My new toughest demographic

**drk** · 08-25-2009, 10:37 AM

I'm getting walkouts galore with the college age males!

What's working out there?!

The only clue they give before leaving is "black plastic".

Help.

**Fezz** · 08-25-2009, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by drk

I'm getting walkouts galore with the college age males!

What's working out there?!

The only clue they give before leaving is "black plastic".

Help.

What's working out here?

I'll share with you what I do!

I tell these wishy-washy, flaky, sissy, Momma's Boys, to beat it right up front! That is right!

BEAT IT!

These clowns can hardly speak, they can't make decision to save their lives, they still rely on mommy and daddy to hold their hands for these kind of things, and they would rather be anywhere than in your office! Cripes, most of the time, these social nit-wits can't take their eyes and hand off of their CrackBerries, or EyePhones long enough to even digest that I just told them to BEAT IT!!

Life is way too short Doc!

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

**opticianbart** · 08-25-2009, 10:44 AM

somehow, some of the high school and college age students have decided that large, black zyl frames are "cool":hammer:

**drk** · 08-25-2009, 10:47 AM

That is an alternative I hadn't considered, brother Fezz.

I feel like a cheap, used, sorority girl.

I try to please these guys...talk about their classes, their dorm assignments, how their majors are wise choices...

We were getting along so well, then...dumped for another optical.

They just can't commit. They can't see a good thing when they have it.

I'm going for some chocolate.

**pauly47** · 08-25-2009, 10:48 AM

I tend to go through lots of matte black plastic/zyl frames to 18-20something males looking for that "edgier" look. I think they all look like Beatniks with their haircuts. None can write a book on a roll of toilet paper I bet.

**nboptican** · 08-25-2009, 10:50 AM

I don't get many college aged males but the ones I do get usually go for something that stands out quite a bit. Ive had a few get the wayfarer-style frames. Lucky Brand is another one they tend to gravitate to. Most of them have no interest in metal frames, they all seem to go for the thick plastic look. They are really hard to please, I find. Theyre my toughest demographic too.

**bob_f_aboc** · 08-25-2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

What's working out here?

I'll share with you what I do!

I tell these wishy-washy, flaky, sissy, Momma's Boys, to beat it right up front! That is right!

BEAT IT!

These clowns can hardly speak, they can't make decision to save their lives, they still rely on mommy and daddy to hold their hands for these kind of things, and they would rather be anywhere than in your office! Cripes, most of the time, these social nit-wits can't take their eyes and hand off of their CrackBerries, or EyePhones long enough to even digest that I just told them to BEAT IT!!

Life is way too short Doc!

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Wow, Fezz!!!! Not so much sugar coating. We can barely tell how you feel.

I can't give away a black plastic frame here!

The problem I have with this demographic is that a lot of them are just starting to pay for things themselves and don't realize how much things actually cost.

**opticianbart** · 08-25-2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

Cripes, most of the time, these social nit-wits can't take their eyes and hand off of their CrackBerries, or EyePhones long enough to even digest that I just told them to BEAT IT!!

omg, the phone thing pisses me off.

and also, you type to fast Fezz, I was going for first response!

**Judy Canty** · 08-25-2009, 10:53 AM

Heavy black zyl has been the trend for at least 6 months now. I expect it will last through the winter.

**bob_f_aboc** · 08-25-2009, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by drk

That is an alternative I hadn't considered, brother Fezz.

I feel like a cheap, used, sorority girl.

I try to please these guys...talk about their classes, their dorm assignments, how their majors are wise choices...

We were getting along so well, then...dumped for another optical.

They just can't commit. They can't see a good thing when they have it.

I'm going for some chocolate.

2 words for you doc:

BEER SLIDE!

Show up at the dorm with a FezzJohns, Inc Beer Slide and you will have more patients than you know what to do with.

**chip anderson** · 08-25-2009, 11:07 AM

Maybe the other optical has good looking college girls working there.
Maybe they think your frames are too high priced.
Maybe they think your frames are inferior.
Do you speak Mall-Speak?
Do you advertise?
I don't approve of it but do you hand out discount cupons "for purchase of frames in our dispensary?"
Have you been or sent someone to look a the other place and see what they have or are doing? H*ll they could have video games, or cold beer.
They may have a marketing gimmick you never thought of.

