Buying Glasses Online
Social Bookmarks: del.icio.us Digg it Furl Google ma.gnolia reddit Simpy Squidoo YahooThe Great Specs Debate is to be held on the 25th September 2007 in front of a large group of opticians (so you can see that I will be putting my head in the lion’s den so to speak). The topic of debate will be about the supply of glasses online with two sides, one against the supply of spectacles online and one for the supply of spectacles online.
Obviously I will be speaking “for” the supply of glasses online and part of the speech will be highlighting the benefits of patients being able to purchase their eyewear online.
Now there was I sat at my desk thinking of all the benefits relating to purchasing glasses online and came up with quite a few, when I thought to myself, the best people to be answering this question is you, my existing customers and visitors.
So, for the next few days I would love to hear what you think the “real” benefits to purchasing your glasses online actually are. Some of your benefits will probably include the price, convenience etc… But I’d love to hear other benefits as well.
Remember your comments are greatly appreciated and will help secure more realistic prices and an alternative solution for your eyewear supply in the future.
Please leave your comments below. There’s no need to login or register and your details will not be passed on (just the comment). You may use a nick name if you wish to remain anonymous.
Many Thanks
Mark Bowden
Tags: Buying Glasses Online, Glasses, Glasses Online, Varifocals Online
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September 14th, 2007 at 11:29 am
i wish there was a page just for me so that i could re-order easily
September 14th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Thank you Martin
However, just to re cap this page is for posting what you think the benefits of having the choice to purchase your glasses online are.
Many Thanks
Mark Bowden
September 14th, 2007 at 11:38 am
I buy my glasses on line as it saves me time and the prices are generally lower than retailers on the high street due to reduced running costs.
The choice of glasses is often greater online and the buying process can be completed at home and quickly.
I’m on my fourth pair at the moment and each pair has come through without any problems and I reckon they all equate to the same price as one pair from a branded retailer.
Cheers
Hardy
September 14th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Buying my first official pair of ‘Armani’ glasses from Spex4less has been very easy. the service probably better than my high street stores…
I emailed my prescription, v. straight forward. But there was a problem with the glasses when they arrived. (chipped lens) I made a quick phone call (James) and returned them receiving a replacement / repair within the week!!!
I will certainly go to Spex4less in future….
…and if you require a professional photographer at anytime (est. 25 years) I specialise in Corporate event & portraiture and have facilities at my studio to make lifestyle and product images when required foxevans.com
..Well you can’t blame me for selling myself at the same time!! regards, Tim
September 14th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Price, price, price and price.
Quality a match for the high street, the only thing missing is having someone adjust the nose pads for you but how difficult is that to do really?
Oh, and don’t forget price.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Positives
1) Price; Far cheaper than High Street Prices.
2) Convenience; No waiting around in optician’s shops.
Negatives
Difficulty getting glasses with long enough arms (sides).
You can try them on in a shop.
John
September 14th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
EXcellent service and making a very large saving in costs. \no waiting around in the opticians and generally very good service
September 14th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Truely the only reason I purchase on-line is price!
September 14th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I purchased two pairs,one for close up and one for distance,with the free coating,i was realy pleased with the design and the price,my wife was was due for replacement, so she purchased a new pair as well,
Will contact you again when repalcements are required.
Why not offer discounts for regular customers!
The only problem i have is not ordering the glasses from the shop that does the eye tests. as the staff are not very pleased.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Hi I think that the conveniance of entering the prescription details on line,paying and waiting for the delivery at a price much less than the premises based competitors not to mention the two journeys one to order and one to collect is a wonderful idea. As both my wife and I are severely disabled-mobility restricted, the ability to deal with this online is a real benefit.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Would certainly like to try ordering on line. However my High Street optician has never offered me the prescription. Should I ask? In any case, call me old fashioned, but is it not un-ethical to do that after they made the examintaion originally? The last set of specs were not too satisfactory so maybe I would be passing on a sub-standard prescritption?
Maybe next time.
John Walker
September 14th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
PRICE ad infinitum. I strongly object to paying vastly inflated High St prices. How in heavens name can a simple pair of spec frames cost
£50 and up&up&up….How can they justify these sort of prices?Ridiculous!
Against= if they’re wrong more hassle getting them seen to, but then again you have to travel to and from the Opticians maybe more than once.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Buying on line means that I can avoid the high pressure salesmanship that I have found in all the popular High Street opticians. Their base prices are outrageous, and they have ways of adding on the even more outrageous extras for every small thing. The eventual price often exceeds that of a reliable second hand car with MOT ! All this for two pennorth of bent wire, and a mass produced lens with/without minor grinding adjustment by a technician to meet the precise prescriptiom requirements.
On line the prices are a bit more reasonable, but the whole pricing structure of spectacles is a national scandal whch should be the subject of a wide ranging enquiry by the Office of Fair Trading.
The eye test, though free to us OAP’s, often appears perfunctory and basic. Once it is over, and you have been handed on the to high pressure shark salesperson, you never see the optometrist again, and he/she never checks that the glasses have been correctly made up to the prescription.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
I live and work in Germany where High street Opticians are more expensive than the UK.
Having tested the system by purchasing (cheap) reading glasses and have gained confidence in the “On line” system. I have since ordered more expensive options (sun glasses, Bifocals) and have been very pleased with the service and conveniance.
on the negative side, if you are a person who likes to “test” glasses in front of a mirror and have to be “persuaded” by the sales staff. Then console yourself with this thought. “You pay a lot of money for this service so the sales person must sound sincere when they tell you look great with the Buddy Holly style”
September 14th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I purchased glasses on-line after a fruitless tour around local shops looking for affordable glasses. The glasses I was after were a backup pair for my daily use pair and a pair of prescription sunglasses. My experience of on-line glasses purchase was positive for the following reasons:
1) I was about to go on holiday and so had limited time to trawl round more shops. A few hours searching on-line late one evening was all that was required to get an order placed.
2) Unexpectedly it seemed to be easier to choose glasses on-line. This was either due to their being less choice or it being easier to drill down to the styles of interest.
3) Where budget is tight or spare glasses are being purchased the savings found on-line seem worthwhile.
Suggestions
The image quality of on-line glasses should be made as high as possible and some form of 3d viewing would be useful as would the ability to see a selection of people wearing the glasses.
Some Logitech cameras have a very cool and effective animation/avatar features that allow you to try on glasses, wigs etc. For a sample see here -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qZLgA2g7Ow . How about using something like this to try on glasses on-line? Or a simpler alternative that allows you to upload your photo and try on glasses photofit fashion.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
I tend to buy my first pair of glasses from the optician who made the prescription. This means they are well fitting and suitable.
I then buy one or two pairs off the net to supplement these - as I am always leaving them around the house.
The advantage of high street purchase is to get a good fit
The advantage of net purchase is price
September 14th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
In the process of liberation and the breaking of highly profitable cartels that have existed for many years, the big issue I find is that when you ask for the prescription so you can order online, the shop gets stroppy and leaves off information. They also start with the negatives of buying online. I would start by exploding some of the myths that surround buying glasses online i.e. the strangle hold held by the cartels (sorry, high street opticians) and provide maybe a “what to ask the options” and what to demand when it’s not on the prescription.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Great no-nonsense service. Keep up the good work!
John Morgan
September 14th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I am all for buying glasses online. How ever, my prescription is higher than can be purchased online. So, I have just spent £450 on a pair of spectacles, which to be fair are really nice, but its a lot of money to spend every 1 to 2 years.So PLEASE extend the range as there must be other people whose eye sight is like mine!!!
September 14th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Obviously price, but also shopping at my convenience (any hour, day or night), comparing products is as easy as bookmarking them, all done in a comfortable, unpressured environment. If I want to have time to make my mind up, I can return at my convenience to have another look without having to trek back to the shops. I don’t need to queue to be served. The speed of supply and the quality of customer service is far superior to most shops. There seems to be more extensive protection for on-line purchases than in the high street.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Price is a big thing but also I can sit and browse through your many designs, I am now over 80 and for the first time when I saw your web site, I felt I could relax and choose my glasses, I have always felt pushed when at an opticians. They do the eye test and immediately take you to the array of spectacles, assuming you are going to buy (and I always have) but NOT any more. Thank you.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I purchase my glasses on line because it is so much easier for me to choose from the vast selection that you have available. It also saves me time and effort visiting Opticians and generally finding glasses on sale for a higher price than I can afford. I have always had excellent service from Mark Bowden and a very quick delivery service.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
In a “realife” shop I often feel pressured into buying glasses that i’m not 100% sure about or that are to expensive… I’m no good at saying “no” so buying online takes that pressure away. I can browse without anyone asking “do you need any help” and no one is trying to pressure me or rush me.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
The price advantage of on-line buying is obvious.
The accuracy of the dispension you have to trust.
The comfort of the chosen frame is a gamble.
There are ’swings and roundabouts’ !!
September 14th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Price, price, convenience, range and price again.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Price is the key - I can afford to have a pair in my car, my wife’s car and at home (simple long sighted prescription). You are not the cheapest though…
September 14th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
So far I have only purchased safety glasses from you on behalf of the company I am employed by. The service you provide is quick, accurate, easy and above all affordable.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I bought my first pair of glasses online from Mark nearly two years ago and found i could browse at my own convenience and prices were much lower than the high street. Advice and support was second to none.
I will be purchasing new glasses in a couple of months and i have already decided to buy from Mark again.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
At first I must admit to being very dubious about buying something as technical as a pair of spectacles,on-line. However one of my friends, who I have the utmost respect for, as far as his being very careful indeed when parting with money, gave specs 4 less an absolute glowing write-up for their service, quality and delivery.
I tried them out in 2006 with a prescription for a pair of rimless bi-focals. They were not only bloody good, they were almost half the price I had been quoted at my local opticians. In June of 2007 my Wife broke the arm off of her bi-focals, I took it back to where we bought them, I was told to throw them away, they couldn’t be repaired. I contacted Mark Bowden by phone to ask if he would make my Wife a replacement pair of specs.
When I told him the story about the broken pair, he imediately told me to post them to him, not only did he make her a beautiful pair of bi-focals, he made the broken pair like new for a paultry £10. A Business like that is worth telling others about, and that,s just what I intend to do.
Regards.
Freddy Fullerton.
Potters Bar Herts.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Benefits of buying specs online:
1. Much lower price
2. Saves considerable time (we can’t buy any more of this!)
3. Savings can provide for a 2nd pair that we should all have to hand but probably don’t - or for the sunglasses
4. Very useful for people living or working abroad, particularly if they are not fluent in the local language. (As in my case and many others in this region). An increasing number are leaving (escaping? -:) the UK or spending more time travelling.
5. Environmentaly more friendly, unless one is within walking distance of optician - for the Customer. Less energy and space required - for the optician.
6. Useful for students, who are usually on a low budget and computer capable, and often studying away from home location.
7. Useful for people who can operate a computer but may not be having so much success with their bodies.
Hope these few comments are useful.
Good Luck with the Great Debate, Mark. (There’s no contest! -:)
September 14th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
PURCHASING GLASSES ON LINE IS SO CONVENIENT. YOU DON’T HAVE THE TOING AND FROING TO THE TOWN CENTRE. THE SERVICE IS FIRST RATE AND THE FRAMES SHOWN ARE OF THE LATEST STYLES, WHICH ARE SHOWN IN THE HIGH STREET SHOPS, ONLY AT A MORE AFFORDABLE PRICE. I HAVE TOLD ALOT OF PEOPLE ABOUT PURCHASING ONLINE AND ESPECIALLY THIS WEB SITE. I’LL CONTINUE TO PURCHASE MY GLASSES ONLINE IN THE FUTURE, AND WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANKYOU MARK FOR THE SERVICE I’VE RECEIVED IN THE PAST.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I have had several pairs of glasses from speca4less, i have always found them very helpfull and good value.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I think reading the comments already posted you have your answers.
Price,Convenience,Range in today’s society nobody likes to wait for anything everybody is in a rush.We live in a fast paced enviroment,you can buy groceries online,cars online,holidays online,book a hotel in another country online,life and living is online so why not put Sight Online,good name.
Jeff.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
hi, buy them on line because it saves me time and money, I get great glasses at a fraction of the cost, wonderful
September 14th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Firstly: It has to be price.
Secondly: Choice. The local “Specsavers” isn’t always blessed with the glasses you fancy.
Finally, convenience: Purchasing off the web is quick and simple.
So, As long as you know what you’re after then, purchasing off the web is a convenient way to save both time and money purchasing your specs.
The downside….. and there’s always a downside: Not being able to try out something new. It’s all very well looking at a picture but actually trying them on is a must and obviously not very practical via the web!
A real saver though - The re-glazing service. This is a cracking way to keep up with your prescription effectively extending the life of the spex. This is by far the best service suited to web purchasing.
September 14th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I really appreciate being able to choose my frames and lenses at my leisure with no hidden extras and no Bimbo pressurising me.
Also the no quibble return for change or replacement at no extra cost.
Last but not least the SPEED of service, I’ve never waited more than two days from ordering to delivery.
Specs4less4me4ever.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I bought mine because they were a fraction of the cost they would have been at the opticians. The quality is great and they arrived within 48 hours. I don’t feel it’s at all unethical as you pay for the eye examination; if your local optician wants you to buy their glasses then,like all businesses, they should be competitive. To save a little bit more, next year I’m going to get my eyes tested on my annual trip to Scotland where it’s free for UK residents!
If only you did GP contact lenses and then I’d even happier!!
September 14th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
the main reason is price but off course convenience is another reason it is much easier to sit in front of the computer at the end of a long working day to order my glasses that have the hassle of going to a shop
September 14th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
You can order glasses without leaving the house, just wait (not long)for them to be delivered. I have ordered two pairs from spex4less, both are perfect. The service is 100% hassle-free.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Price and choice are good, and the service is excellent. I see the main benefit in respect of purchasing second or spare pairs of spectacles - but my comment there is heavily influenced by my belief in wanting to support local shops (we have a small independent Opticians shop in our town).
September 14th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Convenience and price are my main reasons.
It is much quicker and easier to shop on line than have to go into town. I now four pairs at the moment for less than one pair was costing me in a high street shop. Fantastic!!
I have never had a problem in getting the prescription - you have a right to obtain a copy, so just ask for it. Check all the data is completed before you leave the shop. Opticians charge for the eye test so it is not unethical to shop somewhere else for the glasses if you can get them cheaper. They are not giving a free service.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Price and convenience: the High Sreet shops charge exhorbitant prices for the kind of frame you get with ready-made reading glasses.
On-line provider seem to be more aware of customers’ requirements.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
As nearly everyone has already said, price. The prices charged by High Street opticians are extortionate, partly because of the their high overheads, but one also has to take into account the high cost of getting there, and the considerable inconvenience, if one lives in the country, as I do.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Time Saving, Lower Prices, Convenience, More Choice, I could go on forever …….
September 14th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Benefits:
Price, choice, qulity of product, no pressure sales
Minor Drawbacks:
You can’t try them on before buying.
Minor adjustments to achive a perfect fit are not easy to do oneself
September 14th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
I have had extremely good service from my on line supplier.One week from ordering and i can be wearing my new glasses.
The choice is very good indeed, and as we are retired on a limited income, my wife and i have to watch the pennies, we find that the prices are very good indeed.
When we went to the high street opticians it was every two years, because of the higher prices which we had to pay.
We can now afford to have our eyes checked every year and if necessary we can afford to buy new glasses on line, every year.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Benifits are
Price, Convenience and choice
all from the comfort of your own home
speed of service is essential
no chance to try them on before you buy is a problem but can be overcome
September 14th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I work in a remote station abroad and do not have access to a Boots or specsavers etc, therefore buying on-line is a must, especially in the event of loosing or breaking my glasses.
I get the design I want, at a great price, and delivered within days, otherwise I have to wait until I return to the UK.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Price. I didn’t spend any less, I was just able to afford better frames. I bought memory metal frames, and then went and bought a set of wrap round prescription frames, for the same money as I could buy one get one “free” deal on the local high street, for non memory metal and non wrap round sunglasses
I’m not sure about the choice argument, as when I go into an optician to buy glasses, it takes about 2 hours to pick a set of frames you are prepared to pay the price for and feel you look good in! The down side of online is you don’t get the “do I look good in this” feeling before you part with the cash…..
September 14th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I have bought online several times now and liked aone design so much I bought it again. It is easier than the sales pressure you can get in a shop sometimes, and I can take my time to decide.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Hi
Like Bill above. I usually try on a few pairs of glasses first before deciding on which one is the most suitable otherwise I would be more than happy to shop online.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Convenience and being able to review ranges and options at you own pace, having done that the keen prices are a key motivator to making a purchase.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I would be lying if I said that cost wasn’t an issue however the service that you get is also brilliant. you can look for hours if you please, without a saleperson badgering you into feeling rushed to try on a pair.
And although as someone commented that you cannot adjust them easily you can take them into any optical express and it doesnt matter where you got them from they will adjust them for you, sometimes for free, sometimes for about £5 .When you consider the amount you save buying them online its nothing
September 14th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
hya mark i agree with most people you deal with the
biggest problem is price high street opticians are
not cheap what we are looking at is a sensible price
i think where people go wrong they want trendy frames
ok we all want to look great i have done my it myself
had a pair of varifocals in small lenses because they look good are they doing my eyes good no: at the time i was strugling i was not being fair to my eyes never again there are some nice frames at a good price i will be buying a pair of varifocals shortly which are better for some but can we order online if not there should be ba way round this enough said eric
September 14th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
The demystification of the otherwise arcane business of dealing with opticians etal augments the not considerable benefits of cost and convenience.
Two years ago I couldn’t spell ophthalmologist now I are one!
September 14th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Sorry,I meant”not inconsiderable benefits”
September 14th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
For me the advantage is the speed with which the purchase and delivery can be enacted. Delivery through the letterbox of my house rather than trapesing off to high street opticians and the time that it usually takes with them to try the glasses on etc Spex4less are usually able to process my online order and deliver the specs within 5 working days which I find remarkable. Their competitive prices are a significant attraction too.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
1st Price, it has to be price.
2nd Convenience, no journeys to make etc.
3rd No hassle, just select frames send order and wait (not long).
4th Even varifocals available now.
Brilliant service guys.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Your service being fast,good quality and much cheaper than high street shops speaks for itself as far as I am concerned.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Dear Mark,
I’m pleased to endorse your service with this little story.
Having arranged and completed my National Health Eye Test, I was delivered into the hands of a young lady, for the purpose of selecting frames. The general attitude seemed to be, that I was under an obligation to choose at that moment, from a confusing display. The lady pointed out this and that,emphasizing their fashable merits, by way of distracting me away from my own basic requirements and choice. Eventually, I requested to know the prices of those to which my attention was drawn. It soon became apparent that the expectation was that we were viwing models well over the ‘hundreds’of pounds in price. As a pensioner, I reminded the salesperson that I was not in a position to spend that sort of money, asking her to point out the lower cost items. The atmosphere changed as she said that prices started at £30 and, in an off-hand manner, she pointed to the single £30 pair of frames that lay on a ledge. They, had not merited to be given the dignity to have been included in the ‘general’ display. I then caused myself further embarressment by (innocently) asking if that price included the lenses. I then ventured the opinion that I could not see any great differentiation in the funtional operation of any of the samples, demonstrated to me thus far. The saleslady appeared to be exhausted, even after the few minutes of the time she spent with me and I could sense that I was not making the appropriate responses to the saleslady’s requirements. That led me to take my leave and to seek my own requirements elsewhere.
When I got home, I recounted my adventure to my wife and we both laughed fit to burst.
I went to my ancient Computer, and found http://www.spex4less.com I was able to view a wide choice of frames, which would have been difficult distinguish from even the best of those I had seen in the Opticians cabinets. So, I telephoned the Freephone number of ‘Spex for less’ to povide the details of my prescription, both for driving and for reading glasses. By return the glasses were delivered to my door. I have to say that I am highly satisfied with the curtesy, quality and the prompt service delivered to me by “Spex4less”. and I am pleased to send these few words of appeciation, in the hope that you can make use of the anecdote at your forth-coming talk.
With thanks,
John Harland.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Like most products and services buying on-line is cheaper. The real difference with buying glasses is that retail outlets are almost all outrageously expensive. I had to buy my last pair at a high street outlet as varifocal lenses were not available on the Internet. These cost over £400 and it is difficult to understand how such charges are justified. It seems to me that there is actually no real competition between retail outlets to the point where I wonder if a cartel is operating.
