Re: [glassyeyes | 7623] Digest for glassyeyes@googlegroups.com - 3 Messages in 2 Topics
OGollaher
> Chuck Knight <chuck...@gmail.com> Jan 04 05:26PM -0600
>
> We've actually addressed this problem before, and it is a problem.
> Welcome, MandiLee Gates, to the GlassyEyes list.
>
> Years ago, I posted a question to the list, and it's still present
> in the
> archives, AND featured on the blog, as to whether it is ethical to
> use the
> local optometrist as nothing more than a fitting room. I raised
> many of
> the same questions as you.
>
> My conclusions are as follows:
> 1) Most optometrists are rip off artists, but it's not necessarily by
> their own design. Luxottica, among others, acts as a middleman which
> raises the prices to levels that simply can not compete with the
> online
> offerings.
> 2) When you use the optometrist's services, always offer to pay
> them. I
> do not work for free, why should you?!
> 3) Storefront, equipment, inventory, insurance, employees, etc all
> cost
> money, and it's money which goes in to the local economy. Always shop
> local when possible, and support your local optometrist. Give them a
> chance to earn your business...if they fail to do so, it's their
> failing.
>
> I have a very simple prescription. But that one was bifocal. Shopping
> local, the prices I got at *three* different stores were all around
> $400...this is in the Dallas, TX area. One was a WalMart, one was the
> local optometrist, and the third was a high end boutique. All
> would have
> cost the same. Instead, I went online and bought comparable (and
> they are
> comparable...my ophthalmologist tested them in every way possible)
> glasses
> online. Got 3 pairs, and paid less than the TAX would have been on a
> single pair, locally.
>
> Since then, WalMart has introduced a line of glasses for as little
> as $38,
> out the door...and Sears runs a frequent special for $50. While not as
> cheap as the online offerings, those prices are in the same family, in
> terms of affordability, and are stores with local locations. I
> also posted
> about this, when it eventually became available in my area.
>
> It is not *my* responsibility to keep your store in business. It
> is your
> responsibility to compete for my patronage. When I use your
> services, I
> *always* pay the asking price, and if I ask you to adjust my online
> eyeglasses, I *always* offer to pay for the service...after all, I
> bought
> them elsewhere.
>
> It is my belief that this is an appropriate and reasonable
> approach to the
> problem.
>
> What say you? I would welcome your input.
>
> -- Chuck Knight
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