Chip

**Chris Ryser** · 08-25-2009, 11:20 AM

.................and the online places are full of them

Even if you suggest a beer slide maybe those kids are starting a new fashion like they did in the mid sixties................................. :bbg:

**DragonLensmanWV** · 08-25-2009, 11:22 AM

I'm in a college town and for years I put discount coupons in the college's student handbook. Never ,ever, got a single one back. Our students seem to always go home when they need glasses.
But, the ones that do come in like the Black Eye frames.

**For-Life** · 08-25-2009, 11:28 AM

I do not share Fezz's disillusionment of these students. Some of the University students I know are some of the greatest people on Earth. I have the PLEASURE of being able to teach them for one class per term and find that they can definitely lead us to a great future.

Now, onto the main problem here. Not all University students are the same. I think you will find a HUGE change in demand between a business student and a liberal arts student. Black plastic, I can see, as being more liberal artish. The business students are looking for something contemporary, yet something that makes a fashionable statement (not just a statement for the sake of making a statement). What I would do in this case is try to do further research. Find out what the students want, from them, and then if they buy somewhere else, try to find out why.

**wolfman** · 08-25-2009, 01:20 PM

If it makes you feel any better it is not just men that want the frames. I just had a 19 y/o woman the other day, as white as can be with platinum blonde hair, and what does she pick? A nice black zyl frame. She wanted to stand out, and boy does she now. I am having a hard time keeping the frames in stock. I won't stock a ton though because this fad will end within a few months I think.

I also agree with Fezz, the ones that won't get off the crackberries or phones in general are driving me nuts. I am about ready to chase them out the door with a firehose.

**OptiChick21** · 08-25-2009, 01:54 PM

We don't live in a college town but lots of college students from surrounding universities (IU, Purdue, BSU, etc...) come home to here and get glasses/CL's.

Some of our better lines for these young guys are:

-Fossil
-Ted Baker
-Ray Ban
-Tommy H.

Just a few...

**Judy Canty** · 08-25-2009, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by wolfman

I also agree with Fezz, the ones that won't get off the crackberries or phones in general are driving me nuts. I am about ready to chase them out the door with a firehose.

My drycleaner now has a new sign on the counter:

"We will be happy to serve you after you have finished your cell phone call."

Sign of the times.

**gmanlook** · 08-25-2009, 02:26 PM

The ones I like are the guys that come in and go pick out a white Chanel and ask " Are these womens frames?" I quickly respond, " No sir, they are one of the most popular brands we carry" Gary;)

**opticianbart** · 08-25-2009, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

"We will be happy to serve you after you have finished your cell phone call."

ha! I've seen those signs, they make me happy inside.

I hate how some many people these days don't seem to understand basic courtesy and etiquette. Drives me crazy, I remember I was terribly supprised when I found out that most people didn't know things like, which fork to use, holding doors and chairs for people, when to start eating dessert when it's been served to you (after everyone has some - unless ice cream is involved then you're allowed to digg in.)

**Robert Martellaro** · 08-25-2009, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by drk

I try to please these guys...talk about their classes, their dorm assignments, how their majors are wise choices...

There's the problem- you sound like their dad. What do dads know about cool eyeglasses? Dial down the maturity level a big notch and talk about the Buckeyes, beer/pot, chasing skirts, and indie/alt-rock music.

**drk** · 08-25-2009, 03:12 PM

Yikes, you're right!

Plus, I am old enough to be their dad!

Maybe I should just tell them they're getting the frame I want them to get, and like it!

**For-Life** · 08-25-2009, 03:13 PM

meh, I feel these guys want to see someone who respects them more than someone who wants to be their friend.

**Jana Lewis** · 08-25-2009, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

Heavy black zyl has been the trend for at least 6 months now. I expect it will last through the winter.

Much longer than that even. I've been selling chunky black for atleast a year and and a half.

**drk** · 08-25-2009, 03:15 PM

Austin is a great market indicator, seriously.

("Keep Austin Weird")

"Once you go 'chunky black', you'll never go back"?

**Johns** · 08-25-2009, 03:16 PM

These college males ar the weakest of the species, and have been for some time now.

I pi$$ed one off a few months ago, when, after I handed him the clipboard, he quickly gave it to his MOMMY to fill out for him. I said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were having the eye exam today." He wasnt' too happy w/ me.

I have to say though, it's not just a college thing, but an age thing. I've had 22 yr. old guys come back from tours in Iraq that bring their moms in and have them fill out the paper work for them.

I just shake my head.