Needless to say I will endeavour to use on-line purchasing wherever possible in future.
Regards
Barry Heaven
September 14th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Hi Mark,
I’ve just recently purchased a new pair of glasses from you. I’ve bought several pairs of glasses from your business in the past. I’ve been delighted with all my purchases and the glasses have proved to be at least as good in terms of fit and quality as I’ve had from the High Street shops. Your business deserves every success.
I don’t think online purchasing of glasses is for everyone but for anyone who can measure a set of existing frames accurately and type the details of a prescription into your easy to use form the outcome is likely to be a happy one.
I have to say that choosing an optician can be a hit or a miss affair. There are good ones who *listen* to what their customers say and others who dont. Pick a good one and decide for yourself where you want to buy your glasses. I’ve had one particularly bad experience in the past with a local optician (not one of the big four), so choose with care.
Opticians are professional people and command professional wages. They don’t have to fleece us on price over glasses.
Just remember folks, Mark and others are at least giving us a choice when it comes to price. I for one will never buy glasses from a High Street opticial again… ever.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
easy to access, good choice of spec, low price and delivered to your door what more could you want
September 14th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
to me it is the differance of being able to aford spectacles or not
being able to buy spectacles. good luck to all online spectacle
sellars.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
I find it easier than going to an optician where you have to book an appointment and could wait for weeks for one then wait an age for your glasses. When you order online you can do it anytime night or day.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Obviously the lower prices available on the internet has to be the main advantage. It has enabled me to purchase bifocals, and polarised bifocals, specs to use with the computer and anti dazzle specs for the car all with prescription lenses.
I get to talk directly with an optician (or sometimes a qualified technician each time I phone with a query.
The most usual concern raised is what happens when you have a problem mine was understood at once and a replacement pair sent within a few days, less than a week very much quicker than offered by “High Street” opticians.
I have recommended a number of friends all those who made purchases have like me been most pleased.
I have discovered that “spring loaded” frames require little adjustment to give comdfotable wear.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
the only thing that is lacking on this site is the ability to have a 360 view of the glasses. this would make choosing frames a lot eaiser. that said I bought my first pair a year a go at 1/3 of what the high street wanted-magic!!
My opticians scoffed at online purchasing but I think that is because they are at the back of the queue progress wise with regards the internet.
A lot of their sites are clumsy and hard to use-and over priced
As an ebay powerseller of 7 years, I love the fact that a smaller operation has had the nouse to go ahead and eclipse the high street retailer…full marks guys…
oh…it would be cool if you guys did those reacte a lite sun glass things (the lenses that change in the sun) Been after a pair for a while but not at High street prices…
September 14th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Thank you for all your comments please keep them coming.
Dan just to point out we do actually do these. They are called transitions and you should find them under the lens coating option.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
1. Price 2.Convenience. 3. After sales service!
September 14th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
A couple of months ago I lost my glasses - left them in a motorway service station somewhere. I was not too worried because a week before that I had put them in my shirt pocket together with one of those soft-grip gel pens. This promptly scrubbed all the coating off in patches, so the glasses were pretty useless anyway, and I had already booked an eye test with that place in the high street that says they will do your new glasses in an hour. In my case that means a week.
I wanted varifocals - years ago I got fed up with wearing two pairs at once - and the only frames the shop could show me were ‘designer’. That means some kid straight out of art school had doodled on a bit of paper somewhere and drawn up plans for lenses that are far too shallow to work properly as varifocals. They need to be LARGE lenses if they are to be any actual use.
The upshot was that, because I could not at the time buy varifocals online, I bought the largest somewhere-near reasonably priced frames in the store. They were, I think, £30. Then came the lenses and the coating - just antiscratch, nothing fancy. That upped the price to well over £200. God knows what transition lenses would have been.
Mark Bowden will now produce the same prescription for me at a cost of about £80, and get them to me in 2 days. Why on earth would I ever buy from the High Street again?
September 14th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
It was so easy to order on line. I have been asked by over 30 people where I purchased my glasses and how much I paid for them.
A really fast service too.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
You don’t get bothered by sales staff. Silly women who say you can’t have this that or the other “with those frames”
There’s no parking problems. No time off work. What more can I say ?
Buying on line is easier and quicker in most cases. Then there’s the price……….say no more, nudge nudge wink wink, know what I mean.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Its sooo easy with spex4less, I take a look at which I fancy, fill in the form and hey presto a couple of days time, they are on my doorstep!! No going to town, no debate with the shop watching you and salesperson pointing you to the expensive pairs. With the prices as they are on spex4less I have about six pairs to go with different outfits, new outfit , new spec’s!!
September 14th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I haven`t orgdered yet but shall do as soon as I have a new prescription.
Friends here in the village have bought with complete satisfaction.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Cost is certainly a factor but not only the cost of the glasses. Each visit to the optician costs me 2 - 3 hours loss of work taking into account travelling, waiting and the actual consultation. Last year I got some glasses from Boots and had to return a further 3 times before I finally accepted the best they could apparently produce (and it still wasn’t right). All in all, I lost at least one day’s work and being self-employed, that was a significant extra cost.
This is when I discovered spex4less and enjoyed a painless transaction, and this was for varifocals. My first purchase but certainly not my last.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I’ve not bought specs online as I cant see how they can be made to fit and be properly centered on eye lens etc. Any specs bought from shops, not opticians, never are comfortable even if optically O.K. So unseen online must be worse. Prove me wrong someone.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I live in Belgium where the price of glasses is ridiculously high. Cost is a major factor for me. Also if you buy on the high street you have the waiting time and travelling time. Buying online is easy and convenient. I’ll certainly buy online again.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Price of course is a great incentive. Also chance to afford several pairs, different styles. I used to go to a multiple opticians. I find it off putting to be passed from one person to the next. Never the same twice. The last time I went I walked out after threequarters of an hours wait. I stood at the reception desk to tell them I could not wait any longer, 3 girls.stood behind counter discussing the till receipt so I eventually walked out of the door. These places can be very impersonal
I have just had my eyes tested again I made an appointment at a small opticians, got good service and bought 1 pair of nice everyday glasses without being pestered with 2 for price of one etc. I shall buy a pair online when I choose another frame possibly rimless or half rim which was more than I could afford at the time. They did give me my prescription
September 14th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
These are the major plus points in now particular order of spex4less
Cost (any more special offers, just missed last one by a few hours
)
Service is excellent, with me in a couple of days.
Guarantee, never had to use it but I’m sure it would be fine.
Postage, nice to see a good price for postage and not a rip off.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
I tend to buy ‘extra’ pairs on line so I can afford to have several pairs around the house and in the car.
The realistic price and choice is first class - and so is the service.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Have bought glasses on line, wear them all the time and will buy again when needed. Great way of buying glasses
September 14th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Hi All
I’m glad to say that everything i was gonna say has already been said by so many so in brief price,ease of purchase,speed of delivery and great phone help when needed as my prescription exceeds the ranges in the online form.And above all as stated by someone earlier no sales sharks putting excessive charges for the smallest item of change/extra. Great service guys
September 14th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I have my eyes tested at Specsavers and in the past have always bought at specsavers. But despite their claims to the contrary their instore pricing policy is complicated and unclear.We had a bad experience in Deal with a pair of varifocals that my wife bought at specsavers. They turned out to be much more expensive than the ones she thought she was buying. When we expressed this to the customer service at the store they denied showing my wife the wrong frames.The staff were also rude and unhelpful.However despite this my wife intends to buy her next varifocals in the high street because she had to go back to Specsavers twice to have the last pair adjusted properly. She is not convinced that by buying online varifocals will be right first time without some adjustment.I would like to hear your comments on this as I see that you now offer varifocals, and I was thinking of trying some.
My reason for buying from you initially was of course price.
However I was pleasently surprised how easy it was, good choice of frames and they fitted properly.
Being retired I am very much in the market place for the best price for everything and I was very much reassured by having to read your ‘guide to buying on the internet’ before I went ahead.
Hope this is of some use. I will continue to buy from you and would like to persuade my wife to as well.
More power to your elbow!!
Gordon Love
September 14th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Cost is obviously important but I have never had a pair of glasses fit so well and without umpteen trips back and forth to the opticians - all adding to the cost in terms of time, car park fees, petrol etc. Started to wonder if all the tweaking and adjusting I have had done in the past is because of poor measurements in the first place!!
September 14th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Hi there Mark,
It is my pleasure to recommend your site.
I get a much better service even though you are on line, you are only a phone call away, I get help and advice choosing my frame and i get them cheaper, i can take as long as i like browsing through your huge amount of frames without some assistant glaring at me and if they are not suitable you are willing to change them.
I am very pleased that you are now doing verifocal.
I am trying to persued my husband to buy his next pair through you.I am also very impressed with your advice on how to choose the correct frame, the vouchers that you give.
I am altogether impressed and i can have more with specs for less!!
regards Margaret marshall
September 14th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
The main reason has to be the price.High Street opticians frames in particular are vastly overpriced.It’s also a good way of saving a lot of time.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Cost is one of the main factors for me when buying glasses. I only uses glasses for reading but find on the high street they are very expensive. Also, ease of use of this website is a big factor plus there is a good range of frames here all at affordable prices. No pressure to buy - a big plus.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I have simple needs concerning spectacles. I need them for close reading - nothing else. So the advantages of buying the specs on line are simple.
1. Convenience. I don’t need to go anywhere, apart from my computer.
2. Choice. I choose the frames I want; I don’t have anyone trying to sell me ridiculous frames I don’t want.
3. Price. At half what they cost in the High street, why should I go elsewhere?
September 14th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Hi Mark
I received my specs in less than a week from ordering. There is nothing wrong with them whatsoever and they cost a lot less than the local opticians. My wife has just bought varifocals on the net (from another supplier as you did not do varifocals then)and they are fine too.
With the money back guarantee offered there is no reason to be worried!!
September 14th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I have bought 4 pairs of glasses on-line in the last 12 months, from 3 different suppliers, including frameless varifocals and polarising, and have been very happy with the ordering process, prices and the glasses received.
The main criticisms I would have of the web-sites is that the illustrations of the frames are in some cases too small (low resolution) to get an accurate impression, and that there is not enough information about the lenses (especially the varifocals), with few options for higher grade lenses.
For me, price is not the only criterion, as I also found it quick and convenient to order via the internet.
I will certainly be ordering further glasses on-line, but it will not stop me also using high-street opticians on occasion, when I want a wider choice of lenses.
September 14th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Great Choice
Great Value
Great Service
Great turnaround
Great Product
Great Savings
So Great really!
September 14th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
There is only one benefit from buying online and that is price. In my experience, after-sales service is poor (no reply to emails). My next purchase will be from a shop; I’m willing to pay more if it means better after-sales service.
September 14th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Having bought at high street shops I was a little worried about buying on line. However after contacting your company the help and advice was second to none.Your staff are very professional and very polite .Nowhere else can match your price or fast delivery seviceI am sure that once someone has tried your firm they will continue to do so Many thanks for your help and advice throughout our orders.
September 14th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I have only recently need to wear glasses for reading and was overwhelmed when I went to the opticians to buy some. After nearly an hour of trying them on I had no idea which really looked better on me and doubted I cared, being more concerned that Icould see rather than being concerned what I looked like. I was also appalled at the cost. Buying on line made the process quick and cheap!
September 14th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Hi Mark, Having read all of the comments I have to agree Being retired and disabled funds are always tight. We have a local private optician who takes it for granted that after an eye test it is automatically taken that a new frame with the new lenses will be required. All of this opticians frames are very expensive. £120-plus.
I had my eye test done locally and sent off my frame to Mr. Bowden of specs for less and they were returned to me within the week.
I think that this kind of service is needed across the country. Keep up the excellent work.
September 14th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Hi! Have only needed one pair to date but was very satisfied with the price. Only minus I can think of is that it is even easier if you want an average size of frames as the choice is restrictive.
September 14th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Buying from ‘Spexs4less’ online is an easy process and saves time. The glasses are perfect, optically and with correct fitting when they arrive. They are much cheaper than the high street stores, have a wide range of choice and a price to suit all, even the designer glasses are available at a good rate. Can afford to have two pairs althoug I have bought four pairs over the last 18 mths.
Great Cutomer Service!!!! Can ring them, email them and they respond quickly, that day! The repairs or alterations of the glasses is negligible costs, more of a customer service, than a hugh expensive, as is with the high street opticians.
For me the one item above all the others is Custmer Service, nothing is too much trouble for them. The customer is number 1, so I feel a valued customer. I cannot rate them high enough. Recommended them to lots of people.
thank you
G. Jenkins
September 14th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Buying online made it easier for me to justify buying two pairs of spectacles, instead of being able to afford only a single pair as before. Then when my prescription changed slightly, made it possible to replace one of them with an updated pair without having to think very carefully about whether the cost was justified.
September 14th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Hi, I have to say that it is both the convenience and the price.
I live on an Island, we have very limited choice in frames etc., this enables us to not only have more choice, but more up-to-date choice. We are usually only shown the glasses that are out of fashion in other parts of the country….
Price as I said earlier is also a contributing factor, if not the main one in my case. Low wages decide what we wear.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
The simple answer to your question re the benefits of purchasing glasses online is simple.Your not likley to get run over, fall down an unopened manhole cover, bump into a lampost or trip of the kerb on your perilous journey to the opticians…. take Mr Magoo for example, forever getting into scrapes one way or the other.
Buying glasses online is a less stressfull way of making your purchase. When your prescipted spectacles protrude through your letterbox safe in the hands of the local postie,only then can you with confidence,venture outside once more.. onto the perilous high street, safe in the knowledge that you can see clearly now !
September 14th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I think I have bought more than 8 pair of specs from specx4less
for me and my spouse, It is not only the price that is good.
The quality is top class even in the cheapest range have sprung
loaded arms. Look at specsavers frames the offers are all poor quality frames.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
After reading in a newspaper about the cost of frames only being £2.50 to the Opticians (and I was I insulted into the bargain for being an OAP by a girl in Specsavers) i decided to have my eyesight done elsware and buy my specs on line seems they don’t teach respect anymore so I might as well buy on the internet at least that does not insult me
September 14th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Cost is certainly the biggest factor to buying glasses online. I have to buy plastic or titanium as ordinary metal can cause problems and I object to having to pay upwards of £250 for a decent pair of glasses, buying from you I can have several pairs. I have been really pleased with your service and also your after-service which is every bit as important. I just wish there was some way to have eye examinations as well without having to go to a high street store.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I have bought two pairs of bi-focals last year on line and they were perfect just what I ordered but I need another eye sight test so wont buy just yet I looked around and I see buy one get second pair free this seams expensive when you can get same pair on line from £30 buy two pairs for less then one pair!!
I am a real fan of buying spectacles on line!
From Peter
September 14th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
It has to be cost first and formost.I buy spects 3 at a time due to the fact I tend to destry them.I either drop them, sit on them ,tread on them .reverse the car over them .I am for ever bending them back into shape .It was getting a bit expensive with high street prices.If you need a tester feel free to call
September 14th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
I have been limited in places I can get my glasses online as I need varifocals with prisms. I am really pleased that spex4less can now do these and will be ordering. The obvious advantages of buying online are much lower prices and less time taken out of a busy life. A less obvious advantage is freedom to take as much time as needed choosing frames and lens types without being intimidated by assistants who somehow always seem to point you in the direction of the most expensive frames and lenses regardless of whether they are needed or even suitable. When online you can go away to think about choices and come back later. Anything that is not clear can be sorted out by contacting the provider or researching generally online. It all helps in getting the most suitable glasses at very good prices.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
It took a long time to take the plunge into buying glasses on-line and I certainly wish I’d done it sooner. The main advantages are price, choice and convenience. The disadvantage is that you can’t try them on first - I wish there was a photo of someone wearing each style - it would make the process much simpler.
September 14th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Price, no hidden charges and no hard sell.
Appreciate you have lower overheads and can see you pass them onto us customers!
Keep up the good work!
September 14th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Price most definately and also not feeling pressured by an assistant to buy something you really are not sure about or that turns out to be more expensive than you really want to pay
September 14th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
um and ah at leisure and price. It is usually more impersonal online but you present yourself in a very personal way and I feel confident that I can ‘talk’to you if I have a problem or particular need. Good service, quick, convenient, bargain. Thanks
September 14th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
I got a cheap examination at an opticians who gave me the perscription. I then went searching for a place online to buy glasses then I descovered Specx4less and I was amazed at the difference in prices. So naturally I bought them here.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
I have an independent optician right next door to me, and a Tesco Extra with it’s own optician 5 miles away, and I’ve used Spex4Less.
I like my independent optician, and use him to provide my prescription (for which he gets paid an appropriate sum) and to provide a repair or adjustment service when my specs get dropped or broken, for which he charges me what I regard as a reasonable sum. It does take him several days to get new frames or frames repaired.
I bought my last spectacles (varifocals) from Tescos. Even though I got two sets (clear and sunglasses) they don’t seem to have exactly the same prescription and the clear lenses I wear every day had to go back for restitution as one of the lenses fell out on a regular basis - once when driving. I don’t think I will buy from there again, as I felt pressured and walked out paying more than I had expected.
I bought some bifocals (for desk and computer work) from Spex4less, based on the prescription provided by the independent optician. These are just right for the job and I probably wouldn’t have purchased them if they hadn’t been a really keen price with a promise (fulfilled) of excellent service.
I use varifocals for most of the day, and will buy my next set from Spex4Less when my Tescos frames break, which I suspect will be shortly after I have had them for a year…
September 14th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Glasses are certainly a lot cheaper than high street. I did order a pair of glasses online (Glasses direct - I did not know about Spec4less at the time). Quality was good and it was about a third of the price of glasses on the high street - I have the thinner lenses
One thing I did have trouble with though is getting the glasses to fit on my face. I had to resort to getting a high street optician to sort them out and I had to face a few awkward questions about why they did not fit properly (they were too long in the arm).
I like the fact that buying glasses online you do tend to have a none quibblke guarantee. It is very hard to get a PD reading in an eye test
September 14th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Bought two pairs of glasses online and have had absolutely no complaints. Vastly cheaper, larger range, can choose what I want without the sales push to buy the most expensive frames. I doubt I would ever purchase my glasses from a high street opticians again. Its far quicker online than going around the high street trying on glasses, ok you can’t try them on and look in the mirror online, but you do have plenty of advice, and so far the glasses I have got online have been spot on perfect.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
i brought a pair of glasses from spex4less the first time as i went to the opticians to have a regular eye check and they supplied me with new glasses costing me £130.00 and after a week of trying to get used to them i went back to the opticians as they were not right only to be told by the optician just use them for reading when i couldnt see well at all without glasses i decided to go to another optician for a precritian check and after the precriptian was confirmed to be different from that of which i was supplied they tried to get me to purchase another pair of glasses which again would of cost over £100 pounds and not being made of money i went home found spex4less on the internet and thought i would give them a go as the glasses was a fraction of the price and they had a good selection that was a couple of years ago now and i still get my glasses from spex4less and i have also started getting my daughters glasses from them as well the service we recieve is excellant and i lost my percription and phoned when i needed new glasses and they were very helpful and friendly and delivery is usually within a week i wont be going anywhere else for glasses in future and recomend my family and friends to all visit spex4less cant fault the service at all and best thing is i can afford a new pair of glasses if i get fed up with the colour and style that im wearing
September 15th, 2007 at 4:33 am
The first reason would be price
Glasses seem to be very over priced in the High Street, and the new chains of opticians seem to be cashing in on a fashion item rather than offering a professional service
But buying on line also saves time, not having to make an appointment and visit the optician a couple of times
I also get the feeling that the High Street opticians will always suggest you need new glasses when they do an eye test, so really they use it as a selling tool, not a medical service
And so far my experience has been very good, and the on line serivce is more professional and quicker
Colin
September 15th, 2007 at 6:58 am
Difficulty in getting rimless glasses with large (deep) lenses.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Mainly price.High street does not come close.
Choice/Convenience. Easy to sit at the PC, browse through the catalogue (huge choice)and place order in one easy operation. Saves the hassle of a trip in to town and then try to be persuaded that you need something you really don’t at what I think is well overpriced.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:25 am
PRICE.I LOVE BUYING MY SPECS ONLINE BECAUSE OF PRICE AND TIME TO CHOOSE WITHOUT THE HASSLE YOU FEEL IN A HIGH STREET SHOP.UNFORTUNATELY MY LAST PAIR HAD TO BE VARIFOCALS [NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME ON LINE]AND THE COST WAS PROHIBITIVE. SO I AM NOW DELIGHTED TO SEE THAT I CAN NOW GET VARIFOCALS ON LINE SO THE HIGH STREET OPTICIANS HAVE HAD THE LAST OF MY MONEY !
