Plastic vs Metal Frame Percentage

[Northernmist]

Have an ongoing 'battle' in our dispensary between owner/Doctors and Opticians. Just wondering if anyone knows of a report or article that may suggest a good percentage between plastic and metal frames to have display on our boards. We find we have way too many fashionable plastics which ofcourse don't always fit all face types (bridge) and as you know prescription types. TIA

[optimensch]

that will be so dependent on your patient population and the taste of your staff. I don't see where a journo who bangs out articles free lance for a trade rag is going to really give you answers you need. You need to sit down and maybe do some hard work, go through patient files and see what is moving.
go visit some of the shops in your area too.
my 2 cents. And === my advice is worth what you pay for it ;)

[Chris Ryser]

Having been around for quite while, the fashion and popularity of metal against plastic frames has always switched from one to another every 5 to 10 years.

Just check the manufacturers advertising in the trade rags, internet sites and get the percentage of ads for plastic and metals for a few month and you will see where the trend is leaning to and adjust your stock the new way.

[rbaker]

Run a query on your practice management software to determine The ratio of plastic/metal frames sold for the past few years.

[optical24/7]

Run a query on your practice management software to determine The ratio of plastic/metal frames sold for the past few years.

That can be misleading Dick. It can be skewered based on what you already carry. Go to the closest mall in your target demographic area on a weekend, have a seat and a coffee and check out what your population likes to wear currently. You should do this at least yearly. Not just plastic vs metals, but all styles and particularly colors.

[Robert Martellaro]

Have an ongoing 'battle' in our dispensary between owner/Doctors and Opticians. Just wondering if anyone knows of a report or article that may suggest a good percentage between plastic and metal frames to have display on our boards. We find we have way too many fashionable plastics which ofcourse don't always fit all face types (bridge) and as you know prescription types. TIA

Welcome to Optiboard Northernmist (Canadian Mist is welcome also!).

Here you go.

Scroll down to page #100.

http://www.cliffweil.com/Vision%20Co...nefitSep13.pdf

[optical24/7]

While Robert has provided exactly what the OP requested ( a report on a cross section of retailer's sales by frame construction), my locations are radically different than what that report shows. As example, they only have 2 month of the year that rimless/semi-rimless even produce a percentage of sales. Rimless alone is in the 30% area for us (every month). It highlights why you have to do your own research on the best combination of product mix to carry in a given location.