Excalibur,
Is it unfair to our patients that we charge a mark up or is it unfair to you because of the very unusual regulations in your corner of the world?
I'm sure that if you practiced elsewhere you would still follow cost plus after all it is the only right thing to do.
I worked as a sales rep for a small company for about a year after getting my opticianry license as I was trying to figure out what end of the business I wanted to start in. I had several optometrists in ontario as customers that asked that I increase the cost of the frame on the invoice and give a larger volume discount at the end of each quarter. So od, spare us the "I only charge the wholesale cost" bs. Od's are just as smart, slick, slimy, and ballsy as any other business person out there. You may fool the public with what you are saying, but don't think that you can fool the rest of us.
I will reply again later, I am angry and need to go bend some frames!!!!
Yep, Optiq gives a 40 percent discount. The reason is specifically because of ODs (as told to me by two of their reps). So the frame costs $69, but with the discount, the office only pays $41.40; however, when sold to the client, the frame is priced out at its cost of $69 (which is not the real cost).
LandLord comtemplates asking the question that is burning his tongue. The fear of opening a can of worms is almost too much for him to bear. Nevertheless, he is couragous.
"Excuse me, Dr. Excalibur, sir," he asks apologetically.
"WHAT IS IT, YOU LOWLIFE RETAIL OPTICIAN!!! CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE DISTURBING ME???? HOW CAN I COUNT ALL THIS CASH IF YOU KEEP BOTHERING ME?!!" shouts Lord Excalibur to the unworthy optician.
"Do you........ have a volume discount on your frames, your majesty?"
Excalibur: You want answers?
LandLord: I want the truth!
Excalibur: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
LandLord: DID YOU RECEIVE A VOLUME DISCOUNT ON YOUR FRAMES!!
Is it true that many optical shops don't pay their bills regularly too? I have heard from several suppliers that numerous opticals don't pay their bills regularly or they close up shop (only to open under a different business name) and leave the vendor hanging. In the end, the good accounts have to pay for this sort of business practice.
I don't pretend to sell things at cost and then charge a fee for services not even rendered by a licensed professional. ie receptionist.
Look, there's nothing wrong with you making a mint at your job. Let's face it, OD's are well paid. Why do MD's refract? Because an eye exam is much easier and more profitable than a basic medical visit.
Just don't go around with a holy attitude and try to yank the skeletons out of opticians closets. What's that old expression?
"When you try to open the little guy's closet, be sure your own is empty first." Okay I just made that up but it works.
Last edited by LandLord; 12-15-2007 at 11:57 PM.
Your axe is not getting any sharper. Grind away, it just shows your true character.
I heard from supplier that an optometrist once bought frames from a mortician that was stealing them from his dead clients. I think all ODs must do the same - At least that's the rumor I'm starting.
I find your posts insulting and pointless. You have been rude, and you need to apologize.
That must be pretty bad coming from an American to a Canadian.
You are obviously not reading the posts that are being written to counter mine. You think it's fair too that I pose a question only to be attacked by several others for trying to make a point?
Let me make my position clear:
1. Opticians should not be permitted to perform independent sight testing.
2. Optometrists should be permitted to hire opticians.
You may not like #1. Fine. We can argue this one until the cows come home, but as a profession you are not qualified to independently sight test. Independent sight testing is something that occurs in Third World countries and is a minimalist approach to 'eye care'.
You may like #2, but I'm not sure because it seems you don't like anything I post.
Patients are shown the math. When we go over the cost of our frame and lenses and add-ons such as A/R and compare them to an average mark-up in a retailer, they are shocked to see how much value we provide them.
I am not allowed to advertise to anyone but my patients. Opticians and retailers can advertise in the media as much their pocketbook will allow. And they most certainly exercise that option!
Ooops!
Pachymetry does use ultrasound. You are referring to much, much older technology which has been replaced a long time ago.
As a regular player you may wish to read up on this topic. Are you currently a sight tester? Is this the type of outdated knowledge you are being given in your courses? If so, this is not good!
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