September 15th, 2007 at 7:51 am
I drove to Spex4less with my optical prescription gave it to Mark , he ( quickly and very professionally ) measured me for the Varifcal Transition lenses and the new glasses arrived in less than a week , were perfect and cost a quarter of my local shop quote !
September 15th, 2007 at 8:11 am
I have had one pair of specs, and a trail of marketing, from the site. The specs were not bad, and I was lucky to find a wide enough frame on the site, but I have twice had to have them repaired by a local optician.
Advantages: I am an international service engineer, and do not have any time at home to make appointments. High street “1-hour” merchants do not offer wide or long-arm frames, and you do. So it is possible to get them from you.
Disadvantages: It is not easy to judge the quality of the frames, and while you offer inter-optical spacing customisation, you can do nothing to help with vertical centering. I have, in the past, had frames where bad vertical centring can cause severe optical problems, so to avoid this with your site I chose a frame size with small lenses, to minimise the risk.
Pricing: Prices are competative on a UK basis, where frame prices are out of all proportion, but I have had cheaper sets made by ‘1-hour’ locations in Uruguay, the USA, and South Africa. In all those places, and in most of europe, frame prices are much more reasonable than in the UK.
I have little quibble with the quality of what was delivered, but since I do not regard spectacles as a fashion accessory have not ordered more than once.
September 15th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Having ordered several pairs of Specs on line
Can’t give enough praise to Specs4Less Good quality at low prices,excellent service,no quibble replacement or exchange,even when it was me that got it wrong (ticked the wrong box)and of course no hanging around or trying to get appointments in the high street.Main benifits are wider choice and ease of ordering on line,better prices and usually swifter delivery of compleated prescription.
September 15th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Got my first pair delivered to holiday home in France –which is why I ordered on-line .Very pleased .Brilliant service arrived within 1 week of order. Now intend to use all the time .Great price ,great service.I feel confident that the service is genuine.
September 15th, 2007 at 8:59 am
For me the cost benefit of ordering on line is the driving force. Really this is from both ends of the market. My eyesight throughout my life has been good but with age I have needed reading glasses and some correction for distance.
For reading glasses I have in the past relied on ready made glasses sold in chemists. However for a similar price I can now buy prescription glasses with hard plastic lens which are far superior to the ready made varieties.
I now wear glasses all the time which overcomes both my reading and long distance problems. For this I want high quality varifocals. In high street opticians these cost several hundred pounds. I have obtained the quality I want on line for under £100. No contest.
September 15th, 2007 at 9:05 am
We know through friends a man who has made a fortune out of selling spectacle frames - although he has not told us himself, we learn that even the top brands come from the same source - largely the Phillipines - so there is nothing extra wonderful about the more expensive brands other than their added name.
Although I have not yet bought from Mark - I am wearing rimless Varifocals (three bits of wire for £200 alone which were almost unrepairable when they broke on the bridge!!!) I would very much like to, but I have not yet managed to find the rimless + varifocal in his wide selection which has made me draw back so far.
Also my presciption has not changed - so I hope that soon I will be able to get all three coming together!
September 15th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Like many of the above the main concerns I have are of cost and time. I am relatively new to the net and did not know what to expect. I was impressed by the choice available and thought ‘well if they are not very good I have not lost a lot’. The service I got was most excellent, so much so that I ordered a pair of sunglasses soon after. I am due another eye test in the near future and I will definately order more glasses from spex4less.
Tony Mac
September 15th, 2007 at 9:11 am
HI Mark,
Well what can i say… the service is super.
Its a very easy to use website, I purchased a pair after my dad passed on the website to me. My husband then needed glasses to so we brought his from you as well. (he loves them)
I have just had a quick price check and the glasses i have would have cost me over £200 pounds from a opticians. I paid less than £90.
I had a problem with my last pair it was fixed above and beyond my expectations. Extreamly pleased.
I would quite frankly never buy glasses anywhere else again.
Its so simple.
I quite like to confound the staff in the opticians when i have my eyes checked as they circle hungrily waiting to rip you off… then i take my prescription and tell them i have to go as i’ve run out of time… they are still saying but…!!! as i go out the door… its great.
I have spoken to You (Mark ) and your lovely on the phone.
And John was very helpful as well.
thank you for a super service.
someone said something about a loyalty bonus?, but i think you send great offers our way all the time so am very happy as things are.
Amanda
September 15th, 2007 at 9:48 am
I purchased my glasses online mainly because the eye problem I have cannot be dealt with by prescription, so I merely needed decent tinted lenses to take away the glare of lights. Opticians made this process inordinately difficult as they made me feel if I did not need presription glasses I was wasting their time, but I cannot see in bright lights without tint as my retina and optic nerve are damaged, so my need is just as great. Anyway, ordering online is far cheaper, the process seems much quicker, and most importantly to me, I can choose the pair I want without a salesperson directing me to the most expensive pairs they have! The service was very efficient and I had my glasses within 2 days of ordering, whereas opticians in the high street had told me at least 4 days as they would have to be specially made as plain tinted lenses. The range of glasses is excellent and there are clear instructions all along the way to direct you in the correct way of sizing up your glasses, as well as virtual “trying on”. I would not buy in a high street again and I have recommended online buying to all my friends for the future.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Purchasing glasses online saves time and money as well as giving very good quality and choice.
With spex4less there is good human contact if required also.
Over all a first class service. Highly recommended.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:49 am
I buy my glasses online as it saves time and the prices are chaper than on the hight street. The customer service is excellent and the choice is very comprehensive
September 15th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Glasses are such a personal item, they need fitting to the face, and you do need to spend time looking at a large selection of frames, and try them on, that is the plus for going to an opticians.
Then there are the negatives, time spent looking at a lot of frames, the more there are , the longer it takes, you are terrified that you may miss the perfect frames, if you do not try them all on !. and the PRICES , what justification is there for these prices ?.
Online selection, quick , easy , prescription emailed in, fast turnaround, you get personal time back for your use.
but if you have special requirements outside the mainstream user, then online may not be for you…
Main driver for online buying, PRICE, opticians frame prices do stick in my throat.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:51 am
The sheer convenience of
shopping on line in the comfort of one’s own home without having to park the car, or be jossled fighting through crowds of shoppers.
The time to browse through the many different styles displayed on the web site without being pressured and the obvious ,being the price all contribute to the pleasurable experience that is Spex4less.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Purchasing online does indeed save time and money. And the best online providers give excellent service, such as ‘no questions asked’ replacement of new glasses that do not suit the buyer. But we have to ’shop around’ to get the best deal. For semi rimless bi-focals we need to find glasses retailing at less than £40. The best deal I’ve found is one stop glasses (website of the same name). When spex4less matches this price I’ll go back to them !
September 15th, 2007 at 11:09 am
I buy online when I want single vision specs as the price is soooooooooooooooooooooo attractive. I wear varifocals most of the time so on-line can be a problem. My prescription is outside your range of options so I can’t get specs from you. The online service I have used has been as fast as the ‘offers’ on the local high street and at less than half the cost and I was contacted by ‘phone when I first bought online as I had quoted a non-standard inter pupilary distance and they thought I might have made a mistake. (I hadn’t)
September 15th, 2007 at 11:10 am
I am waiting to hear that varifocals are available and then will have no real qualms about ordering online.
May possibly miss the “fitting” part of the service but this has a frighteningly high price. Also if a screw comes loose and is lost I can at present visit shop for a repair and not be without glasses. Don’t know what would happen with an online purchase, would I have to return and be without for a few days. Again, this is still a very expensive backup I suppose.
What will happen when you have taken over the world? will we still be able to obtain a prescription some where?
Looking forward to my first online pair.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I think that the net has been great for people in as much its shown us what that you can buy glasses cheaper and with the same quality frames if not better for less than half the price.I for one will never buy glasses from a shop again.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Supplier spex4less.
Well, I can’t say I’ve been 100% satisfied with the service. 1st pair - no problems. I went to D&A for an eye test for free (discount voucher) then got a quote of approx £180 for 1 pair. Left the shop with prescription. Ordered a pair of rimless at half the cost. Delivery quick. The frames, it has to be said, look cheap and of lesser quality. Finish not so good.
2nd order a few weeks later - titanium flexi using same precsription. Glasses arrive with a week. put ‘em on - can’t be right, blurred vision. Returned with rimless so that the measurements could be taken off them. Overall, a lot of too-ing and fro-ing. Finally got them OK.
3rd order - reglaze of a pair of Osiris frames from Specsavers. Great frames - asked for reactive lenses. Get this - the glasses were returned with 1 clear lens and one reactive !!! Phoned up straightaway, apparently a customer in France had just called with the same problem - Tighten up your quality control Mark.
4th order - well, I’ve not made it yet. Dare I?
Pros - Cheap, cheap cheap. Customer service - Mark did phone me and apologised personally.
Cons - In my experience - quality control could improve, frames look cheaper than high street, overall waiting time about the same, since you have to get a prescription in the 1st place you’re still inconvenienced to some degree.
Bottom line - I probably will order another pair of titanium flexis with reactive lenses but I’ll remind them of my previous experiences by phone rather than just using the web-based order service. After all, I may have just been unlucky (twice) Alternatively wait for a 50% off offer at the high street shops.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Price + the ability to get varifocals online + including a guarantee.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:35 am
I buy my glasses online because of the prices. I find them relatively cheaper than the high street shops. It is convenient, I can do it from the comfort of my home. I have also recommended alot of my friends to buying online and they have all had a good expereince in doing so. They have also found that the same glasses in the high street shops are so much cheaper online which at the end of the day is a savings in their pocket!
September 15th, 2007 at 11:44 am
The ease of ordering, selection and price far outstrips any High Street Trader. The fact that they always fit without adjustments, something that never occurs in the High Street, completely de-mistifies the whole process. I and my husband will continue to purchase spectacles in this way.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:44 am
if you can supply glasses at these prices then I think high street opticians even with their overheads are charging far to much.
my optician says you cannot supply personal service.i am very pleased with eye tests done in the high st.but when it comes to fitting of glasses it is a joke in my experience.
when i can get from you bifocals for £35 of very good quality i am afraid there is no contest.the service from you is first class and will use your company for any glasses i need in future.
it may seem unfair to opticians doing all the eye tests and health checks and then we buy from you.so they know the answer?
September 15th, 2007 at 11:45 am
It would have to be price. Cheaper, very quick and efficient service (from your company at least). The first pair I got in a colour which didn’t look right and you swopped them with no trouble and, again, very quickly. Prescription would seem to be the same as from an optician. Yes, you do have to ask for your prescription from some opticians, but it’s yours, you paid for it. My local Specsavers have even adjusted my online glasses and only charged me a donation to their charity box!
September 15th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Hi Mark,
Hope your talk goes well. I cannot believe that you can expect a
justifiable counter argument.
The outrageous prices charged by the high street shops cannot be defensible. A friend told me recently that she had been offered a pair of glasses at over £500.00 - but she beat them down to £350 odd. She felt she had a bargain - some bargain!
On my last visit to an opticians I received the High price ‘tour’
and managed eventually to persuade them to let me see the ‘cheap frames’ the loss of interest was palpable.
Well done for your enterprise in providing an On -line solution.
Roy
September 15th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Good price, comfortable frames, excellent turn-around time. Only disadvantage I can think of is the problem of having had a duff eye-test (which happened to me with Specsavers, and without an apology!) As long as the prescription has been proved, I think it’s a fantastic service.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
price is the main driver..I’ve bought photochromic bi-focals on the web from the USA at less than 50% of the price quoted for virtually identical glasses at my local High St optician …with their four members of staff all kitted out in nice uniform, mainly standing around doing very little.
my golfing tinted specs can from Mark Bowden’s company…again at much less than the local optician charges. On both occasions I’ve been happy with the quality of the proiduct, the convenience of ordering on-line and the speed of delivery. And I’ve not added to global warming by getting in my car to go the High St optician!
PS: I get contact lenses online too…for exactly the same reasons.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
I recently purchased a pair of reading glasses on line from Mark and was pleasantly surprised to find that they were just as good, in fact even better than ordering from my local opticians. Its so convenient being able to order online and the prices are the best I’ve ever come across. It was a much better experience for me than going to my local D&A who I found were only interested in selling me the top designer frames with matching prices, and who literally shooed me out of the shop, when I decided to take the prescription only. Never again, anytime I need new glasses I will go online and order from Mark. Also I misread the codes and decided on a sun tint, however when I received them they looked like sunglasses which I didn’t like , I asked if I could return them and have clear reading lenses instead, this was no problem and within a week I had my glasses returned with the clear lenses. Can’t get service any better than that and I have purchased glasses previously from SpeckyFourEyes on line but there is no comparison. Thanks again Mark and you will be hearing from me and my friends. Well done
September 15th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Glad to help Mark.
Buying on line means to my husband and I that we don’t have to keep trying on then going back to the first ones again etc. It also means no hard sell by an optician in the ear. Did I mention my husband and I are disabled though not (yet ) in wheel chairs? Imagine the convenience of doing it sitting down in our own home. Comfort and sight. A very good combination. LEE
September 15th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
clarity of pricing structure without having to wade through mutually exclusive ‘offers’
glasses arrived in a week, quicker than my high street optician and i didnt have to wait until i had time to get back to optician to pick up, with associated parking hassle.
communication not all it could be. easier ‘face to face’ in high street. promotional offer of anti reflective coating was not applied, even though i emailed several times after ordering.
high street optician has my prescription details on file, which is good. there didnt seem to be a way of being a ‘returning customer’ with details stored on website, so that is a shortfall of the system, not online purchase concept.
customers should be able to log in, the system already holding prescription and address and payment details with just an ‘update your prescription’ option if they have a new eye test. online is not for the faint hearted who might worry about correctly entering prescription details.
at the moment i am unsure about advisability of buying varifocals online using the process described. that still needs the personal touch to ensure correct alignment, but i am only a layman in this field.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
surely much better for people in rural areas who have to make several long journeys to a high street optician for eye test, ordering and fitting on arrival.
from deepest cornwall…………………
September 15th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Thank you Mike.
Just though I would jump in here as you mentioned a problem with the anti reflective coating.
Just to clear this up the anti reflective coating is always applied if the codes are entered.
However, this at the moment is not printed on invoices. The way you can tell if this is applied is to hold your glasses in front of you and look accros the lens. You should see a green/purple “Bloom” to the lens and this is the anti reflective coating.
If you don’t see this give me a call and I will arrange for another pair to be sent out to you.
Also thank you for your comments.
Mark Bowden
September 15th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
First and foremost is the value for money, then the huge choice of quality frames and last but not least is the courteuos and professional way you are treated.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Mark,
You must be very pleased at the response from your satisfied customers.
It is very difficult to think of anything different to say. When I bought my first pair from you I was a little worried, as I couldn’t understand how the glasses could be so much cheaper than those sold in the High Street. I have now bought several pairs since the first one, all of which have worked very well. I now can’t understand how the High Street opticians are so expensive!
So, as everyone has said, price is the prime factor for buying on-line, followed by the ability to choose in the comfort of your own home, rather than listening to a salesperson telling you that a frame “suits you, sir”, when you know that they are just trying to make a sale.
I have never had any difficulty with obtaining a prescription from an optician, as I believe that they are legally required to give this to you.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
The beauty of buying glasses online is that you can take you time choosing the right frames. I get rather annoyed at comission paid store assistants trying to get me to buy frames that will pay them the highest in their wages at the end of the month.
Frames are cheaper on-line (mine are Georgio Armani). I can also say that the lenses fit the frame better than any I have had before, usually there are gaps where the lense has been overground.
The service I received from spex4less was excellent, I was kept up to date with the progress of my order and my finished product was delivered in 5 days of ordering.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
I was amazed at the prices - a huge saving and I usually tell at least one person a day how much my glasses cost me - and they’re amazed too! I was a little confused regarding the size of the frames at first, but the optician and the site was a great help.
Next was the service, far quicker than the high street and to cap it all, when I had a problem (mine, not the service) it was dealt with quickly, efficiently and courteously.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
The price is certainly one of the main factors .The convenience of browsing through the different types of glasses in your own home,at your own convenience plus the assurance that there is a back up service is a real boon,
September 15th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
my partner and I have both bought glasses on line from you and have been delighted both with the price and quality not to mention the designer label
Whenever we need more you can be assured that we will be buying from you again especially as you now provide varifocal lenses!!
Cheers
Ian
September 15th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I have a 3 in 1 machine and I wish I could just send you a copy of the prescription because even with your explanation it is all Greek to me
Diane
September 15th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
i purchased semi rimless and as i have a fairly large prescription i ordered the thinnest lense with transitions the quality was very good and the price was excellant it was ny first purchase online and found it very straightforward. the same pair of spectacles would have cost double what i paid for them, so the benefits for online buying means shop in your own home no parking headaches, quick delivery, and quality,would certainly use again
September 15th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Buying Glasses Online:
I’d be a lier if I said it wasn’t mainly because of cost, but another benefit is that I don’t have to listen to the spiel of pushy salesmen/women trying to sell me glasses that I don’t want.
And guess what …it’s good for the environment too. Now I won’t be polluting as much because I won’t have to drive into the town, order my glasses, drive home and then back to the store again to collect them.
Everyones a winner.
Except the high street stores, but I guess they managed to extort me for the eye test so they still get something out of it.
Alex.
September 15th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Price and convenience for me.
For the optician, wider audience than is possible on the high street.
September 15th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
The obvious positives about price and convenience have already been well published. Personally, I really like to take my time chosing the frames. This can only be done online. However I would make a plea for longer side-arms on the men’s frames. Next time you are out shopping see how many men’s specs are perched half an inch above the top of their ears.
September 15th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
I have purchased two pairs of glasses online, and done the same for my wife.
We both need varifocals and although at the moment specs4less does not supply these I chanced a well known far eastern supplier with a name remarkable similar to specs4less to supply. I must say that the fast light reacting varifocals they supplied were excellent to our prescriptions and in stylish frames (both rimmed and rimless)and at a price approximately half the high street cost.
We have been wearing these specs for 2 years now and have had absolutely no problems,(unlike those from our high street supplier, whose named Italian frames needed frequent adjustment).
Obviously I prefer to buy onshore, but am not prepared to be high jacked in price and choice.
The sooner Mark can master the varifocal problems, the better. Until then I will continue to buy from my existing supplier as my eye test and prescription is due imminently.
September 15th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
It is price! When I replaced my lost glasses I payed about 15% of what the originals had cost at the High Street Optician. Also totally convenient. Have always had very good service.
September 15th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
How much more convenient to make your choice of frame and purchase from home than driving into town at least twice - AND finding a car parking space!! (one for the eye test and the next for collecting). Also when my frames broke I was able to send them back to Spexforless and received a replacement within the week totally FREE! Lower price was the first attraction. I had to pay almost 300€ (I live in Spain) for two pairs of glasses from the opticians. When I received them I did’t feel comfortable in the frames I had chosen and had to PAY AGAIN to have the lenses fitted into two different frames. Now Varifocals are available my husband will be ordering his replacement spectacles from Spexforless also. I don’t see us ever going near an opticians again except for the eye test.
September 15th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
also a story you might like….
my optician has an offer on at the moment 3 for 1….
so i went along with it and chose my 3 frames and the price came to £241.90.
i feigned surprise and said it was too much…
the response i got astounded me…
they could sell me the Jai Kudo’s on their own for £149.95
so if i am not mistaken..
3 for 1 = £2491
1 for 1 = £149.95
strangely i took my prescription and left
on your site an equivalent deal (2 x designer and 1 x standard with tint) came to around the £180 zone!!!
September 15th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
1) Better fit. I have an extra large head and PD. I found high street tend to stock all about the same average size, and all in the supposedly fashionable narrow rectagular shape that provides a narrow blinkered view. Online I have found a much bigger range of sizes to suit my head, and all the sizes being clearly displayed unlike the high street where I had to try them all on only to find they were too small.
2) Safer vision. I would point out that price is also a safety issue i.e online discounts mean I can afford features like anti-reflective and lower index for better safer driving vision, and UV coating for my health. If I bought high street I would be price limited to only the very cheapest with no frills.
September 15th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Extremely pleased with the service received, I have recommended your service to friends and family.
My wife’s glasses are extremely expensive from High st retailers, so she will be your next customer.
