Hidden and Mandatory "Mounting" fee for Edged/Complete Jobs

[a1vo]

This about ordering edged lenses.

It's always my assumption that "edging and mounting" is ONE fee. The fee differs between zyl/metal/rimlon/drillmount and other frame styles. But it is always ONE fee.

Few years ago, I have noticed that one of my lab charges separate "edging" and "mounting" fees on "competed" jobs. Of course, they did not clearly advertise that on their pricing. Edging fee was disguised/embedded into the "complete job" pricing. I found that when I have a job with "sizer frame/no mounting" and the invoice still show mounting fee. At least they have credited me for the service not performed.

This month, I have noticed a second lab I use also charge both fees. But this time, it seems that both are mandatory even if you tell them 'DO NOT MOUNT".

Is that a new trend? What's your experience on this, my fellow ECPs?



I have no problem if labs need to increase their pricing. But hiding them is not my approved way of doing business.


In this area, I do like Prodigy Optical's ONE STEP FINISHED PRICE LIST.
[ps. I do NOT have any relationship with this lab except being a customer].

[Uncle Fester]

When we compare lab costs it's almost always one labs lens price versus another so everyone is trying to increase receivables but not show it on basics. The airlines are a great example as studies show you will click on the lowest ticket price every time and only at the time of purchase does the actual cost show up. (BTW I love the new consumer protection law that's requiring airlines to be more open about the true ticket price before purchase.)

If it really bugs you and they will not negotiate- well there are other labs out there who will...

[Judy Canty]

Odd, all the labs I've used have charged an edge & mount fee that was based on a zyl frame. Any other mounting was an additional fee. But then, I rarely looked for the cheapest price. I looked for a reasonable price and excellent quality and service. A bit "old school", I guess.

[chip anderson]

My local labs charge me for "postage and shipping". Even used to be across the street from did when we hand picked them up. I did protest accross the street one but the owner said it would cost him part of his lively hood. As to the ones who deliver to us by courier, I figure that cost them more than Uncle Sam.

chip.

I might mention that when the across the street guy sold his lab he was asked if the potential buyer gave discounts. He said 20% if paid by the 10th, but "I get around it by not mailing statements out until the 9th.

[Speed]

Is that a new trend? What's your experience on this, my fellow ECPs?].

New trend? Trend yes, new no. I've noticed more and more businesses are slipping in add on prices. I had some vinyl flooring installed a couple years ago and they stuck in an add on for moving the furniture. I have seen Optical stores do the same thing. They advertise a cheapie price. When the customer makes the purchase it is many $$$ more that the price advertised. Then the customer must argue down what they are giving up for the better price. I think it is bad business. Lots of companies are doing it though. You may wish to take a look yourself. Greed is changing our world. Peeople just seem to expect this now. Shame. Companies have already added what they can take from their employees to their profits. Now they must look for other sources.

[Craig]

i pay a $0.39 fuel surcharge per order.

[Judy Canty]

i pay a $0.39 fuel surcharge per order.

Plus shipping?

[Chris Ryser]

Shipping charges and fuel surcharge are standard these days. Our optical courier service across Canada charges about 5% fuel surcharges over the invoice.

It gets even worse when shipping airfreight to Europe and the far east. The minimum freight charge is about $ 120.00 for up to 4 kgs to Europe and the fuel surcharge is $ 25.00.

There is no more free shipping these days, and the ones that advertise free shipping have it hidden in their selling price.

[Craig]

Plus shipping?

I pay a flat rate of $6 per day if one or 10 jobs.

[Speed]

Any suggestions on add ons that can be added to sales?

[Chris Ryser]

Any suggestions on add ons that can be added to sales?

Do as many add ons yourself and charge for them extra on your sales as:


Tints.................use an extra fast tinting system (60 seconds for a sunglass shade)

UV...................270 to 400nm (do it in 10 minutes to perfection)

Slick coat on AR coatings (hydrophobic-Easy Clean)..................( 2 to 4 seconds )

Scratch resistant..................hydrophobic slick coat ( 2-4 seconds)

Removing of AR coatings


These are all extras that can be done in house in a few minutes and are charged by labs in dollar values.

[Speed]

That's good Chris. Oversize was always a good one. How about undersize? I guess you could charge customers a destination charge.

[a1vo]

Do as many add ons yourself and charge for them extra on your sales as:


Tints.................use an extra fast tinting system (60 seconds for a sunglass shade)

UV...................270 to 400nm (do it in 10 minutes to perfection)

Slick coat on AR coatings (hydrophobic-Easy Clean)..................( 2 to 4 seconds )

Scratch resistant..................hydrophobic slick coat ( 2-4 seconds)

Removing of AR coatings


These are all extras that can be done in house in a few minutes and are charged by labs in dollar values.

Hi Chris, can you tell us what are the investment needed to do these in house? and I guess you sell all equipment needed, right!?

[sharpstick777]

I don't charge anything for edging or mounting unless its a rimlon, metal groove, or drilled frame.