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Thread: What makes a high-end optical "high end" ?

  1. #1
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    What makes a high-end optical "high end" ?

    In your opinion, what defines a high end optical? Certain frame brands? Certain layout? Appearance?

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    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Barry Santini's Avatar
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    High-end Commitment, which can be and often is different than "luxury".

    For instance, I kinda think of my practice as high-end, but not luxury.

    B

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    What's up? drk's Avatar
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    "High end" usually connotes expert service, high quality products, usually in a nice atmosphere, with a commensurate fee schedule.

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    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Carlotti-optic-boutique-by-Veronique-Laurent-07.jpg 
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ID:	11176 a high end optical has squiggly white lines on the ceiling

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    There are three things that matter to most people:
    • Lenses
    • Frames
    • Quality of Staff (help with selection, fitting, finishing, etc)

    Which of these matter the most depends on the patient. Some patients have a weak Rx and just want very fashionable high-end frames, and just about any lens will work for them. Some with a difficult Rx are going to want a high-end lens design, with quality fitting, finishing, etc.

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    Great Question.

    IMHO high-end is where everyone gets great service and products regardless of what you buy. Barry is definitely high-end and we offer luxury frames to go with it.
    Just sold out of Maybachs with diamonds and need to order more.
    High-end is an attitude that starts with a commitment to excellence in all areas and does not have to cost a fortune. We offer the same lenses but a patient can pick an older frame on the bargain rack for free; that is a high-end bargain!

    Wish the Meister could chime in on why we should use a more advanced Zeiss design.

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    My experience, the price. Some products that are poorly made needs a bump so they up the price. Delicate finishes, up the price.

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    Master OptiBoarder rbaker's Avatar
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    Any shop that does not use peg board and golf tees can be considered a "high end" operation by it's proprietor.

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    Ophthalmic Optician
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    I believe that "high end" is a comparative term. If you are in Foggy Hollow WV, and your competition is WM, you are probably high end.

    Or not.
    Ophthalmic Optician, Society to Advance Opticianry

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    Doh! braheem24's Avatar
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    Perception is everything.

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    Any optical in Colorado?

    It's the whole package - starting with professional service and right through to frame selection and presentation, style and staff know-how.
    Often these are owner-operated and personality-driven operations.

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    Quote Originally Posted by braheem24 View Post
    Perception is everything.
    Perception is reality -----> reality perceived is reality achieved.

    High end in an office is what ever we want it.

    High end can attract the affluent that are after that High end feel

    But also could intimidate and loose the blue color or the older crowd (my bread and butter)

    Service and High End are not always hand in hand. they should be.

    Image is everything. Drink Sprite

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    Quote Originally Posted by NMoptic View Post
    In your opinion, what defines a high end optical? Certain frame brands? Certain layout? Appearance?
    Valet parking and complimentary champagne.
    Eyes wide open

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    Manuf. Lens Surface Treatments
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    Redhot Jumper

    Quote Originally Posted by uncut View Post

    Valet parking and complimentary champagne.


    ...................not really.

    Besides having a top notch professional education and experience, having an excellent knowledge of the materials you are selling, and knowing which shape frames fits the type of face, having the magic hands and fingers to adjust a frame perfectly the first time, ..........................and furthermore,

    ............having learned some sales psychology and human behaviour techniques as a Dale Carnegie or similar course will make you a top optical sales associate, called optician which actually makes
    the optical high end business together with the same minded colleagues.

    It is not the pricing of the products that makes you a high end business it is the personal treatment you can provide to your customers that will automatically lead to sell the best to what your customer can afford.

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    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Barry Santini's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Ryser View Post
    ...................not really.

    Besides having a top notch professional education and experience, having an excellent knowledge of the materials you are selling, and knowing which shape frames fits the type of face, having the magic hands and fingers to adjust a frame perfectly the first time, ..........................and furthermore,

    ............having learned some sales psychology and human behaviour techniques as a Dale Carnegie or similar course will make you a top optical sales associate, called optician which actually makes
    the optical high end business together with the same minded colleagues.

    It is not the pricing of the products that makes you a high end business it is the personal treatment you can provide to your customers that will automatically lead to sell the best to what your customer can afford.
    Archive this one, Chris!

    +1!

    B

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    It's a subjective description, and will change depending on who is using the term really. What is high-end to me, definitely isn't 'high-end' in the eyes of people as wealthy as my patients. But I am able to give them a 'high-end' service (or so I've been told). I couldn't possibly afford my practice!

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    What's up? drk's Avatar
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    Old money, eh, standarduck?

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    Quote Originally Posted by drk View Post
    Old money, eh, standarduck?
    You could say that - I suppose I should be hono(u)red that they chose to spend their hard earned money with me.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Ryser View Post
    ...................not really.

    Besides having a top notch professional education and experience, having an excellent knowledge of the materials you are selling, and knowing which shape frames fits the type of face, having the magic hands and fingers to adjust a frame perfectly the first time, ..........................and furthermore,

    ............having learned some sales psychology and human behaviour techniques as a Dale Carnegie or similar course will make you a top optical sales associate, called optician which actually makes
    the optical high end business together with the same minded colleagues.

    It is not the pricing of the products that makes you a high end business it is the personal treatment you can provide to your customers that will automatically lead to sell the best to what your customer can afford.
    great point!

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