Well done!
September 15th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Hi Mike,
In answer to your question “why buy glasses online?” there are three requirements in this order of importance!
1. The need to have a good and competant local optician - this is important both off and online, many are half baked and dangerous!
2. The quality of the lens.
3. The price.
September 15th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Dear Mark,
I can honestly say that the price is the ‘huge attraction’;
then comes the easy on-line appeal, obviously the website has to be extremely user friendly.
Then with yourselves, you do offer an exceptionaly good service, honesty, customer care and “money back guarantee”.
I feel for one who really doesn’t want to bother with the one on one time constraints of visiting an optician, you can see and read all about the latest frames, colours, features etc. on the website.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Hugh & Billie (South Africa).
September 15th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I thought I would try buying my specs online, my wife had just had an eye operation, she had a hole in her retina, so after a while needed new spec, she used her own frames, the lenses were £230, from a local dealer, 2-3 weeks later they said they were ready, when we went to get them, she could not see through them, they said they would sort, it a further two weeks, we went to get them, when she asked what had been wrong with them, they said the lens had been fitted the wrong way round, seemed a bit far fetched to me.The guy asked me about my glasses saying it was time for me to change them,
I told him the pair I was wearing were supplier by them, and that I had been wearing glasses since I was about 10 years old, and that they were the worst pair I had ever had, he look up my record and said they were cheap lenses, he could do another pair of lenses for
£300.
So I thought I would try online, I picked specs4less, sent my perscription in on the 7th August picked the frames then recieved my glasses on the 14th August, a slight nick at the bottom of the left lens was rectified in two days, the glasses ars fine, my wifes from the local dealer took 6-7 weeks and then were wrong.
I and my wife will buy online in future.
September 15th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
hi mark,
love to get glasses on line,but i think opticians getting cute to this.
the last two opticians i visited,tested my eyes,made the glasses,but they were not correct,took them back and they retested my eyes,remade glasses to a different prescription which were then ok.
as you can see not very good for buying glasses on line,maybe you can suggest some way round this problem.
regards
ROGER
September 15th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I have bought three pairs of glasses from specs4less. I was slightly dubious as to whether they would fit but thought the amount saved was worth taking the risk. All three pairs have proved excellent.
September 15th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
All the above confirm why I shop on-line, however, I am fed up with the high street optician, personally, because when you purchase it means two trips before you actually get the glasses, then in many past cases I have had to return because a lens kept coming loose, or the arms also.
With your glasses, I enjoy wearing them every day and I have not had any problem similar to the above. Maybe when the high street starts to realise ALL their customers are shopping on-line then they will realise, we the customer expect more from them than high prices.
September 15th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I’d just like to add all of the above x 10
brill prices,choices,service,everything really. people who go to specsave must be MAD. Keep up the good work Marky boy.
September 15th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
I will always buy my glasses on line.
It saves time, what could be more valuable?
It saves on transport and reduces my carbon footprint.
The prices are competitive, much cheaper than any High Street store. There is no hassle, no salesperson waiting to pounce.
The returns policy, at least at spex4less, is superb, although I haven’t had the need to use it.
The regular contact from spex4less is always useful but never intrusive.
Its a no-brainer as our American cousins would say.
September 15th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
I live out in the sticks & work for a living, to get to the opticians is a major planing exercise, I relie on mail order for a lot of things. spex4less has saved me and my family a £1000 so far, I cant understand how optician charges £120 for a reglaze and you guys manage to do it for £35. as for getting it wrong, I mistakenly ordered the wrong lenses, but you changed them without quibble, I appreciate if you have a strange perscription or need varifocals mail order may not be the the best but if you can measure your existing specs and have a new perscription spex4less wins everytime.
September 15th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Hi Mark,
Two or three points:-
1) Price is good
2) Attention is good
However…
3) Unless you are 100% prescription in your hand is right, forget it! Mine was wrong, for whatever reason (issued to me by my usual optician)!
4) Pitch distance between eye pupils is critical - especially for large corrections - if that isn’t measured 100%, again a waste of time! Mine is not 100% compliant!
Apart from the caveats, good idea…!
September 15th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Price is the main attraction, especially when one realises what the true mark-up is with the high street chains
It’s funny how I can get “2 pairs of glasses for the price of one”, but I can’t buy 1 pair of glasses at half the price !!!
Also, when I am choosing a new pair of glasses, I want to browse through the ranges of different shops. It is very difficult to have an eye test at an opticians and then walk out of an opticians with only your prescription
These days, I am thick-skinned enough to ignore the pushy sales assistants who are only interested in trying to sell me the most expensive “Designer” frames and go home and log onto the internet
The other thing that annoys me about purchasing glasses from the high street is that the price of the frames is shown, but then I have to pay extra for the lenses, and extra again for any special coatings that I might want. With the internet, things are much more transparent
September 15th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Living in Spain I feel this has got to be the way to go. I find that this service is fantastic, fast and efficient and more importantly the cheapest. I have had two pairs of prescription bifocal glasses made from a prescription I had from an examination at my local opticians here in Spain, and both pair have been delivered promptly and correctly and within two weeks. I will be looking forward now to my next eye test so that I can send off for a new pair of varifolcals with a huge saving to boot.
Thanks for this service
September 15th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
David said (on 14 Sep 2007 at 10:49 pm)
>I got a cheap examination at an opticians who gave me the prescription.
I’d like to point out to David that in Scotland at least, both optical and dental examinations are free.
Should you go to an optician for an eye test, the state pays the cost of this and the optician in qustion should provide you with a printed copy of the optical prescription.
This is apart from whether or not you decide to buy glasses from that particular business.
Thats the law, at least in Scotland. Hopefully it is the same elsewhere in the UK.
Allan Copland
September 15th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Very keen to buy some decent sunglasses - however my prescription and my preferences generally means, I believe, that the web site costs are almost identical to high street prices, so at the moment the benefit is not having to go to the high street - To justify my statement -
High prescription means thick lenses, so I go for a high index lens which are thinner - then the coatings tint etc soon mounts the cost up. Also if I go to the high street I get two sets of specs for the same cost, a bit of a con I know, hardly anything is free.
Is it true that a tint coating is only about 12p to apply at the stage of manufacture?
September 15th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Why do you go up to a certain limit with your prescriptions for glasses? my prescription is RIGHT SPH +0.75 CYL -6.0 AXIS 180
LEFT SPH +0.75 CYL -5.50 AXIS 13 , it appears you cannot make this prescription.
Regards Colin
September 15th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Basically the main benefit of buying specs on line is the value.
September 15th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Our government has made a mess of eye care which is equal, although different, from the one it has made of dental care!
I’m over 60 so I get so-called free eye tests - my high street optician even underlined the word free (for over 60s) on his website.
Afterwards I discovered the optician gets £18.50 from the government and they (the opticians) don’t think this is enough so they try to make it up on the spectacles using every trick in the book eg one told my wife he would not be responsible for ANY problems if she went elsewhere - so she coughed up £402 we can ill afford. (If she had gone elsewhere and there had been a problem there would be some aggravation deciding whether the fault lay with prescription or spectacles - but if with prescription how could the optician who conducted the eye test wash his hands of the matter????
Pupillary distance measurement is an issue, it isn’t part of the eye test, it is part of the cost of supplying spectacles. My optician had one of his staff measure it (all of 30 seconds) for a £50 pair of spectacles I agreed to buy in a weak moment but then he refused to give me the measurement saying there is a £20 charge for it!!!!
He also wittered on about a high proportion of the cost of spectacles is “professional services” which is accepted by HM Government as VAT is only charged on a proportion (40% I think of the bill).
I asked for, and got, my £50 back and returned the spectacles.
September 15th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
I bought my first pair of specs on-line because I broke my glasses. I went to my optician and ordered new glasses, but the soonest they could deliver them was 2 weeks away. I had a music exam only a week away, so I was in trouble. So I got home, went on-line and ordered. My on-line spectacles arrived in 5 days. Such a relief.
Also found that at the optician they don’t have a range of frames that I like, so you’re obliged to take frames you don’t particularly like. On-line, the choice is endless.
I have been to the optician to collect my glasses, frantically trying to do this within a lunch hour, only to be told the optician isn’t there, and they won’t give them to me without the optician, so I must come back tomorrow. On-line, they just come through the letterbox.
At a price that doesn’t leave me feeling faint.
September 15th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
The real benefite are reduced cost and time saving. Also I can have more than one pair and still save money
September 15th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
A cheap, convenmient way to buy straighforward specs.
September 15th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
First it’s the price and then it’s the time I save. Also it’s so cheap it enables me to experiment with slightly different prescriptions for intermediates at different distances. It would be even better if the system could remember my prescription.
September 15th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I live in Spain, ex UK. My Spanish is very limited.
Specs are expensive in Spain, even more so if I buy off an English speaking optician who caters for the ex opat community.
My only worry about buying online is that I use varifocals.
Cheers
Gerry
September 15th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
As far as convenience and price is concerned I think purchasing on line is a fantastic arrangement. However, I personally use varifocals and I am not sure if I am confident enough to order these online, unless there there are suggestions that might convince me.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
The main attraction was the price, though having had my first pair of glasses from spex4less, I would also agree with other comments that the service is fantastic. I entered my prescription wrongly, and this was quickly noted, and an e-mail sent to clarify things. My new glasses arrived very quickly, and have been brilliant. It’s just a shame that you can’t have your eyes tested over the internet!
September 15th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I actually was more impressed with the help I was given I wrote a few emails with queries and always got a prompt reply the glasses are a lot cheaper than the opticians can’t fault the service.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Great glasses, great price, great delivery only two words to say SIMPLY GREAT I will continue to purchace my glasses on line.
September 15th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I know which optician to go to to get a thorough eye test. I know which optician has the frames I want and am satisfied even if I have paid more for the privillege of trying them on (overheads must be paid!). Glazing can be done anywhere so what is the objection by the trade to doing this by post?
September 15th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
over the moon with the new glasses second pair I have brought from you, nice to have a pair in each room could not afford the hight street prices arrived within the week from ordering .
many thanks
September 15th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Certainly price. Plus, not being a fashion victim I want a restricted choice! I was worried about doing measurements myself, but I used two sites (sorry Martin)and found them both easy to use. I am thinking of going back to contacts,which might mean going back to the High Street, but as with all “Retail” the two experiences should be complementary.
September 15th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Hi Mark,
Buying on line and from yourself was a pleasure, not only did I get the exact glasses I wanted (I tried them on in a highstreet shop first) but the price and service was first class.
Benefits include then, reduced C02 Carbon foot print, not having to make multiple trips into my local town to buy, try, fit and pick up.
In addition, Mark you may be utilising a JIT system for frames, this is an excellent way of reducing stock levels and wasting precious company resoruces, thus passing that saving onto the customer.
Not running multiple high street store, but providing a virtual store for everyone in the UK and overseas, also helps the business be carbon efficient.
Customer service and no quible service, is a pleasure in this day and age, so I commend you on that.
Right enough from me, I won’t mention all the other things as I sure someone else has covered them.
Hope this helps Mark.
Regards
Darren
September 15th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
I feel it’s not just price or service, it’s the standards are being set higher by online retailers. They are providing the service to a higher standard than a sales person in the high street. The pricing is fare compared to high street, with there incumbant overheads, but the extras are where online retailers really leave there high street revals standing, cases, coatings etc. After sales is going to be better than the high street as if there is a problem the high street will usually say it will be fixed in about 1 week, same as on line.
September 15th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
A very straightforward transaction and a good quality aftersales service. Apart from the price, I found the quality of the frames and lens actually superior to the main High Street Opticians I had previously used. Very nice people to deal with as well!
September 15th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I can’t find the type of frames I want online so I would have to go for the regalaze option. However you cannot provide a varifocal lens without a sample pair. That means I have to send you my glasses and do without whilst you prepare them for me. There is no guarantee of a return date either. If you can sort this out then I may us online services.
September 15th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
1. Price
2. Convenience
3. But (very important): I find most shops today focus on overselling & cross-selling.. They push you towards the higher profit (read more expensive) models, and also sell you extra options.. Very push sales people turn me off. I know what I need, so I order online.
Rgds
September 15th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Advantages.
Certainly the greatest single reason for buying glasses via the internet is price.
Looking through the selection at ones leisure is also an advantage, whereas in the largest opticians one is spoilt for choice - at a price - and often pressured into buying glasses that you don’t really need or particularly like.
Although service is usually good, I had a very long wait for a pair of varifocals I purchased via the internet - not from Spex4Less though.
Your service is first class.
Disadvantages.
No personal service to ensure a good fit.
You can’t just pop in for a quick repair if you lose a screw.
Some high street opticians can supply glasses within an hour, although the price is much higher.
That’s all I can think of at the moment, but I certainly prefer the internet service on the whole and recommend it to others.
Tony East
September 15th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Hi Mark,
Its a great invention buying glasses online, like many of your customers have said they live in rural areas and not always easy to travel to the opticians sereval times for ordering fitting and collection. I find it very benifial as im forces and not always in one location at anyone time. I can just order online and know within a few days of ordering my Glases are there at my door step. Also i have new Glasses every year as my eyesight is really bad so in te long run its certainly cheaper and conveient to buy my Glasses o line i will never go to a high street Opitcian again to purchase Glasses. I would like to take this oportunity also to ask if you can start to sell contact lenses, im am curemtly going to another site to purchase my lenses but would love to give you my service on purchase there too.
Brillant Job Mark really pleased with your service of and quick responce i would reccommend to my friends any day welldone Mark.
Kind Regards
Sheila
September 15th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
The main point for me is low price without suffering any reduction in quality.
As I live in rural England and the nearest optician is 20 miles away there is a big bonus in not having to travel 40 miles to get there and back and wasting a morning or afternoon. The service is fast and the quality is high, and the whole business of getting the glasses is so much more relaxed than going up for a pseudo fitting - you can easily adjust the glasses yourself. All in all I would never buy another pair of glasses from the high street optician again.
September 15th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Price and convenience - but especially clarity of pricing. I have become very cynical about 2 for 1 offers from the High St that always seem to result in a cost way in excess of reasonable. My first order from Mark was a pair of rimless glasses have cost under £100 - less than half the price of my usual optician. Excellent service as well!
September 15th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
convienience price and details
September 15th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
I purchase my spectacles online because I can look at more designs in an hour than I could in two days walking from shop to shop.Also you are getting the same frames for a better price. For all people buying from shops, stop! before you get your new specs just have a look at online, ” You’ll never go back to buying the primative way!
September 15th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Helpful service, convenience (which also means savings), and very good price. But I would like a printed catalogue, as from Glasses Direct.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
I have used the same local optician since 1973, although the business has changed hands twice. I still value their personal service when I get my eyes tested. However the cheapest price when I get new lenses from them is about £80 which is much more that the price on-line. Because I can buy my glasses on-line so cheaply I have been able to have several pairs of my long distance and reading glasses made up. Now I keep a pair of long distance glasses in my car and my husband’s car and a pair by the television. It has made my life so much easier. Now there is no need to panic when I mislay or lose a pair of glasses. Buying glasses on-line runs the risk of choosing frames that don’t flatter my face. It is easy to order on-line and the glasses fit reasonably well.
The cheapness buying on-line must have an adverse effect on the profitability of local opticians and I am aware that by not always buying from them it may cause reduced access to local services. I still sometimes buy from my local optician to show my support! My local optician have proved very useful when glasses I have bought from them have needed adjustment or repair.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Price and convenience of ordering at home.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Buying glasses online is great, you don’t have the standard sales patter, you know, buy one get another pair free, when you’d rather have one pair that you want for a decent price!, the cost is only X £s until you add proper lenses etc etc.
My only issue is that you can’t try frames, it would be great if you could supply dummy frames that were returnable so I could try out new styles that I think I like, then return them and buy the ones I like.
Overall it reduces the overall cost of something we must buy to live and any saving is good, its also easy and hassle free.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Every time I get glasses from my high street optician’s I end up spending over a £100. With Mark’s site I spend £20 a pair plus tints that is at least a £20 saving. Delivery time compares favorably with my optician about a week and the free polarized lens I got from you a year back are great.
We all know that the inline/mail order element of the business slashes the costs (why pay for glitzy shop and cute shop assistances) and this is passed on.
Alway happy to recomend
Keep up the good work.
Paul
September 16th, 2007 at 12:36 am
Ordering on line is great as long as nothing goes wrong with the glasses.
I bought semi rimless and when the wire broke without any harsh use I had to pay an optician £10 to have them repaired
September 16th, 2007 at 1:05 am
for me it is the fact that all high street retailers are offering the same range of glasses, while at least online i can access a wider range of specs
September 16th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Thank you for this survey.
Of course, just one of the advantages of online dispensing is the greatly cheaper prices as compared to high street stores. I have ordered online more than once, and have generally been satisfied. Among other things, this means that I can have spare pairs which would otherwise be prohitively expensive. Also, since I have a different prescription for distance and near vision, I can afford to have bifocals (useful at times), and also single vision lenses (which I probably choose to wear more often than bifocals).
Sometimes, I also find it convenient to order things online (though this, both with glasses and with other commodities, depends to a great extent on the site, including its design).
Of course, a person ordering online needs to be able to read their prescription correctly. Some opticians write more legibly than others, and some tend to write some parts of the prescription (e.g. the “reading” addition) in an illigible way, and sometimes not even in the correct column on the form. (These facts may also make it difficult to get the prescription made out by any optician other than the one who performed the test.) (The reading addition may sometimes be written in only for one eye, even though it applies to both.) A person ordering online should understand measurements, and such things as length of earpiece etc.; however, I have not had problems here.
However, the prescriptions I have used to buy online have been pretty legible, most of the information being a computer printout.
Generally, the glasses I have bought online have not needed to have the frames adjusted at all (yet, anyway).
When we get them from the high street, they are supposed to include a “fitting” service, e.g. checking they fit, and possibly bending things etc, if they don’t. However, it has in the past quite frequently happened that the hinge on one or both earpieces may be extremely tight, so that I have had to loosen it somewhat myself with a small screwdriver when I got home, so the (plastic) frame would not break within a short time.
In summary, I will say that I definitely welcome these online dispensing services, although I will admit that they may not be for everyone.
September 16th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Mike,
The main reason for purchasing my glasses from Spex4less was the cost. I resent paying the obscene prices charged by High Street outlets. I was able to order very easily online, chose the design I wanted without the pressure of a sales assistant standing over me. I didn’t have to book an appointment and I received the glasses within a week.
My, and my wife’s replacement glasses will definately be purchased through you online.
I make a point of encouraging my friends to purchase their glasses online and enjoy the massive saving.
I wish you and Spex4less continued success in the fuure.
Kind regards
September 16th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I hate being ripped off by people who up to now have had the upper hand !!!!!!!!!
September 16th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Easy!! CHEAPER and a lot more convenient!! I have had problem in the past buying from ALL manner of High Street sellers. from D and * to ****savers and they have got it WRONG when dispensing the prescription!! So I have to take the time and trouble to re-visit at MY time and MY expense!! How much would it cost me to re-visit you Mark?? SHOULD something be wrong?? Asked and answered I think?? And the last prescription for my Mother in Law FROM a certain high street dispenser?? £232. From yourself with almost IDENTICAL frames? £25!!! Now tell me WHY I should line there pockets??
Added to which I live in France, ever tried to get glasses in FRANCE?????
Regards
Chris Goddard
french-lakes.fr
September 16th, 2007 at 9:06 am
I enjoy buying my glasses online, because of the no pressure experience. The option to revisit the site to look again, without having to go back to the optician. Most of all the price difference for me was amazing. This allowed me to buy two pairs of glasses, for less than the cost of one pair at my usual optician. In the event that i damaged or mislaid my original pair, i then had back up. The only negative side was not having someone to fit them properly. I am due to have a sight test, and am expecting hostility from my usual optician. As last visit i simply took my prescription, and bought my glasses from you.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Hi Mark.
Of course, I and my wife are at the time of life where we need a little help to look! We live in Portugal and spex are quite expensive. It was brilliant when we discovered that we could purchase new spex on line, which were delivered within a week. All we did was send our eye test results and the rest was taken care of. The tinted spex are also btilliant.
And the cost………………..silly.
We will be in touch again soon as, well, it seems silly not to.
Our thanks and Best wishes to you all.
