Vision Source ??

[Speed]

Can anyone tell me something about Vision Source?

[Uilleann]

Sure. Run the other way. :) It's the most schlocky "branding" I've ever had to be a part of in this business. Worked for two offices in their system, and attended several of their conventions. Save yourself the trouble.

[drk]

No more sunshine left up your keister, U?

[Uilleann]

No more sunshine left up your keister, U?

Nope. Still winter here. The yellow bellied marmoset (or whatever it is) said six more weeks of darkness. I'm fresh out of posterior sunbeams.


My initial stance on VS remains unchanged. Hehehe

[Speed]

Does not sound good. What does it cost and what do you receive for your investment?

[newguyaroundhere]

Does not sound good. What does it cost and what do you receive for your investment?

I am not sure on exact cost but I believe they charge you a certain percentage of your gross sales. They give you access to discounts on frames/lenses/contacts with vendors along with business support.

Basically a huge fricking buying group with Essilor's backing

[Uilleann]

Last I'd heard (almost 10 years back now) they would take 4-6% of your GROSS, and the "access" you got was literally nothing you can't easily negotiate with almost any vendor on your own. They had nothing unique, nothing revolutionary, and nothing you can't find elsewhere of equal or better quality - without the VS fuss.

It's biggest claim to fame was as a "branding" tool for practices that have no idea what they're doing. They seem to keep pushing the idea that naming a handful of practices across the country "Vision Source" will magically drive people through the doors in droves.

And we all know how many terrible business type OD's and office managers love them some magic! ;)

[drk]

Sad but true.

[Lab Insight]

Last I'd heard (almost 10 years back now) they would take 4-6% of your GROSS, and the "access" you got was literally nothing you can't easily negotiate with almost any vendor on your own. They had nothing unique, nothing revolutionary, and nothing you can't find elsewhere of equal or better quality - without the VS fuss.

It's biggest claim to fame was as a "branding" tool for practices that have no idea what they're doing. They seem to keep pushing the idea that naming a handful of practices across the country "Vision Source" will magically drive people through the doors in droves.

And we all know how many terrible business type OD's and office managers love them some magic! ;)

+1. There's definitely no magic, unless of course you are referring to the Kool-Aid? Why the heck would anyone donate 4-6% off the top for nothing in return??? Sounds like a cultish franchise model.

A prudent business owner should always do their homework before joining any such group. Perhaps it's that warm group hug you get at the annual conventions that makes it all worth while?

[AngeHamm]

Run screaming. The brand name is worthless, and you end up paying more than you save. There are free buying groups aplenty.

[labguy]

Now get it right who owns who Essilor is now run by Luxottica so now all of those offices are going to be run by ?

[Uilleann]

Essilor is not "run" by Lux. They are their own, 800 lb gorillas. They just decided to move in to the same zoo cage together is all.