Anyone who wears glasses knows that buying a new pair is nothing short of an ordeal.
After getting a new prescription comes the most daunting task, finding a pair of frames that best suit you and your style. Usually when browsing the limited selection at the optometrist's or a nationwide chain, trying to find the perfect frames in bad florescent lighting, most options are either bland or bedazzled with a designer's logo.
Should you find that pair of amazing frames amid the sea of mediocrity, you are usually brought down from the temporary high upon realizing the price. Chances are if the frames you fall in love with aren't already incredibly expensive, filling the prescription alone will be a financial nightmare with frames, prescription lenses and the additional extras of finding a new pair of glasses often cost upward of $200. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the Warby Parker Online Eyewear Boutique.
Warby Parker is an online source for great looking, affordable glasses. Launched in February, Warby Parker has already caught the eye of Vogue, GQ, Details Magazine, Nylon Magazine and a variety of websites and blogs.
Vintage inspired yet fashion forward, Warby Parker is a great alternative to mainstream glasses outlets.
"Our primary target customer segment is young, educated and socially conscious. While we sell a significant percentage of our glasses to these individuals, we have been surprised at how diverse our customer base is--both geographically and demographically," said David Gilboa, one of the four founders of Warby Parker. "We have sold glasses to customers in all 50 states and have been inundated with requests from all over the world. We also have customers of all ages. I think this validates our thesis that customers of all types from all over the world are tired of paying so much for a high-quality pair of glasses."
All of their glasses are Warby Parker originals, effectively cutting out the giant eyewear manufacturers and corporations dominating the market.
For a jaw dropping $95, customers can receive stylish frames, prescription lenses, UV coating, anti-scratch coating and anti-reflective coating.
"It is ridiculous how much most people pay for glasses, and we think we have found a way to fundamentally transform the industry," Gilboa said. "We would encourage any skeptics to give us a try."
Through their site, prospective customers can browse for frames that fit their style profile. From thick "geek-chic"frames, to bright colored frames, perfect for the hipster aesthetic, to classic silhouettes, Warby Parker offers a wide variety of styles and colors.
After finding frames, customers enter their prescription information. If one happens to have it on hand, they can enter it directly into a form on the site. If not, with additional information, Warby Parker can contact one's doctor and obtain the prescription information or customers can chose to send their prescription information at another time. For those who like glasses for aesthetic purposes, there is the option for non-prescription lenses.
Another factor in Warby Parker's appeal lies in their Home Try-Ons: prospective customers can try up to five different glasses for free for five days, prescription included. The Home Try-Ons come with a pre-paid shipping label for easy return.
Committing to Internet purchases can be worrisome, and having time to try various pairs before making a decision is beneficial. Some may prefer Warby Parker's "Virtual Try On." Customers can upload a personal or simply use their webcam to try on any and all frame styles.
Warby Parker also gives back. Their "Buy A Pair, Give A Pair"program gives a donation to Restoring Vision for every pair purchased.
Restoring Vision distributes reading glasses and sunglasses to underprivileged groups in the US and people in developing countries. Additionally, Warby Parker is currently offering limited edition pink frames to support the "Susan G. Komen for the Cure: initiative. Priced at $150, one-third of the amount paid is given to the foundation dedicated in breast cancer research and education.
Warby Parker's setup has a large possibility of making waves with Howard University students.
"I love that the frames are cute, and modern; the prices are great, especially since they come with my prescription and aren't just for show, like many glasses are these days," said Paige Jones, junior public relations major, after viewing the site for the first time. "I adore the ‘buy a pair, give a pair'philosophy and can't wait to help."
"I visited the site, and I was impressed with what I saw. I feel the site is easy to navigate, and I think the concept is really clever, considering it satisfies a need that is often overlooked," said Evan Hollins, junior print journalism major. "With my experience with glasses, I find it very crazy sometimes how much glasses can cost. I know my glasses were at least a couple of hundred dollars."
"I hate Len's Crafters and all those glasses stores similar to it!" said sophomore French major Asha Cobb-Jones. "I usually go to this European eyewear boutique that costs an arm and a leg. These websites prices are so rare. I would love to be a reliable customer to this company."
There is one kink in Warby Parker's seemingly flawless system. Cobb-Jones noted that the glasses she wanted to try on were out of stock. A large majority of the glasses are currently not available to try without joining the waiting list.
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