Russ & Laraine
September 16th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Like everyone else I find the on-line service attractive.As a pensioner, I have to search out what bargains I can and Spex4less is one of them. Of course quality is as important as price and I find your glasses as good as I have ever had from any high street supplier.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Buying glasses on line - the advantages are speed, and price. I do not feel that soemone is trying to persuade me to pay too much. Mine are not a fashion accessory and I also loose them frequently. Buying glasses on line is a great idea.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:36 am
I suppose price is the main reason but not having to put up with a sales person trying to convince me to replace my one year old glasses on the grounds that the “photochromatics had worn out”(Boots).Also having spoken to Mark on the phone found him to be genuine and helpful.
September 16th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Well good luck mark I think youve got your work cut out there trying to convince opticians to take a drop in their lucrative profit margins and I am absolutely sure their major resentment will be people using their eye test service for your gain. As already mentioned people pay for that service anyway and optometrists are or should be independent Why DO people shop online shop online for anything Conveniance.virtual 24 hour service.No pressure.and the ability to compare goods and services at their own leisure .I suspect the criticism will be lack of personal contact. But a good online supplier is only as good as his feedback record and judging by yours Its your biggest weapon .With the onset new web based technologies websites must stay on the case to remain successful why not the retail industries. In the case of buying glasses there are many people who feel that unless they can try their glasses on and be happy with their overall appearance they will remain dissenters.Keeping your website up to date and providing the guarantees and return policies that you offer is your best argument. I wish you luck in you task but putting your head in a lions mouth is a very tricky buisness and should be done with great care
September 16th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Mark,
Cost and convenient are the main motivating factors for buying on line for me but i have a wide face and find my order was too small for my wide face. High street shops will have highlight this mistake easily because of the opportunity to try it on.
It will be nice to see section for wide face fitting frames.
I will also like to see option for varivocal lens. I hope your experiement is successful and it will become eassily accessible in future.
September 16th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
I used to be in the Insurance business - my commission rates were variable from 25% down.When I realised the huge mark-up that opticians earned with similar overheads to mine, I was quite - well- appalled.I knew then why there were so many on the High Streets. To me on-line spex purchase is a great innovation, and like everything else, easy when you know how. Fair price, nice case (no skimping there!) speedy delivery - what more could a short-sighted chap want?
September 16th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Simple…why get ripped off by High Street prices?
First class service from Specs4Less at honest prices.
Wish we could do the eye test on line as well, then we wouldn’t get frowned upon by the Optician when we say that we only need the prescription !
Keep up the good work.
September 16th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
I think your fans have covered all the bases already, but I will reiterate that the big plus for me is convenience - especially the ability to order everything online and the better prices compared to the High Street.
The downside is figuring out all the technical jargon of your eye prescription, although your site goes a long way to removing the mystery.
Keep it up!
September 16th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
i have recently purchased my glasses on line,not only were they perfect,but a lot less money too,all in all i’m very happy with them and would do the same again……
September 16th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
First class service,price and product.May have some limitations if you have a complicated prescription ,but for the likes of me with bog standard eyes your company is excellent
September 16th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Mark,The good price is the main point for sure but good sevice is also important.I do not think anyone would be impressed if you just took our money and sent us inferior specs and forgot us!
The fact that you provide a great garantee and put yourself up front is good reassurance and does encourage people to give it a try.
I have been disappointed so many times at high street opticians.You get the strong impression that you should choose some specs,any one will do,pay up and get out!
Online stores can’t afford to think like that so they try harder,some more than others.I believe your your site is an excellant example of someone who is bothered about good service without wanting to rip you off!
September 16th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Price, convenience & no sales pitch for add ons.
September 16th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
I have yet to purchase specs online but, I have been told by some of my friends (who have) that the process is very simple and quick.
The choice of frames is much greater than the average High Street retailer. Also much, much cheaper. I will definately buy my specs online now that I can purchase varifocals
Mick
September 16th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
hi mark.a friend told me your e-mail address and after down loading your easily understood guide to selecting my new glasses,i trusted your sales and after sales service i havent been let down, the benifits are obvious.price[big savings]choice of frames,can e-mail you at any time,delivery of new glasses by post at specified time. i have informed many friends of your service.nice to see one business is on the side of his customers.many thanks.leslie.
September 16th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Lets be honest, don’t we all look for a fair deal in whatever we’re buying, and in line with other comments, the high street shop prices seem to be going through the roof. Shopping on line should be lower cost because overheads should be lower but the choice and the quality must also be offered.
Spex4less offer a good selection of quality glasses at competitive prices. The next time I need to buy more glasses I’ll be loging onto my pc.
September 16th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I find buying spectacles on line very convenient and certainly
much less expensive than at the opticians. Having said that it is not so easy to obtain prescriptions form local opticians without
purchasing the spectacles at the end of the eye test.
Perhaps one chould not be sensitive about this and walk away with the prescription and then purchase specs! on line !! Will try to do this in future.!!
September 16th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Price.
Choice.
And none of the suttle pressures of the high street shops to purchase the most expensive option available.
September 16th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
PRICE Hope this gives you something different to talk about
RECENTLY HAD A CATARACT OPERATION so have a pair of glasses with presciption in one eye and plain glass in the other until I have my other eye done in a few weeks. These cost under £20 online. Didn’t want to pay a lot for glasses I will only need a few weeks at most. The glasses are working out fine and are much better for vision than the suggestion from the optician of taking a lense out of my bifocals. Would have struggled to have managed without them.
I had -10 presciption, other eye is -7 and for bifocals with
ultra thin lenses optician price even with my discounts is around £500.
Unfortunately you do not supply the strength glasses I needed
However found another online store that did. (you did say you were talking for buying glasses online)
Definately buy online again.
September 16th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Price is important for me. High Street prices are way too high. I was recently quoted over £189 for a similar frame with lenses to be added which would have come out to £385 for the compete pair. There is no way I can afford theses prices. I’ve also found that High Street opticians will not give a full presciption is they suspect you want to buy elsewhere and will definetly not give you your PD. I find this most infurating as you’re paying the for the eye test! Can anything be done about this please?
September 16th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
The unjustifiably high prices charged by High Street sellers has always annoyed me intensely. I took to buying cheap magnifying spectacles but, of course, these do not cater for the differences in functioning attributes between two eyes.
Your prices represent much better value for money whilst offering the obvious advantages of prescription spectacles. Thank you.
I will buy again
John Duddy
September 16th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I have read all the comments made - what a response! I am very impressed with your brochure and prices having just had an eye test at vision express and they got the prescriptions wrong on two pairs of glases at a cost of £140
My one concern is the fitting. I am about to read all your details again in case it says I can send you my current reading glasses to copy. This would be perfect as long as I got my old ones back.
Best of luck.
September 16th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
spoil for choice and price with no pushy sales person all over you. By far the best on line,thanks for being informative to.
Ted.
September 16th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
As with most the price is the big attraction - but there is something more subtle. When you have an eyesight problem you feel vulnerable and ready to trust the ‘kindly’ optician - afterall he has the ‘knowledge’ I think this puts you in a weaker position when it comes to discussing benefits, costs and extras - then before you know it you’ve agreed to the most expensive option - or am I being too cynical here? I think your on-line service is excellent and I’m about to test it again with a pair of varifocals for my partner. What about contact lenses?
September 16th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Being able to buy glasses On-Line is one of the most innovative uses of the Internet.
When I first needed Glasses, I found most Opticians to be rather supercilious and pompous. They did not seem to understand that as I only need glasses for reading I was not bothered about the latest fashion, (and thus price-tag).
I can now choose my glasses at my leisure and without being “hassled†into spending more than I really want to.
The added advantage is that Internet prices mean I can buy more than 1 pair as I am always misplacing my specs.
Not had any problems with my orders and even the cases look expensive. Keep it up.
September 16th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Buying online delivered both service and value beyond that offered by any high street optician.
I’ll continue to take advantage of your great service for my optical needs.
Best wishes
David
September 16th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Hi..Mark,
I like most others go for price and the excellent service.
Living in France 6 months of the year it is comforting to know that if I damage my glasses I can get new pair posted to me in a few days.
September 16th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Price, I can buy more pairs for the same money
If I loose or damage a pair it is no great loss.
I don’t like to buy on the spur of the moment in a shop I like to think about it,on the internet I can revisit as meny times as I like before I make up my mind.
Of course I cannot try them on.
September 16th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Can you please supply slim glasses my reading glasses fit in the top pocket the outside case size is only 140*33*15
September 16th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Super, I didn’t have time to get to an optitian when I last broke my glasses. Between a visit to my local optitian and my on line order, I got my on line glasses in two or three days and waited a week for the glasses from my optitian. There is a difference in the quality…just but the difference in price is a fantastic saving.Thinking of getting acouple of other styles too
September 16th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Used Spex4less for a few years now. Quality of glasses is always good, delivery is quicker than the High Street Chain i use for Eye Tests and contact lenses. Price is always very competitive. Any queries are always answered the next day. A totally pain free way to but glasses!
September 16th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
price is obviously the biggest advantage. to be honest I was a bit sceptical about ordering prescription glasses online, but the process was very straight forward. People say the disadvantage is that you do not get to see what you are buying in its physical state but there is a wider range of designer glasses online at a much cheaper price,than the high street. So I will definetly be ordering my next pair from spex4less. (-:
September 16th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Why pay the cost of a shop running a display employing average store assistants, when I can buy specs with a fully qualified eye test? Nearly all my main purchases are by the web, and usually because I know the product and trust the retailer.
Rich/
September 16th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
I found that most of the High Street suppliers were good at eye testing and very thorough.
The sales staff were very helpful and persuasive when I was buying the glasses but indifferent when I went to collect them. There was little or no attempt to provide a personal fitting service.
I decided therefore that in future I would not bother with High Street Sales when I can get just as good a service from the internet, in a shorter time, without having to leave home and a t a fraction of the price.
September 16th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
I can order in English and know what’s coming!
Excellent quality and a price that let’s me be a little less restrained with my order!!
September 16th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I buy glasses online because it’s easy, quick and affordable. Moreover the quality is as good if not better than when buying from high street outlets and a lot less expensive.
Thanks
September 16th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
(A) Advantage - price, of course
(B) Disadvantages -
1. Easier to judge what the frames look like if you see them ‘in the flesh’.
2. Easier to ensure good fit (though in practice I haven’t found this to be a problem).
3. Most on-line sellers don’t do varifocals (this is an area where a solution would be most valued!)
4. What if the glasses don’t ‘work’? If you take them back to the shop they can discuss your problem, test the lenses to see if they’ve been made up properly, if necessary retest your eyes to see if a mistake has been made … hard to see how on-line firms can do other than have another go at making the glasses and hope they work the second time.
(C) Observation -
The recent ‘Which’ report suggests eye tests are often not done well. So you might be sending off a duff prescription, in which case whoever makes up the specs will produce a duff result. Obviously the eye-testing profession should put its own house in order in this matter.
September 16th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
It is better to buy on line than to stand in line at Specsavers,and we are not paying anything towards their adverts!However it is even better to be able to browse at home at our own pace and without pressure from sales assisstants.No parking problems or fees.No return trips a week later to collect them.Cut out the middleman and get a better price. Count me in next time!
Sincerely
J. Griffin
September 17th, 2007 at 7:19 am
I feel the benefits are numerous and the customer service cannot be faltered. the service i found just by tyoing into a search engine, navigating the page hasto be easy as it can get annoying if it is too technical which it isn’t. The form that we fill in is just taken off the prescription. The choice is excellent and the price doubly so. The speed of delivery is as also important as you do not want to wait forever for them and it is in my opinion better than the high street shops! I am a regular customer and i have recommended this site to many people as you basically get just want you want. Please keep up the excellent service.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:43 am
I was in control of the whole process.
I have a good optician who checks my vision regularly, but I always feel pressurised into buying something, and it usually works out to be more than I intended to spend. Using Spex4less I was the one in control of exactly what I wanted not a pressured sales team.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Buying online is cheaper than the high street and is convienient as i dont have to waste time collecting my glasses as they come to me.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Having ordered glasses from Specks4less, I can not praise the service enough and I hope more and more people will benefit from a service such as this.
Mark was very helpful and the service was excellent and very speedy. I highly recommend them to anyone. M
September 17th, 2007 at 8:39 am
I lost my spare pair of reading glasses (which is why I have a spare pair because I lose my glasses)so I searched the internet for the cheapest specs I could find. Within days I had my recplacements and guess what they look so good (and are stronger) I have relegated my regular glasses to spares. In future I will shop on line for my specs.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:04 am
As yet I have not purchased on line. I am waiting for the end of the Spanish holiday season before venturing into town for an eye test but I would say that my major consideration will be price with quality.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:16 am
After being quoted £395 for a pair of glasses at my local optician,I bought a pair for around £55 on line - perfect and just as quick
I also bought a pair of prescription sunglasses for £20.
So all round a better service and a substantial saving
September 17th, 2007 at 9:30 am
The good thing about online shopping with spex4less is that you can see the quality that has gone behind the presentation of the website. Myself being in IT; I always look at how much time and effort has gone behind making a website. This gives me an indication of how serious a company is.
It is plain to see that Mr. Bowden, wants to reassure customers and puts himself online and by giving promises and written statements of quality assurances he reassures the customer of a 1st class service.
The benefits of spex4less having less expenses via doing business online are therefore passed to the customer. Hence glasses that are found in the high street that can also be found on spex4less could be a third cheaper; therefore I will always have a look at Spex4less to see what bargains I can get.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:43 am
I have ordered galsses on line and been quite happy with the results, just the atention and adjustments from an attractive young lady missing!
September 17th, 2007 at 9:46 am
I purchased bifocal safety specs on line and found it to be very convenient and cost effective. The only downside is that you cant see what you look like with them on before you buy however they are very well illustrated and come with a no quibble money back guarrantee.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Price and convenience attracted my custom. Good result.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Once you’ve got your prescription - why make time for a trip to the high st? In the comfort of your armchair simply select a frame, order the glasses, and smile at the cost saving.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:32 am
For me its the price every time , good looking glasses, when i tell people how much i paid for mine, they just say HOW MUCH !!!! what the name of the site you used …… word of mouth gos a long way…..
September 17th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I have to say it was very simple to order online, and although you cannot see the frames in a way you can in a shop the photos are good.
I dont have time to get to a local optician during the week and dont want to venture to a crowded town on a Saturday, so this service suits my needs.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
As another customer said,I also live on an island and the extra cost of travel and the cost of being talked into buying extras you really didn’t intend to buy makes shopping on line for most things a lot cheaper. You seem to get a far better choice of frames and the service for myself is better as my optician would charge to send my glasses out to me as they are never ready same day. I recently bought sunglasses and had not seen any frames that I liked for that use on the highstreet.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
It’s rubbish. I was very disappointed with my purchase. The glasses did not fit properly and looked rubbish. It was my first pair of glasses ever and I’ve been put off buying online again. Certainly need to try them on first. I know you have a returns policy, but frankly I can’t be bothered with the two and froing about.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
I made my first online purchase with some trepidation last year, but I’m a committed customer now…
As well as the price savings, speed of delivery, freedom from travel to opticians, and returnability guarantee - all mentioned in previous posts - I’d like to mention freedom from unpleasant suspicions about being misinformed or overcharged (including inadvertently) by shop salesmen. The clarity of explanation and pricing on your website is rarely if ever found in a high street opticians, and is very reassuring.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I was somewhat dubious at first, about the idea of buying glasses on-line, but in truth I am more than pleased with my purchase. Firstly the cost, obviously with no High Street shop or several staff to pay for, the overheads are dramatically reduced and the saving is passed on to the customer. Secondly, the way the order form is layed out makes the whole process very straightforward. Thirdly, the glasses arrive quickly and well packaged. And lastly, ordering from home through a computer, with no salesmen (or women) pushing this frame or that frame, usually something far in excess of your budget, is a far easier and more comfortable option.
The last time I bought a pair of glasses from my local opticians, when I asked for the budget frames the man’s attitude towards me changed completely - from friendliness to discourtesy in one movement. Suffice to say I shall not be returning there again.
So why pay High Street prices when you can get what you want on line and so so much cheaper, all without leaving the comfort of your own home.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Hi Mark,
The benefits are the most competitive low prices and not being hassled to accept the choice from a (not always competent) sales person. In addition the wealth of choice in frames and lenses making it very easy to choose plus the reassurance of a quick turnaround and the money back guarantee is a real bonus.
I can see 1 or 2 minor improvements possible but overall you are the most competent professional I have “met” in years.
Best regards
Martin
September 17th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
There are no high pressure sales persons giving irrevelant sales talk when buying on-line and I have had complete satisfaction and have no reervations in recommending to my friends to purchase thier glasses this way.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
An efficient service at much reduced cost compared to the high street without having to travel or spend time waiting around.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
It seems that your varifocal glasses are about 20% of the cost in an optician’s in France. That should be reason enough, but I hesitate just the same because of the possible fitting problems and the need to ensure that the lenses are correctly aligned. Your request for a photograph of me wearing the frames did nothing to reaasure me on this point; rather the reverse.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Thank you Robina D Bull
I am afraid this is the only way to correctly align varifocals over the internet.
Many Thanks
Mark Bowden
September 17th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Same comments really
if you work for what seems like 8 days a week the convenience of buying on line is wonderful and you dont have the sickly staff telling what you should have. Prices also are incredibly reasonable.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
A great fast and efficient service at very affordable prices
September 17th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Hi Mark,
Just to say I bought a pair of Armani good quality glasses from you a while back. I have been so pleased with them I decided to get another pair from you in exactly the same frames when I recently had my eyes tested. If you know the glasses fit well and you like them you do not have to waste time going to high street shops for another pair. I will now always buy online-probably from your site. From a convenience and value for money perspective high street shops cannot compete.
Thanks for such a good service.
MIke
September 17th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
quoted over £100 by black & lizar, wait over a week for delivery.
bought equivalent from spex4less at fraction of cost and delivered within 3 days. NO CONTEST.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Mark,
I welcome this opportunity to add my comments, I am a Contact Lense wearer so just needed a pair of glasses as an emergency or if at home just watching the tele on a night in. I had always wanted some light-weight frameless glasses but was never prepared to pay the asking price at a Opticians. Through your website I received exactly what I wanted at a price I was prepared to pay. The service was excellent, and I am delighted with them. What more can you say. Keep it up!
Judy
September 17th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
I was cautious when considering buying online when I’d been used to visiting the high street shops. I believe the description of service offered by yourself had been open and honest, so I took the plunge and placed an order.
The price and service was so good, I have since passed the website details onto others with a strong recommendation that they too should buy designer specs from yourselves.
Many thanks, and keep up the challenge !!
Andrew B
September 17th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
The glasses on sale are at discount and bargain. The glasses need to be produced accurately (exact to to the precription (e.g. axis are exact, etc). The only problem is about meeting the after sales service, should anything happen to the frame or glasses. This area needs to be attended to in order to satisfy customer needs.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Mainly price, but having said that the last time that I bought from the High Street they managed to mess up three times (wrong prescription / mis-fitting lenses), so perhaps I should say quality and service as well!
September 17th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Sorry to be so predictable, but my decision to try an online service was driven purely by price. I am not in a position where I can spend £200-300+ on new spectacles. Having tried Spex4Less,I won’t hesitate to use the service again. I have recommended them to friends amd family with straight forward prescriptions. Thank you!
September 17th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I think buying on line is a really good idea, a lot easier than using the high street, much cheaper and fast.
Shame is I have just sent the second pair of intermediates back because I cannot see with them only to be told that they are correct !
Although not from spex4less (sorry) I am not sure that I want to do it again.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I have bought several pairs of spectacles online along with my husand, and each time my specs have been excellent and at a great price. I find ordering online easy and quick. I will never pay the ridiculous prices on the high street ever again. My orders have always arrived quickly and the prescription perfect for my eyes. I recommend online buying to all my friends and colleagues now.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I thinkg the benefits of buying online are enourmous. Not only is the quality excellent and the service great, but, I can buy several pairs of glasses and change them very often for a price I can afford. In the past I have held on to specs that really should have been changed but due to the high cost I have not done so. Long live buying specs online.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
I bought some glasses for snooker and got good advice from Spex4less as to which type to get. The glasses are fine and I will probably buy my next pair of varifocals from them.
September 17th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Price, price, price - I find it ludicrous that in the High St until you pay £89.00 you cannot get sprung hinges. Then so called designer glasses are so slitty that you could hardly get a finger into them, never mind a bifocal. To pay £119, £129, £139 and upwards for a bit of bent wire and plastic just to have a designer name is just plain silly. I like to compare what camera you can get for designer bucks, then compare the goods!
Online you can get much better value.
In addition as part of the eye test a copy of the prescription is an automatic part of the contract.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
I must admit that I was a bit confused by the details I had to enter, purely because I needed a pair of glasses to assist my driving. This is hampered due to some double vision caused by an RTA a number of years ago. However, after some correspondence with you, and a phone call, the problems were solved.
Advantages.
These are obvious! The first HAS to be price, compared with the high-street rip-off that abound in what seems to be a cartel. As a pensioner this has to be a paramount consideration.
Convenience. Shop at home, no trip to the City, wasting time and petrol, plus I don’t get wet, or have to cope with crowds!
No pushy salesperson!
Nice case for the glasses.
Disadvantages.
Hoping that I have the correct figures in the prescription!
It would be nice to have a less complex procedure when ordering.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Price,Quality,Good aftersales service and no quibble even if the customer was wrong. Thoroughly recomend Sp[ec for Less. A useful facility of being able to upload a picture that you can try various styles of frames on is great but this must show a large picture or a look is difficult to diagnose. I agree with a comment earlier on have the longer length and width availibity on frames.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Without repeating the obvious reason, it is very easy and convenient. Once you’ve grasped the basic principals of ordering the right product, which isn’t really complicated - credit to the wb site designer (not intending to belittle the skills of an optician) the instructions and confidence that if you do get it wrong you won’t be in deep s*** cos you guarantee to refund/change the glasses. The biggest problem is getting the prescription in the first place and not getting lynched by Mr Specsaver for not wanting to buy his glasses! In some ways I am fortunate? as I am diabetic and do get the prescription for free so I dont feel so bad when I know the optician will get the full price refunded from the NHS.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Ease of ordering online, not felling pressured to pick glasses on the spot in a shop, you can go back and forward to compare frame sizes/styles. Plus the savings you make by buying online. The only downside is if your frames need agjusting! So far ive been lucky enough not to need adjustments.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
having the freedom to choose at your own leisure without a sales assistant following you round and obviously the reduction in price from the high street.all my glasses will be purchased on line from now on even reglazes.
thanks again
ann mcdonald
September 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Convenience and price are my main reasons and reading through the other feedback that is the same for everyone.
I can afford to purchase more than 1 pair which is a real bonus.
There are no hidden extras which seems to be the case when your bill is calculated at the opticians.
I can honestly say that the glasses I have had from you have been a better quality, and I have had less problems with them than ones from the opticians.
The information you supply for ordering and on the web site is very informative and gives much more information than the sales assistants at the opticians would be able to provide.
Thank you
Anne
September 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Simply for convenience.
Found exactly what I wanted within seconds and then was very easy to order, only took 5 minutes for the whole process.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I’m actually not convienced about the applicability of buying glasses online. There is no mechanism/ facility to check that the frames actually suit you. Recommendations about chosing a style which you’ve had previously or that are similar to a pair you have tried on offer some help, but personally I’m not convienced.
Purchasing glasses doesn’t give the wearer the opportunity to experiment or seek a new look in my opinion, so may not be suitable for all glasses wearers.
I’m not adverse to purchasing online I just have reservations about its suitablity for the whole market at the moment. Price isn’t everything when you have to wear your glasses everyday.
Perhaps you could look at developing technology that allowed users to upload jpegs of themselves and try specs on in a ‘vitual showroom’?
September 17th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
The main reason for buying online is PRICE! A good Price / Quality ratio!
In Portugal the opticians act corporate and arrange minimum prices between themselves - There is no real competition - They are all up for a lot of easy money and it is very hard to make them accept a justified complaint! (A similar problem surely exists, in more or less extent, in most countries)
On the other hand, I just got a replacement for a problem with my glasses from Specs4Less, without any hesitations - This vouches more for the honest online dealers that anyone can say for high street fancy opticians.
Those who defend the “personal sale in-shop” invoking technical and personal health reasons are the ones that have been making big bucks in this business and fear the uncontrolled competition from online sales - They cannot easily force online companies to join the street-shop price conspiracy!!
Note however that, although I prefer to buy glasses online, this is not yet a solution for everyone (not all people have internet access or the skills to place an order for prescription glasses properly), but in a few years, the “mouse-click generation” will not want to move more than one finger to buy most products and online sales will be the only acceptable solution for them:
- You high street sharks will have to hunt for other type of victims (maybe “designer-doctor” prescribed Gucci lenses with Armani frames, for people who have labels instead of neurons in their brains and a wallet to go with it).
September 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Of course, top of the list is the huge PRICE saving. I don’t know how the high street opticians can keep a straight face when telling you the cost! But they have found a way: complicated offers and discounts for this pair or that or the other or both. So in the end the customer is confused on price and has to keep asking for clarification, which takes the mind off the absolute prices quoted. If internet spectacles cost so little (and high st opticians must be paying the same price at the most) it’s obvious to the customer that they are being ripped off. I hate that feeling! Along with an increasing number of others I now vote with my feet (and wallet).
Then there’s the convenience. Also delivery is MUCH QUICKER in my limited experience.
Down side? Requires EXACT typing of prescription - easy but maybe not for all. Also, some awareness of the different frame sizes available, including leg length, is necessary. No real problem for most but there may be some …..
September 17th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I mayed a mistake on my order, my fault, a wrong letter on the prescription( could not see to well!)
no problem returned the glasses, and the lens was replaced foc
prices are a lot lot lower than the high street, why go elsewhere
September 17th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Price,price,price has to be the biggest reason to buy glasses online.The cheapest I can get from Vision Express are around £80,I got a perfectly god pair online for £15.Reading glasses are available off the shelf for around £10 in shops,the basic frames from high st opticians are no different,why the huge mark up?and why pay it?
September 17th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
The main point of buying glasses online is the cost.
Online has no shops to run or staff to pay only a place to make them and distribute them.
The only drawback is the fact that one has to have an up to date prescription for which one must visit an optician. There is another debate for your conference.
Barry
September 17th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Going for another eye test tomorrow 18 Sept’07, and will be online to order immediately from Spex4less, rather than being taken to the cleaners by High street opticians.
Hows this for a great deal from Spex4less…. 3 pair glasses, Antiglare, Sun, and clear for £55.00 when my High street quoted me £345.00 for one pair distance transition and one pair clear reading.They thought my head buttoned up the back…
And not only that the did not apply the PD to my prescription. To all readers of this comment…. You are entitled to receive your prescription… they get well paid by NHS for this service, and shop around. dont be put off by the “clowns” in the High street front shops pressurising you to buy glasses from them… and make sure the PD is on pres. before you leave after the eye test.
matt harris
September 17th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I have worn glasses since I was 7 years old - that is over 50 years - and for the past 30 years have used reactolite lenses. I now find that I cannot go without these. My prescription is not particularly difficult and if necessary I could actually manage without specs - as I do in fact for reading. However, whenever I have purchased specs from the High Street I have been told several things a) my prescription doesn’t suit certain frames (usually the smaller more modern ones), secondly I have been told that because my prescription makes my lenses slightly thicker on the edges I should pay for the ‘thinner lenses’ which are quite expensive and of course I need the reactolite coating. The last pair of specs I bought at the High Street was 4 years ago and they cost me £398.00. The special thinner lenses themselves costs me £120.00.
I decided to try buying online and this is what I found - a) because of the fact that the specs were inexpensive I would ‘risk’ having the modern frame (which apparently my prescription doesn’t suit) - guess what - they were perfect and weren’t thick at all. b) I was told online that the thinner lenses are no good with varifocal lenses (remember that I had paid £120.00 for this on the High Street) and so I didn’t ask for this to be done, and my lenses didn’t look any different to the ones I had paid a lot of money for c) the reactolite lenses were much cheaper. I bought a pair of modern frames, without the thinner lenses, and with the reactolite coating, online. They cost me £108.00 a saving of £290.00. The specs were delivered to me in about 5 days, whereas on the high street I had to wait 3 weeks. I waited with baited breath for the result. I was extremely pleased with them. They were spot on, my lenses looked good in the modern frames and I was very happy with them. I am quite angry with the High Street shops who I think conned me into paying £120.00 for something which didn’t work with my varifocal lenses, and if the people who sell online know this then surely the High Street shops also know this.
Over the years I have paid thousands of pounds for my specs and feel that because the High Street has the monopoly they can charge whatever they want and as specs are a necessity and not a luxury then we the general public have no option but to dig deep into our pockets and pay up. I personally will never buy from the High Street again and if services such as this one are ruffling their feathers a bit - then tough. The difference I have paid for my specs online with nearly a £300 saving - just goes to show how much profit is being made by the High Street shops and I for one will not be enlarging their profits anymore.
I am ready now for some more specs and I will be buying from here shortly. My last pair I had to buy from another site because this particular site didn’t sell varifocals, but now they do. I would just ask that you expand your choice a bit please.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
After reseaching for a number of weeks following an eye examination I found this website to be one of many money-saving online stores. Where this store stands out from the others is the ease of use of the site, Mark’s in-depth knowledge of the products, fast delivery times and also the fact I saved almost 80% off the cost of my glasses from my local optician!
September 17th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Thank you Matt
Just a quick note. At the moment opticians are not required to give you your PD. Some will and some will not.
However, this is a point that I am sure will be raised in the debate and I will be putting forward that this measurement should be part of the eye examination and written on the prescription.
Many Thanks
Mark Bowden
September 17th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Buying my specs on line has proved to be a very rewarding and convenient experience. The product quality is every bit as good as the comparitive high street brands , and now because of the cost saving I have no hesitation in puchasing a new pair even if there is only a slight change in my eyesight, so now I can experience the very best for much less.
September 17th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Positives: Price would be the main reason. When something is half the price that you would pay in a shop how can you really ignore it?
Negatives: The length of the arms on the frame were not long enough and the spectacles not really wide enough if this is the cause it or not I don’t know but the glasses don’t and never have sat straight on my face. Even though they have been returned. So I don’t wear them any longer.
I guess you get what you pay for.
September 17th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I must admit the price is the main thing by ordering online, more often than not the shops on the high street are far too expensive and you feel pressurised into buying what they want you to. The online service gives you far greater choice to your needs and a much sensible price.I suppose at the end of the day the high price in the shops may be related to that you can often get the glasses the same day but online the most I have had to wait is 4 days so its just as easy that way.
September 17th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I buy my glasses online because it gives me as long as I want to choose my frames, its cheaper than most opticians (although some are having their prices forced down by the internet suppliers) and I don’t have to take time off work, except when I need a check-up for my prescription… Oh and I usually get them supplied a lot quicker!
September 17th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Price - no other reason, except the secondary benefit of not being ripped off by high street opticians (they should wear masks!).
I knew the size that fits me (by measuring my old ones) so I went into an on-street opticians, tried on lots of different styles until I found the ones I liked, left the shop (the word smug enters here, sorry)and then bought them from Spex4less.
I was so pleased with the two pairs (one pair for distance and one for near and I didn’t want bi-focals but am possibly changing my mind about that) that arrived almost overnight!! that I bought two more pairs of a different design and with tinted sunglass lenses - and those 4 pairs still cost me less than 1 pair would have cost in a high street shop!
What else do you need to know?
Will I use Spex4less again? Are you joking? Of course I shall!
September 17th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I would definately buy from Specx4less, the service is fast, efficient and convenient. I couldn’t get the glasses i wanted from any high street opticians at the time and Spex4less provided me with them. Customer care is foremost and if there is a problem they have no problem rectifying it quickly and efficiently. Thankyou Mark!!!
September 17th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
To be brutally frank, the bi-focals have not been a success because the “reading area” is much smaller than I expected.
However, I have not been put off buying online and will persevere with varifocals next time.
September 17th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
1,clarity of price (no hidden costs)
2, speed of order
3,choice
4,ease at which you can place your order at a time to suit you (you arent restricted to shop opening hours )
5, if there are any problems they are quickly sorted in a profesional manner unlike the high street shops who do as they please in their own time
September 17th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Buying on line is simply the modern way to shop! No driving, parking, time off hassles, just sit down at the compuer and order what you want with no pressure. And the result! excellent frames at less than High Street prices, all to your prescription, delivered quickly, with phone access to the optician if required!
We are not ordering brain surgery, only a pair of glasses!!!!
September 17th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I live in France but I like to buy from ‘home’ when I can, so buying on line is an obvious choice.
Everyone mentions low price but I buy from Mark because he gives very good value for money too.
September 17th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
I was at first very dubious, and after I received my first pair when I had made a mistake on my prescription, and it was rectified without any fuss, I did not have any qualms about ordering from you again. Apart from the prices, which are very low, and good value, there is a lot of choice, the frames are accurately pictured and described, and there is no-one hanging over your shoulder to buy. There are a lot of good extra offers, but I only buy new when I have had a recent eyetest.
All in all, I would recommend you to anybody. The only improvement I can think of, I think it has been mentioned above, is to have you measure my eyes/ears and keep it on record, but that is really asking too much. Or is it?
September 17th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
DEAR MARK, I HAD TO PURCHASE MY GLASSES ELSEWARE, AS I DID WANT TO PURCHASE THEM FROM YOU BUT AT THE TIME YOU COULD NOT HELP AS I WANTED VARIFOCALS & REACTING LENSES IN THE SUN AND UNFORTUNATELY YOU WERE NOT ABLE TO HELP. SO IT WILL BE ANOTHER COUPLE OF YEARS BEFORE I GET NEW ONES, YOUR’S SUE SHARKEY
September 17th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
There are many advantages of buying online, namely:-
The price….i have been able to buy the cheapest glasses suitable for me for the last 10 years! I normally wear daily contact lenses so spending the normal £100-£400 is just not worth it.Ive now got an affordable and fashionable pair to wear at home in the evenings.
The convenience…no more hours off work to travelling to the town centre.
The availability…far more designs than you find in any optician
Hope this helps.
Youre a star
Regards
Matt
September 17th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
I HAVE NOT PURCHASED NEW GLASSES YET BUT WHEN I AM READY I WILL BE BUYING ON LINE.
IT JUST SHOWS HOW MUCH WE ARE BEING RIPPED OF BY HIGH STREET OPTICIANS
September 17th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
My friend told me that he’d bought his glasses online so I thought I might as well give it a go as his pair looked great! I decided to buy a replacement pair incase my regular glasses broke or i lost them. My regular ones cost £240 on the hight street. I bought a pair for you guys for £30. And you know what? Ive worn the ‘replacement’ pair every day since I got them coz I like them better! Im never buying from the high street again. Shopping over the internet is so much easier!
September 17th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
For plain single vision online is unbeatable but
I like to have several tinted pairs and this can be a problem online.Some firms measure how much light is cut out, while others measure how much light is let in, 50% for one firm is like 75% to another
I have bought only single vision online, I have been puzzled by the many different methods of selling varifocals online, photos/home visit/posted to mark up. In local shops it is no technical process and is usually a sales assistant asking me to look at their eyes or a biro held up and lense marked with a felt tip,as they move slightly up and down my nose all day I often wonder how precise the measurments need to be
September 17th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Buying on line makes my life so much easier.
I wouldn’t hestitate to buy again from the same source, and as a previous comment made - I would now change my glasses more frequently as the cost fell less prohibitive.
1) You don’t have to wait in endless queue’s
2) It is invariably a cheaper service
3) You don’t have to leave the house (lazy - I know..!)
4) It was convenient as I work odd hours
5) The service - especially as it was so personble and friendly made the experience so much easier
6) The delivery was quick and pain free - no having to collect as I was out.
7) The responses to questions and direct contact was professional and reassuring
Keep up the good service.
September 17th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Dear mark.the reason i buy on line is the prices are a fraction of what you pay on the high street and the great service you get.
Keep up the good work.
Best regards
John
September 17th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
PRICE - CONVENIENCE - QUALITY
It gives the customer the opportunity to do business without the pressure of a sales person.
The Ordering and information supplied by you is easy to follow.
The glassess received have been of a high quality which would convince me to purchase on line in the future.
You see the price with no hidden extras.
Thank you
Robert
September 17th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Do,nt let high street opticians tell you online bought specs are not to the same spec and quality as their ones.the specs i purchased were far and away better and bucket fulls cheaper.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
For me, living in a very remote area 70 miles ffrom the nearest big town, the advantages come down to convenience and value for money.
With a 70 mile drive to the shops, the convenience of online ordering is overwhelming.
The value for money is just plain for all to see (sorry!). I’m not interested in highly fashionable frames, though the online range is pretty wide - just a good selection of the various sorts and sizes.
For the cost of online specs compared with major High Street outlets, I can afford to have a spare pair or a tinted pair etc as an alternative, which I find very useful - I tend to leave a spare pair in the different places I work!
Alex
September 17th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
The benifits are many as you suggest and hopefully will drag the ‘ High Street’ retailers (screaming and shouting ?)into a review of thier excessive pricing structures. Also interesting that on-line advice and guidance on buying glasses is more comprehensive than the High Street whose staff have often presented as unmotivated and lacking in the necessary knowledge and retailing skills to give customers confidence. Come on ‘High Street’you have had more than your fair share of monopolising glasses purchase and charging far to high prices. Your number is up. surrender to the cause (of fair pricing)
September 17th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Price,
Speed of access to new glasses
and convenience
September 17th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
PS to my previous comment
Sonething that might be a useful additional service would be to send out small selections of (empty/plain glass) frames for testing the fit/feel before committing to lenses. That would address the main drawback of online purchasing where one can only go on dimensions, which don’t tell the whole story.
It would also allow people to see how they look on their own face (maybe some online electronic system will do that in future!), and get any opinions they want from partners/friends etc.
A realistic returnable deposit could be charged minus a small non-refundable amount to cover the postage cost - I for one would be willign to pay a pound or so extra for the convenience of comparing a few frames prior to purchase.
Alex
September 17th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Good range of products - advice freely available - no pressure when choosing - excellent price & service direct to my door.
Since I am an OAP price is important to me and I am not looked down on for choosing the price range that suites me!!!!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Benefits from ordering online:
- Cheaper than High Street
- Quick
- Convenient
- Great service (same or better than High Street)
- Bigger variety of brands and models
- Easier to browse brands/models
- Better overview of choices (lenses, coatings, etc)
September 17th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
just a great way to buy prescription glasses … cheap and affordable … can have a different pair for every mood or change of clothing …. I bet Elton John wishes he’d bought online …seriously though … I do a rather manual job and sometimes my glasses suffer… so I know buying online that i can replace them quickly and affordable
September 17th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Excellent service, high cost saving, good choice of glasses & all done from the convenience of your own home at a time that suits your self, my time saved…priceless !!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
The price is exceptional, the choice is great and there is unlimited time to think about it without any salesperson hanging about. For what I would pay for one “high street” pair of glasses, I can enjoy having a different pair in every location where they might be needed. I think it’s a great idea buying online, but strangely enough when I pass on the good news to my friends (mostly elderly like myself), they view it with suspicion and continue to spend a small fortune at the High Street opticians!
Silly them!
Murray Haddow
September 17th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
A simple to follow and efficient way to purchase spectacles. Once you have a prescription it is the ideal way to add an extra pair (at very reasonable rates), especially for those like me who use spectacles just for reading. I can now have several pairs scattered around the house, car, briefcase etc. Especially as I do not need fancy designer frames; though I do note the wide choice of frames available on-line. I have bought two pairs from different sources and have no complaints with fit etc. Delivery better than High Street.
Thank you for supplying such an excellent service.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I was amazed by the price of my new glasses purchased from a
major optician, which was over £400. I was going to buy two pairs so
I looked online. I took a leap of faith and bought them, they cost
£100 and when I got them I was suprised to find that the clarity of
vision was better than my high street pair. I needed to make no
adjustments to the frame and thy looked really good. I couldn’t be
more pleased with the service. Thankyou!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Benifits of buying glasses online:
Very Cheap - wouldn’t have purchased nice glasses for the same price. Actually put off buying glasses until it was getting dangerous, as prescription was well out of date. Only had my eyes tested with a view to buying a pair online.
Very easy - just typed in details, picked glasses and delivered in a case to my door.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
It’s so easy - just copy the figures from your prescription & quality specs arrive through the letterbox!!! Got my Dad some too…
September 17th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Hi Mark,
You are the 3rd on line supplier of specs and the only real difference is the price.
I have worn glasses for 50 years and regularly replaced them after tests telling me that I need an adjustment.The cheapest pair of specs here including the test is $780 NZ
If I go to the super market I can get a pair for $10.00 NZ
All I want them for is to see better, not to look pretty.
Identical frames super market versus optician tells me that the opticians are the same as doctors, just plan opportunists making
huge amounts of money out of peoples misery and not curing a thing.
As for vari lenses, I bought a pair from Homg Kong for $229 NZ and they are perfect but for a slight adjustment for height that I fixed by reducing the thickness of the nosebridge.The frame is plastic, the lenses glass, adjust for light.
The only thing that I found was that although I sent lenses to show them what I wanted, there is a slight distortion when looking sideways without moving your head. I had this problem before with an optician who after many weeks of protest replaced them.
The last time I went for a test (59.00 NZ) I was told he could not prescribe for my left eye because of a cataract. He also told me that I had to have this operated on. So the glasses I got did not adjust for stigmatism that I need for the left eye.
I since obtained eye drops from Russia and there is NO SIGN of a cataract so it is time the profession gets up to date with developments elsewhere.
If you are to attend a conference, you may want to point out that people’s disabilities should not be thought of as a ready made milk cow. You probably will get shot.However if people like yourself can supply spectacles at reasonable prices and still make a living it should be encouraged at all cost.
I was told by my optician that lenses from the USA cost between 7 and 900 dollars NZ.
When I get them from the USA manufacturer on line, they are $129 NZ.
Do I have to be a major contributor to his yacht ?? for the privilege of getting proper lenses?
My comment for what they are worth.
Ren Berghuis
September 17th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I bought my specs on line because they were cheaper and it was far easier to sit and look at them on line one evening when compared to rushing into town after work or wasting a saturday. It is a shame you can’t do the test as well!!
The delivery was prompt, the quality and value for money was excellent.
Fantastic way to do business.
Your prices just go to show how much profit the high street shops make out of frames.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Like many others I was dubious about buying on line, however my main problem was getting the right prescription. My first and second call was to Specs*******, what they did not want to know was they the distance focus was too near, so that was £200 wasted, I tried a Famous 1 Hour service, and thet got it right. Now armed with a good prescription I sent off to Mark and a few weeks later “Perfect” and a tenth of the cost, well done Mark.
It was not a surprise to read several weeks ago that about 50% of eye test are poor and incorrect, I can only ask Mark if he can do those as well
Thanks a lot
Tery
September 17th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I was way scared at the prospect of buying specs online but once I got my head around typing in my prescription I was fine. The glasses I received were ace and of similar quality to the ones I’ve been buying for years in the highstreet. I will have no worries about buying specs online in the future.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I was looking for a pair of rimless glasses and the best price I could get on the high street was £175 hence why I looked online! I paid £65 and they arrived in 2 days! What impressed me the most is the 12 month ‘no quibble’ guarantee which really was ‘no quibble’ believe it or not. My son ripped an arm of my sunglasses and SPEXS4LESS refunded me immediately after I returned the glasses. With that service I have brought again and recommended to my family. You dont get that guarantee on the high street.
Service quick, Quality great, Price umbelievable compared to what I have paid on the high street! (and yes I am a real customer!)
I have also bought contact lenses online and has no problems at half the price. Going forward the only downside is remembering to get a bi-yearly eye test as the high street do remind you in exchange for a nice test fee!
September 17th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I went to asda opticians this time ,paid £120 and within two days they had changed the range so when i went to pick up my glasses which took two weeks to come in, they couldnt supply me with the ones i chose so sent an alternative (cheek) which were not suitable for me, the person who picked them must have been needing glasses!!!!!so i just said no thanks and got the glasses i had originally picked from mark, were delivered in no time ,had to phone regarding prescripion ,were very helpful indeed and i got beautiful glasses £40 cheaper than i paid at asda, so asda as pretty women says BIG MISTAKE and thanks mark
September 17th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I live and work abroad and found that both Eye tests and glasses to be very expensive here in Germany, so the price on-line was very reasonable. Glasses to be ready in one hour is unheard of here, even in large Cities, making a second journey unavoidable. So having them delivered to my door was handy. I found it a very convenient and hassle free way of buying my specticles.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
price isn’t everything, but it does help a lot, and for those people who go in for designer glasses, there must be a huge savings.
For me personally, I live in the suburbs, which means making an appointment, and having to go into town, find a parking space, and probably get there too early, thus having to wait, and wait. Also, even when there is the most minute of change to the prescription, we are always led out from the opticans room, into the store where we are surrounded by a huge range of specs, and I can honestly say that noone has ever said to me, in 50 plus years, “you don’t really require new frames, but if you did, I can offer you some cheap bottom of the range ones”!
It’s great,in the comfort of your own home, at your leisure, no need to dress up, just sit down at the computer, and type it all in, no hassle with the frame that you really want, and, so much cheaper! Bernadette
September 17th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
It sounds as though vested interests are at work. If they don’t realise that the game is up for them after years of ripping people off they will go the way of the old corner shops, petrol stations (how many are now car washes or convenience stores?). Only the unenlightened will use them in the future
September 17th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Convenience, I don’t have to make appointments and queue.
Price. I don’t have to pay for premium high street locations.
No one tries to switch sell.
Distance selling laws kick in, for extra protection, which high street opticicans can’t give.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Hello Mark,
I have difficulty finding the time to visit a retail Spec. Shop as I look after elderly & disabled parents. I go with them to have my eyes tested as well, but am more concerned afterward in making sure their requirements are met than sorting myself out.
We go to the local Specsavers whom I think give us a good service.
Your on-line service allows me to purchase suitable lens or frames without the need to justify to a salesperson the reason for maybe a budget choice.
I am also grateful for the information given on your website regarding eye conditions.
Keep up the good work.
Best Regards Terry Harwood
September 17th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Went to Vision Express well by the time they had added everthing on and Oh by the way thats extra and Oh thats special so will take two to three weeks.Not like the £99.00 get you in the shop advert. Three times they got it wrong so I asked for my £350.00 back, Which reluctantly they gave, then I remembered your advert. So i ordered from you perfect! quicker and a damn site cheaper but much better quality. Have now pairs in car and at home
September 17th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Hi Mark,
I purchased two pairs of glasses from you on-line, both for distance vision (driving and sport) one clear and one sunglasses.
I did this to test the ‘on-line experience’ for quality/price/convenience etc. Since ‘deregulation’ of opticians years ago when we were promised more competition and cheaper specs, they have now become hugely expensive and there seems now to be only two different high street opticians!!
I wear varifocals for everyday use but can’t drive(safely) in them or see my golf ball at my feet! However, they did cost me over £300! Having tested your on-line service (including a returned pair which were very satifactorily changed without quibble)I will have no compuction in repeating my very painless and customer focussed experience in the future, MAYBE including the varifocals if you are now able to provide that service!
Generally my opinion of the good points covers:-
Price
Excellent customer service
Quality of glasses
No quibble guarantee (at least in your case)
Choice of frames (fully knowing what I was looking for)
Speed of service.
A major help to me was your excellent (and FREE!) ‘de-mystifying’
guide which I have since passed on to friends and family.
The only drawback I experienced was some difficulty in working out the appropriate lens and bridge size but again was re-assured that any problem/disatisfaction would be attended to free of charge. You can’t say better than that! The question of self-fitting didn’t arise. I can only assume that my face is perfect!
September 17th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
As a mean Scotsman, price was a BIG factor, but the efficiency of service and accuracy of prescription was faultless.
I can see clearly now….and see what a rip off the High Street shops are…Give me online every time.
Next purchase from Mark Bowden will be the varios.
Very many thanks.
Andrew.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
M.Peters Glastonbury Somerset.
I have vast experience of purchasing glasses as I have been a wearer for sixty years.My best recollection of buying glasses was when there were sole proprietor opticians who saw the job through from beginning to end carrying out final fitting and checks after the laboratory had produced the lenses,this I consider was good value for money and you had a sense that you had personal attention and value. However in recent years with the advent of the current trend for franchise operations this service has gone and become similar to a supermarket where the operation is run on a shoestring with the sole purpose of selling product that costs them as little as possible for the most profit with spurious claims that you are getting something for free or buy one get one free.”You don’t get owt for nowt” my late father used to say.
My feeling therefore as after the professional eye examination you are left to the laboratory getting it right and an assistant fitting the glasses without any further professional attention so why not buy on line and save a fortune.My previous glasses from a local outlet cost in excess of £300 and I have just bought a similar prescription on line for less than £100.
How is it that one can buy non precscription off the shelf reading glasses with excellent frames in none optical outlets for less than £10 when a similar pair in the high street opticians can cost £80.I’d like to think that I don’t come across as a grumpy old man but more of a realist.
September 17th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
i have to say price and quickness of delivery. i am one of those lucky people who fall into the gap of having to pay for prescriptions and i don’t receive help towards eyecare but i don’t earn enough to keep on changing my glasses so buying glasses is fab - also it is really hard to get to an opticians to spend enough time choosing glasses. Plus my glasses arrived in less than 48hours and my opticians take at least a week!!!!!!!
September 17th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
As I am dissabled being able to buy glasses on line between eye tests is so usful to me. My opticians is a very difficult place to get to as a dissabled person, as there is no parking close by. The quality is easily as good as the opticians glasses. I can purchase from the comfort of my own home and for a very reasonable cost.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
price every time, and no hassel from sales people,plus I can take as long as I like to decide with coffee and biscuits and a comfortable chair
September 17th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I have visited your website and I am sure most of the above comments supporting and praising online purchase of glasses through reputable online firms like yours are correct. I have however, not purchased online because I wear varifocal/multi-focal/progressive type of lenses and I am not sure it is easy to obtain these online accurately.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
When I received my first order from Spex4less, every aspect of the ordered specs was beyond my expectation. Both the frame and lenses were of good quality. The service was prompt. All that at a fraction of high street prices. I thank you mark for such an excellent service and value that you offer.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
I’ve found the so-called ’service’ which you pay for at the high street is virtually non-existent. The last time I bought specs at such an opticians they were just handed to me,no attempt at adjustment for correct fit was made, and this was my first try at varifocals. Needless to say, I could not tolerate wearing them and obtained a refund, bought a pair of bifocals online for a quarter of the price and have had absolutely no problem with them.
I think the main difference at present is the online opticians are very concious of making a good impression therefore they thoroughly check the dispensed glasses before sending them out, whereas a number of times I, and various friends and relatives, have had to return glasses to high street opticians when the lenses have been fitted incorrectly.
So long as online opticians provide such quality of service I will continue to use them.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
The glases were low priced.
I had to trim the arms.
The reference numbers have worn of the arms.
The prescription was not made exactly correctly.
The turnaround was great very quick.
Summary:
Cheap, cheerful, functional but with little support and they fitted in the end. The ones being offered by a high street supplier were none of the above.
I would buy again from the same internet supplier, but I am very grateful for high street optician testing.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Hi there, I really would like to buy my specs on line but unfortunately my perscription is too high and now I cannot afford to buy glasses as the cost of the lenses alone are £36l before I think of the frames. I have single vision lense in my left and a variafocal in the left and because of the perscription I have to have them thinned considerably. I just wish I was able to buy them on line.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:18 am
Benefits of purchasing online for me is as follows,
1) its very quick to purchase.
2) not been harassed for a quick sale like the staff members do in shops such as boots.
3) the value for money is great and you save £’s!
4) All prices are clear as well as T&C’s
4) Very formative emails replies when i need to as questions and responses are quick and no junk mail from the company.
5) Save me polluting the environment as i usually use the car to go to the optician shops and the nearest one is about 2miles away.
6) Can easily choose what type of frames i am looking for rather than going into a store and having not seen a pair of frames i like as it mite be miss placed frames into ladies section etc (it happens)
7)And all of this is done in the comfort of my home in my relaxing chair and a cup of tea.
Hope this helps
Mr.R.Khan
September 18th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I would rather buy on line than stand in line at a high street store. It works out cheaper too,plus the fact there is no bus fares or parking problems to worry about I’m trying your company when my next purchase is neccessary.
Best Wishes
Jean Griffin
September 18th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Price and speed plus no pressure and costs are clearly laid out not like the shock when they total it up in the shop.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:29 am
in today’s time scarce world this is a great innovation and when combined with speed, quality and service that specs4less provide it is a no brainer.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:43 am
The main benefit to me is the price but also being able to choose without pressure. The biggest drawback for me is having an eye test done by someone who in the end does not get the business.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:49 am
I buy from Spex4less online because of the price and value I get. I do hate to feel that I am being riped off! That is what one gets from the high street shops, but it is understandable because many of these shops can’t generate a high enough volume of business to cover their overheads and give good value, especialy in the small towns,so they have to charge as they do. The internet allows you to draw business from the whole country and more. The only problem I get is the inconsistant prescriptions I get from the high street shops, every one is different and some are just wrong but perhaps that’s another subject.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Ones absolutly need for eye glasses have up to now been a real pain each time you had to get out there and buy some. The price on glasses and frames has been out of balance. What you had to pay did not at all feel right. The irritation over the optical industry has beeen growing throughout all years. And this has nothing to do with what you can afford. Price and goods has been unbalanced.
Buying on the net has brought balance back to this industry from a customer point of view. Price and goods seems fair now and trading on the net turned out to be even moere convnient then trying to rech a store.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Brilliant service - sent in a pair of broken specs (bought in high street store) and had them back good as new in 48 hours at a cost of less than it would be to drive into my local town.
Where the high street wins over on-line:
1. being able to try on before purchase
2. ability to offer eye test - now this should be something a boffin could develop using webcams at least to a basic level.
Where on-line wins over high street:
1. price
2. open 24/7
3. no queuing
4. great customer service
Good luck with the talk.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:57 am
My reasons for buying online was down to an advert for your company for polaroid glasses, on one of the fishing forums I belong to. (Useful things when fishing) Whilst I was very pleased with my glasses I’m not sure if I would buy my “normal” glasses through this route.Being a vain sort of chap I normally send days visiting opticians trying to find a suitable pair of frames. Then there is the issue of having them properly fitted. I am sure for some people as indicated by the responces it is an ideal way to purchase glasses and save some money but for me at present I’ll stick to the opticians on the highstreet.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:01 am
xeptional value and service. I went high street shopping armed with my rescription. Tried several pairs of glasses on, made a note of the ones that suited and was amazed to find them at specs 4 less when trawling the net on a whim. The money saved was substantial. the service was very efficient and delivery was prompt. It was also good to be able to speak directly for advice. Am now considering sunglasses or reacolite. Have recomended to friends.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Unfortunately I have been unable to buy my glasses from you as the prescriptions available aren’t strong enough for me.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:27 am
As many here have already stated - price is a key factor. I also liked being able to browse through in my own time. The money back guarantee (which I didn’t need to use) was reassuring as well. The service was incredibly quick - far better than the high street. The guidance on buying is really helpful in terms of frame length etc.
I was able to get my PD by asking (very innocently!!) what PD stood for. I had a helpful explanation from the salesperson!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Although the price is right, I like to try the frames first to see which ones I like and suit my face, this is not possible when buying on line.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:56 am
what can i say, save`s waiting in optician`s plus the cost is far less, my sister was impressed with mine so she bought a pair.
Excellent service Excellent glasses.
thank`s again.
linda.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Unlike one of your customers, who tells you that his wife needed replacement (that was an option you have not mentioned to me)I have to tell you this:
1) I am an ordinary pensioner not an index-linked public sector pensioner, who expects me to pay for his/her pension, let alone a beyond the dreams of avarice-pensioner like MPs and
2) being borderline diabetic type 2 I am expected to fork out several hundred pounds every year for new glasses. The government that tells us it wants us to save more, still takes income tax from my paid for for many years pension — I worked until I was 74, and am still expected, with no other income, to fill in one of their fun-packed self assessment forms. I could not afford to buy from the normal high street optician. The NHS (”free at the point of delivery” they keep telling us) gave up that notion about forty-five years ago without consulting us, and we have the nerve to slaughter tens of thousand of Iraqis to impose democracy on them, though it is never allowed to us- viz the new EU constitution: Brown think if he calls a spad e a manually operated digging device, he doesn’t need to take any notice of the Second-hand Labour promise at the last election to call a referendum.
The last time I had my eyes tested the optician didn’t ask if I wanted new glasses and frames, he just told me they would be ready for collection in ten or 14 days time, and the cost was nearly £200. I sent the next prescription to you, and I got the glasses within three days delivered to the door for £40. Verb sap (a word to the wise) Keep up the excellent service you provide
You have made it impossible for High Street merchants, with all their overheads, to say any longer “you get what you pay for”
September 18th, 2007 at 10:36 am
No waiting around in opticians and being subjected to the “hard sell”.
I know what spectacles I like, I find them online, I buy them and they arrive quickly at a good price.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Hey I’m just a student and I’ll tend to go for the cheapest glasses I can find weather it be online or my local optitions and I also go for quickness so maybe when my current pair break I’ll try online.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:34 am
I have bought specs for years from a leading high street chemist chain, they have a comprehensive test service, which costs the same wherever you go. This time I was told I needed varifocals, this was before Spex for Less did Varifocals. I bought very expensive glasses at £129, they were not particularly stylish in fact one of their cheaper frames. Since then the lenses fall out at least twice a day - not at all impressed. However the previous pair of glasses I bought from Spex for less which were amongst the cheapest offered, are still going strong and looking good.
Service = excellent
Communication = excellent
Price = unbeatable
Personal service with on line prices - a winning combination
September 18th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
The service was excellent from start to finish. i identified the frames I liked in Vision Express and sought to find them cheaper on the internet. The whole deal from Spex4less was cheaper than the frames alone in Vision Express. Once you have your prescription, I do not see a problem with buying online. Like anything, you need to do your research first. I am sure people are complaining about internet purchases because they haven’t ascertained whether a pair of glasses actually suits/fits them before purchasing.
Hopefully the pair I have bought will last a long time but I will be buying my next pair online too.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Hi Mark, Just to say thanks for the bi-focal transitions which arrived this morning. These are my third pair of glasses from you, and they certainly won’t be the last!
PRICE: Excellent.
SPEED OF SERVICE: Excellent.
QUALITY OF FRAMES: Excellent.
” ” LENSES: Excellent.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: You need to be very accurate with the measurements you make and subsequently pass on to Mark. Check everything TWICE!
A FABULOUS SERVICE - I AM SO GLAD THAT I CAME ACROSS IT…….
Psssst! Tell all your friends.
September 18th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I HAVE BOUGHT VARIFOCALSFROM INDIA WITH ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY RESULTS. THE MAIN CRITERIA IS OPTICAL CORRECTNESS AND ALONG WITH THE FIT OF THE SPECTACLES. PRICE THEN IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT AND THE SAVINGS ARE 66% TO 70% OF THE UK EQUIVALENTS. THE LENS COATING DOES NOT COME OFF AS HAVE OTHER UK SUPPLIED SPECTACLES.
DELIVERY IS SPEEDY AND THE LENSES TOP QUALITY. IF THE UK CAN MATCH THSES CRITERIA I WILL USE THE UK AND ESPECIALLY YOURSELF IF YOU ARE ABLE TO MATCH ALL THE FOREGOING. i SEE NO PROBLEM WITH ORDERING ONLINE. IT IS NOW A PART OF LIFE. I SAY THIS AS A 67 YEAR OLD
September 18th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Glasses, the bane of our lives. Especially when you have to use the high street opticions. They are slow,awkard about what you can have for the lowest price and, lastly, very expensive.
On-line however, you control what happens. You already have your preception, all you need now is to pick from the range of frames available. Whatever you pick the price is immediately available.This is usually 1/4 of the high street. That is a price everyone can afford. More power to your elbow, keep up the good work.
September 18th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
benefits are as follows
1. price - look as good the designer frames of others
2. convenience of shopping on line when time is important
3. ease when paying
4. no hanging around in shops
5. choice is excellent, sometimes there can be too much choice on the High Street, adding to total uncertainty - did I make right choice?
6. guarantee if not happy
7. speed of service
8. good quality frames and lenses
9. choice of frame colour n same size
10.made aware of special offers
Could go on.
Doubt if I would return to High Street, as work colleagues have commented on appearance and quality, and have said they would also use sPEX4LESS, NOW THAT THEY HAVE SEEN MINE
September 18th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Price, price & Price all the way. Need i say more. Recently bought a pair of designer prescription glasses online for £215.00 inc postage, Optical Express quoted £450.00 for the exact identical ones. How can the big high street opticians justify this kind of excessive profit margin.
September 18th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Quick cheap good service and like the product.
September 18th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
I live in France and wanted an online company that could deliver direct to me. I was very impressed with Mark’s website and felt confident about ordering and choosing my specs. I was right - the service was excellent. I am planning to get a second pair as reading/sunglasses. I have already recommended this service to my husband and friends. Thank you!!
September 18th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Living on the Shetland Islands has many advantages Lifestyle etc..
However freedom to shop at high street retailers is not an option available locally, the internet gives us Islanders living on the periphery of the UK the chance to shop from our own homes and benefit from great service, prices and choice.
Your site allowed me to see the view much clearer. Thanks
September 18th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Mark
I have had several pairs of glasses now, each pair really good. Because you don’t charge the ‘rip off’ prices in the high street I am able to have ‘best ones’ & ‘work ones’ Keep up the good work.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
The Time You Save Buying Online Is worth The Cost Of the Glasses Themselves
Consider The Time it Takes Getting Into town In The car Parking To Find Then Walk To The shops Or On The Bus If You Can Get One Then All The CrowdsPushing And Shoving You Can Do It All From The Comfort Of Your Own Home
September 18th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Saves the hassle of trying to make an appointment without having to have time off work.
Plenty of time and choice to choose without someone looking over your shoulder.
Far cheaper.
The Bifocals I bought from you arrived very quickly and I had no problems.
All in all a good shopping experience.I hate shopping.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Advantages: low prices, fast turnaround, can get old frames reglazed
Disadvantages: can’t try them on for faceshape. Nose bridge and arm length measurements are difficult to assess.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Buying glasses online is cheaper and you are not put under pressure from sale staff to buy glasses from them.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
I recently bought a pair of bifocals from Spex4less, and was pleased with the choice, quality, service and especially the price. The only problem I have is slightly blurred vision because they are bifocals instead of varifocals which I am more used to. I may well use the opportunity to get my old varifocals reglazed in the near future
September 18th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Hi mark
Its the easy way and cheapest way to buy glasses the quality are as good if not better and the range is really quite large. I don’t even need to make trips out of the house.
Regards Steve
September 18th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
For me, the advantages of online ordering are threefold:
1) value-for-money. I don’t mean “cheap” because a low price sometimes reflects low utility. But as regards spectacles, I cannot believe that a frame can cost upwards of a three figure sum, before glazing charges, even taking into account R&D costs and the licencing cost of a “designer” logo crudely glued to the arms.
2) convenience and timely delivery to my door
3) to a degree, choice
I appreciate that High Street dispensing opticians have premises overheads but frankly, if I could visit an opthalmic optician pure and simple for my eye tests, then I would - seperation of clinical testing from commercial sales would do much for true transparency in the business, which from the point of view of a casual observer, does seem to be missing.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:43 am
DanceDoreen
I have bought 3 pair of glasses on line have been very pleased with all these transactions recived them all within 5 working days. Excellent value at least 65% cheaper a lot more choice and when there was a problem with one pair I returned them to Mark they were replaced and returned with in 3 working days. Great service great glasses. Lenses top quality spoilt for choice of frames. Buying on line is part of my life also (I am almost 67) once you have your prescription the rest is easy - so pleased I found this site. Also reading some of the above comments have found out you now do varidfocal will be checking the site for a pair of them for when using a Tom Tom while driving.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:24 am
Very pleased with specs bought online from spex4less, and will buy online from there again. Main reasons:
1. Very good value (most important!)
2. Fast service
3. Great choice
4. Much easier than trips to opticians to order and then collect.
Have recommended to others.
September 19th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Being disabled after a stroke I can browse the styles of glasses much more easily than trying to visit local opticians.
There is no problem with fit as the sizes are easy to specify.
Having found a trusty supplier (you) it is easy to return for further purchases. Even calling to talk is easy.
Cost and delivery are obviously an advantage.
Buying online is becoming more natural for everyone as time passes. For me and most disabled people I would even say preferable.
I can honestly say that buying glasses online has been a more enjoyable, relaxed and better experience than physically visiting opticians.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I have been very pleased with your service and use the specially made Executive Bi-focals you supplied for flying. You did not ask awkward questions and did not take advantage of this special request.
I never feel comfortable at the opticians, with all those suited sales men/women circling me like sharks, expecting me to buy their expensive glasses. If I don’t,they making me feel cheap , so I just walk out.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Mark
My High Street optician (Spec Savers) are just not interested in supplying Sports specs. I asked twice, first reply was “no”, second reply was to produce a supplier’s catalogue with which they were not familiar. One of the places I play snooker, is at a private members club in a relatively small town (pop. ~50,000). Other members were having the same problem, with other opticians, both chain & private.
One member was supplied with specs which were clearly not suitable and at about twice the price I paid you.
Your website was a revelation!
September 19th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Read a few of the comments on and generally agree
Price was the prime reason for using the site initially.
Subsequenly realised that the quality of the product appeared to be comprable to high street shops
Speed and simplicity of ordering
Speedy delivery well within time period specified
Quality of after-service
3 pairs purchased so far
Will use the site again
September 19th, 2007 at 11:41 am
It is vital in this country that we should have a free market. Whether or not it is best for the consumer to buy prescription glasses over the internet is for them to decide. It is not for any optician to attempt introduce a restrictive practice that prevents this. I as a consumer have chosen to buy my glasses cheaply over the internet because they offer excel;lent value for money.I accept the limitations on customer service that this provides but this is my choice.
September 19th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Advantages - not having to go to ‘town’ and find somewhere to park and do it all again to collect. No pressure to purchase.
Disadvantages - tendency to hang on to an old prescription longer than sensible. Smaller range of appliances. Sizing left to individual. No advice on wear or care.
September 19th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Further to my previous comments. It is only through your website that I have discovered one of the main reasons why I have never got on with varifocals in spite of a few very expensive attempts. (My nose shape prevents the glasses / pupil position being constant.)
September 19th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I am relatively new to the world of glasses and although I can’t fault my experience of visiting the High St optician apart from the cost, I followed my partner’s advice, went on line and SAVED MONEY! The choice of frames being extensive,I could allow myself to be undecisive for a while without creating a queue of impatient customers or without running out of time at the carpark!I was curious to see whether my choice once delivered would be a good match to the one displayed on line, and it was!The ordering system is straightforward and I like the personalised e.communication from Mark!
So far so good.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
1. For me, as a pensioner, the advantage lies in the economy of the system.
2. It is also useful to view the choices without an assistant leaning over ones shoulder.
3. There is the option of going back over the choices in order to make up ones mind.
4. Whereas high street opticians send their reminders in the post, there is advantage in emailed advice on offers etc of which details can be accessed immediately online.
5. You offer clear unambiguous descriptions of what is and is not available and why
September 19th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
GOOD PRICES,GOOD SERVICE,GOOD PRODUCT, WHAT MORE CAN YOU WANT ?
September 19th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Like many people I have bought ‘drug store’ glasses as spares and to take on holiday. I had just bought 3 prescription pairs at my opticians and found that the distance ones I use for driving were not really safe as they restricted my view. I sent away to you for a substitute pair which were much more comfortable. I have never worn the prescription ones since. I was telling this story to a friend today and found that I did not even know where the originals were!
If you do want to help us to understand the mumbo jumbo please would you explain what the prescription actually means?
Thank you
Jean
September 19th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
GOT TO BE PRICE AND CONVENIENCE,I HAVE RECOMMENDED S4L TO MANY PEOPLE AND THEY HAVE ALL BEEN HAPPY, PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY ASKED ME ON THE STREET ABOUT THE FRAMES AND ALTHOUGH THEY WERE (DESIGNER) THE PRICE WAS NOT PROHIBITIVE BECAUSE THE LENSES WERE SO COMPETETIVE, I HAD BEEN USED TO VARIS FOR YEARS BUT HAD TO GO FOR BI/F AND THE ONLY PROBS I HAVE IS WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HEAD STUCK DOWN A FREEZER IN ASDA AND THE PRICES ARE ON THE BACK OF THE FREEZER YOU CANT SEE THE PRICES OR INFO BECAUSE YOUR PRESCRIPTION IS LOOKING DOWN NOT UP AND YOUR NECK WONT BEND THAT FAR, YOU CANNOT SEE THE TOP SHELVES EITHER, BUT I WONDER IF MARK WOULD CONSIDER A JOHN LENNON/EARLY NHS FRAME (POPULAR) WITH BI FOCAL TYPE LENSES WITH THE PRESCRIPTION AT THE BOTTOM AND THE TOP AS WELL WITH THE MIDDLE FOR LONG DISTANCE SO YOU CAN SEE UP OR DOWN AS WELL AS FORWARD, SO IF YOU READ THIS MARK AND I KNOW THERE IS A LOT ON THIS BLOG WHY NOT ANSWER ME PERSONALLY, AFTER ALL YOU DID ASK! ALAN.
September 19th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
As a shop owner, I don’t often get a chance to go to the optician mid week. I find your selection of glasses better than some of the high street shops. Also sometime in the shop, you are persuaded to buy something you particularly like. You only find out when you started wearing it. Online you can take as much time as you like to select an item and although I have not got around to order from you yet,I am looking forward to order soon. I also liked your price range.
September 19th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Having purchased glasses online, I will not be going back to buying in High Street Opticians. With working full time, the benefit of being able to shop online and not “trawling” round the high street when time is short, is invaluable.
The glasses I purchased were of a good quality and the fact that the price was certainly very competitive meant that I could buy 2 pairs for less than the price of one on the high street. Thank you!
September 19th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I can only really reiterate what everyone else has said so far.
I’m a student and therefore have a tight budget to work to. When I was told I needed glasses for screen work, I was a little worried when the optician I went to for my eye test started going through all the combinations of frames, glazing, lenses…even the cheapest (and not exactly youthful looking) glasses would start from around £40 all inclusive.
As I only needed the glasses for screen work, I decided to have a look around online and was astonished to find how much I could save if I ordered online, even when taking the anti-glare coating I need into account.
The ability to have them delivered to my home instead of having to take time out of my frantic schedule to get them is also a terrific bonus. I’ve had no problems whatsoever when I’ve ordered online. I can compare this with an experience one of my work colleagues had with a high street optician where he spent over £200 on a pair of designer glasses and had so many problems with them he ended up getting a refund and taking his business elsewhere. All that wasted time and money could have bought about ten pairs of glasses for the price I got mine for!
The only big disadvantage for a first time buyer like myself is the inability to try glasses on, but this isn’t a problem if you know your vital statistics!
September 19th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
I was amazed at the choice first and foremost - not at all like the old NHS glasses which is what I expected!
Great value. I heard someone in the office say they had just spent over £300 on varifocals - I didn’t have the heart to tell her.
Lots of friends have picked up the glasses case and asked about it (espcially as they think it is sex4less).
September 19th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I think that buying glasses via the internet is an ideal method for long established wearers. It is easy to get your frame size from the information given. You have an idea of the style of frame and lens content, based on previous experiences. I like the way the prices are calculated, and the savings are large, based on the high street prices. The service is very quick, and a good guarantee is offered. what more could you want? Give it a try, you have nothing to lose.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I have been very dissatisfied with my last two perscriptions from my local S/savers,
As soon as I can get my new precription sorted I will try the on- line Spex4less as the price’s seem very good and being that I am disabled it will help me out a treat.
I’m all for the on-line service.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Having recently purchased two pairs of glasses, one for reading and one for general use from spex4less. For quarter of the price I’ve paid in the past. I am so pleased with them and everyone says how well they suit me.
The service was fast and efficient, I received them within the week of ordering. There was no waiting around in opticians and having to make a return journey several weeks later.
I recommend spex4less to everyone.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
I like to shop for my specs online because its more conveinient, reliable, fst and friendly. There is someone on the end of a phone should you need it, the prices are less than a 3rd compared to my local opticians and the glasses were better quality, even the lower range, the offers are more appealing. You can return within reason if not quite right, so peace of mind. Make my life so much easier, what with Uni, 3 kids, a home and a part time job i dont have to trek out i can do it all on line and i have an unusual perscription and they talked me through it, i faxed over my prescription and they dealt with my glassses promptly and swiftly.
Thanks Spex4Less
I made very big savings and like Arnie In Terminator said
” I’ll be back”
September 20th, 2007 at 12:57 am
1st it’s price (2 pairs for £30 online rrp upto £300 and they look good quality!!) secondly fast delivery. But the main benefit is embarrassment!! There is no embarrassment! Having my eyes tested at one optician then going to another and ordering my glasses. I got mine from selectspecs.com this time but will give you the chance next time Mark as you were good enough to offer me a reduced price. (Unfortunately too late)
Thanks for asking. Good Luck!
September 20th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Mark, I am not really a customer of yours I just accessed your website one day. I notice that the majority of your no doubt very happy customers are men. Well we all know that men are not as fussy or fashion-conscious as women and would appreciate your cut price specs. Glasses are for most women a fashion accessory - I might be interested in golf specs to my specifications (that is sunnies) and will keep looking.
September 20th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Hi Mark
I am pleased to help. The reason i purchased online through you was mainly based on cost. Prescription glasses here in New Zealand are very expensive. My wife recently paid over $NZ1000 (currently about 350UK Pounds) for a pair of transitions and a clip on sun glasses. Not only was it cheap through you but also very quick. Within a week I received them. It can take longer than that through our High St Opticians. Well done - great service
September 20th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Excellent service and a lot cheaper than any where else.I’LL be back!
September 20th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Very good service and excellent value
September 20th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Convenience, cost, speed of response.
But I wish you would produce a hard catalogue.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
The main advantage for me, apart from keen prices, is having time to decide without any pressure.
The last time I paid £25 to have my eyes tested the optician would not give me my prescription. Fortunately I managed to get a glimpse of it and was able to see it was unchanged from the previous test.
That is the kind of behaviour which makes me even more determined to shop around online before making a purchase decision.
September 20th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Have found them to be excellant value and good quality. Takes up a lot less of my time. I don’t want to spemd a fortune I just want value got my money. The time it take for delivery is usually less than it would take for me to get them from the optician. They should not refuse to give you your prescription - after all you have paid for the test!
September 20th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
GOOD PRICES,GOOD SERVICE,GOOD PRODUCT,WHAT MORE CAN YOU WANT?
September 20th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
your website,politeness,sales talk,quality specs,delivery speed &various other qualities too numerouse to mention are perfect thank you mr. colin byrne
September 20th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Reasons for buying on-line are the boringly obvious:
1. Price —- lower overheads reflected in lower price glasses compared to high street
2. No pushy sales person trying to tell you you look good in a pair of high price designer frames.
Cheers and keep up the good work
September 21st, 2007 at 6:33 am
Being able to buy glasses online is useful, because you are not pressured into having something you did not really want, and also you save money from high street opticians.
So all in all a brilliant opportunity.
September 21st, 2007 at 1:47 pm
As noted on other comments, buying on line have more options and cheaper than the high street. There are bargains to have and a quicker replacement sent to you so saving more money by not having to find parking spaces (saving petrol)or paying for parking tickets. Designer frames I like at a good price.
If I am stuck a phone call can be made the Sales people always polite.
Keep up the good work.
Pam
September 21st, 2007 at 6:22 pm
At first it was price for a back up pair, then when I was confident, then I purchased for daily use. There is no justificastion for the prices on the High Street.
Thanks
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Great service, very affordable and information is spot on. I bought several designer frames and saved a small fortune.
I found that I get better advice whwn buying through the net as I am speaking with a more experienced person. Most high street shops now employee inexperienced staff and the advice can be sub standard.
Only issue I used to have was how would I know if I like the frame, but I get the frame first and be happy before the lens put on, so I am now completly satisfied.
Thanks and Well done!
September 23rd, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Buying on line is far cheaper than High Street Opticians, Its Convenient with No waiting around in optician’s shops and I can avoid the high pressure salesmanship that I have found in all the opticians I have used. My only problem is I have a very small face and find it difficult to get small enough frames as Online Opticians don’t prescribe for children, so tend not to have too many small frames that would be used for children..
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:41 pm
I haven’t bought a pair of glasses yet but will be doing so in the future and it will definately be online, theres lots more choice and hell of a lot cheaper.
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:00 pm
FIRST & FOREMOST IS THE PRICE- THEN NO HARD SELL-CHOICE OF FRAMES-QUICKNESS OF DELIVERY- AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST-THE GUARANTEE. PLUS YOU CAN DO IT ALL IN YOUR OWN HOME. BRILLIANT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:29 am
No pressure from sales reps gives me time to ponder, change my mind on the style several times (typical female.):)
Rapid and excellent service, just a ‘phone call away should a problem arise.
Good choices at a reasonable price.
From one very satified customer.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Having purchased a pair of varilense specs on the internet there is no way now that I will ever pay the exhorbitant prices that opticians charge now and the added bonus is that the price and speed of purchase and deliverty is second to none.A very satisfied customer
September 25th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Sorry. Couldn’t reply in time for your conference I have been busy organising a day of entertainment for sufferers of Cerebral Palsy and their families here in Madeira.
Spex4Less4Me
Where less means more
Where the price is less but the result is still the same
When every fifth shop in Funchal seems to be a specs shop they must be making a fortune to afford the rent, the new Mercedes and the mistresses.
Keep on going spex4Less - Otherwise how else can I recommend you to all my visually challenged friends?
Charles
September 25th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Hi,
To date I havent ordered any spec’s but do intend to very soon! The price is right, the service looks good , and the variety/choice of so many different types of frames etc.
impressed, to say the least.
Regards .
September 25th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Joyce
I am so pleased that my son found this site for me. The price of glasses has gone sky high over the years. The instructions are easy to understand and follow. No more appointment for fitting only an eye test which is great. Why pay more than you have to when you can get good service, great prices and an excellent selection on line. Do try it, you will not be disappointed. I have told sereral people about this site.
September 26th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Both me and my husband bought glasses from you. I was very nervous about buying on-line as I had never bought glasses in this way before. However, I found it very simple and the glasses arrived very quickly. We were both very pleased with the quality and the prices were considerably cheaper than the High Street, particularly for my husband who has a very strong prescription. I will definitely buy again when I want some new glasses. The only downside from my husband’s point of view is that he cannot buy varifocals from you as yet. Hopefully this will change in the future.
September 26th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Greaaat! choice Greaaat! value Greaaat! service
September 30th, 2007 at 12:44 am
Price is clearly the major reason for buying online as we still need to visit a High Street Optician for the eye test and prescription.
Online Opticians score over the high street by their prices. There appears little reason to explain the difference other than that prices are artificicially kept high. Given the volume of sales such fixed factors as rents, rates etc cannot expalin prices diffeneces that can be anything form 3 to 5, or more, times.
October 1st, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Very pleased with the service, delivery and of course excellent value for money. The lenses are very faithfull to my prescription, and the frames a lot stronger than I have been sold in the past by my local optician. Twice, recently I have paid a lot for designer frames (including a pair of “indestructible titanium” ones) which both disintegrated just outside warranty and were clearly badly designed for every day use!! Thanks again.
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:58 pm
My glasses were fine. However, I would prefer a front view of the glasses on the web site so that the exact shape of the lenses can be determined. It would also help to have a close-up view of the hinge since this helps to establish the type of hinge and gauge of the frame.
October 20th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
easy ordering quick delivery no quibble returns if you make a mistake like i did spot on
December 4th, 2007 at 12:30 am
Four weeks ago I had my eyes tested at Boots, I have been wearing reading glases for years, but this time I knew my eyes had changed as things seemed slightly out of focus ,especially trying to play snooker. Anyway I paid for a pair of varifocals which cost me £220, as yet am finding it hard to get used to them always dipping my head to see things in the distance. I decided to get a pair of those big snooker specs ,but rather than pay another armfull of money to Boots went online instead. The glasses arrived and were excellent, a fraction of the cost from a high street opticians. However I am not sure if it would be the same if I ordered some varifocals from them, as I understand that the position of the pupils etc are very important, but with that being said I cant say that I am too happy with the ones from Boots ,have been back three times to be told You will get used to them, I take them off to drive as I feel safer witrhout them on ,luckily my presciption for distance is very slight, would welcome your comments
February 18th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I heard a radio phone in about online shopping,and in this day and age how you can buy anything and everything online,so much so,you really never nead to leave the house again.
But upto today(ive just returned from an eyetest)i had no reason to need an online optician.
I typed in my search engine “high quality,low price glasses”,the result was clear,im here arent i?
Now all i need is a reason to get out more!!
January 5th, 2010 at 10:49 am
The lenses are very faithful to my prescription eye glasses, and the frames a lot stronger than I have been sold in the past by my local optician.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Mack - I am glad you are happy with the quality ! There is no reason to expect lower quality in any regard when buying glasses online from a reputable site