoptical]

I wanted to here from my fellow optiboarders about what you think about online dealers. I've been told by several frame reps. that online dealers can't carry their companies current frames, but can carry discontinued. I've checked out FRAMESDIRECT and they do carry current frames from the big boys. Aspex current lines are to be had for huge discounts. What in the S*** is going on with our business?

Thanks for letting me let off some steam.

Jeff:hammer:

[For-Life]

almost all frame and lens dealers are selling through these guys. Now they all say that it is via third party, but I am pretty sure that the suppliers know what is happening. One independent optician in New York is not going to sell a million frames a year.

Then we have the legal crew that is completely ignoring this.

[HarryChiling]

I wanted to here from my fellow optiboarders about what you think about online dealers. I've been told by several frame reps. that online dealers can't carry their companies current frames, but can carry discontinued. I've checked out FRAMESDIRECT and they do carry current frames from the big boys. Aspex current lines are to be had for huge discounts. What in the S*** is going on with our business?

Thanks for letting me let off some steam.

Jeff:hammer:

Don't support it, the frame reps will say anything to get the sale, but I see current stuff offered through the online dealers as well. Some of the online dealers have brick and mortar as well so the online route is just an additionla venue for them to sell. The doctor I work with seems to want to offer frame and lenses over the internet everytime she comes back from one of their conventions, so their is some slime ball trying to convince OD's that it's a good idea.

[drk]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again to my optician cousins:

Optometry has faced this with online CL supply. We once made a profit as CL providers, but that has devolved into mere CL supply. We're a portal to Vistakon, Bausch and Lomb, and the like. (And not a very necessary portal, apparently.)

What optometry is doing is to refocus as CL fitters.


Now, what happens when/if this spreads to eyewear?
Firstly, it's not nearly as likely because glasses are customized, unlike contact lenses. At least the lenses are.

Frames could, theoretically be purchased "off the rack" because they are indeed mass produced. Yes, we all know the pitfalls of selecting your own frame, but the modern fashion nature of frames makes self-help a possibility, so to speak.

Frames-R-Us stores could easily crop up (not that they will) like Sunglass Huts have cropped up: it doesn't take a high school degree to stand behind a counter and take the money. They don't need to understand squat, nor do they fit the frames.

But ophthalmic lens design and supply is a hugely different business, in so many ways I will not enumerate. This is the unique stronghold of opticianry, and it should be re-emphasized. It has to be positioned with the client on the forefront, and not as an "after the frame purchase" necessary evil.

Love on those lenses, opticians!

[Johns]

Gee...


Too bad there's not a way we could find frames that would be unique to your practice only...


Well, we can always dream. (And cry...)



Time for another brisk discussion on private labeling over in the Professionals Only Forum.

:cheers:

[jeffsoptical]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again to my optician cousins:


But ophthalmic lens design and supply is a hugely different business, in so many ways I will not enumerate. This is the unique stronghold of opticianry, and it should be re-emphasized. It has to be positioned with the client on the forefront, and not as an "after the frame purchase" necessary evil.

Love on those lenses, opticians!

Thanks drk. I agree that an optician (good ones) should be the one to mark, fit and adjust frames and lenses, but the way the Internet is going I wouldn't be surprised of a high tech web cam that can actually mark progressives correctly.

Jeff:cheers: