Well, Do Great Glasses have to Cost a Fortune?

The short answer: No 

Upon closer examination of the optical industry, it becomes apparent that certain companies are making significant profits by selling glasses at exorbitant prices. This subject is highly debated. As newcomers to the eyewear market, we strive to maintain an unbiased perspective. 

The reality is that eyewear prices are often high due to a variety of factors, both reasonable and not. Our team discovered this early on when we made the decision to approach the optical business in a new way, with the aim of reducing the stress and frustration that buyers often experience. It is important to understand that there is no deliberate attempt to exploit customers, and instead, we are working to provide a better experience overall. 

How can high prices for glasses be justified? 

The eyewear industry is a complex web of players involved in the production and sale of glasses. If you were to venture into the business of creating and selling t-shirts, you would find it to be a far simpler process.  

The intricate structure of the eyewear industry involves numerous intermediaries, including brand owners, licensees, factories, lens labs, distributors, and retailers. Each of these entities adds a mark-up fee to the cost of glasses, resulting in inflated prices for customers. In fact, the final price tag can be up to 10 times the actual cost of the product.  

At Factory Glasses Direct, we have simplified the process by working directly with factories. By eliminating the middlemen, we are able to offer high-quality glasses at reasonable prices. So, whether you are in need of prescription glasses or simply want to add a stylish accessory to your wardrobe, Factory Glasse Direct has got you covered. 

You are going to need a bigger boat… 

The optical market has notably limited competition and for good reason. It is not a venture many people embark on due to the industry’s complexity. For instance, the logistics involved in sourcing lenses, frames, and components are quite intricate. It requires careful attention to detail to manufacture and assemble these elements into top-quality glasses that customers will find irresistible.

However, that is just the beginning. To make a mark in the industry, you need an extensive distribution network that can effectively share your product with the world. Of course, any respectable brand provides top-notch customer service, which requires a team of trained professionals who know the ins and outs of spectacles. As you can see, the process of setting up an optical brand is no walk in the park. 

This is where things get frustrating 

The market for eyewear is largely dominated by EssilorLuxotica, a successful company that has emerged from the merger between Luxottica, the Italian frames manufacturer, and Essilor, the French lens maker. This company holds exclusive rights to some of the most popular brands, which means they are able to dictate the prices of these items, which are often quite steep. It is only natural that if you are the sole provider of a particular brand, you would charge a premium for it. 

For example, if a customer wants Dior frames, they have no other option than to buy them from EssilorLuxotica, which means they can charge as much as they want for these frames. If customers can only buy Dior frames from you, would you charge £95 when you can charge £295? 

The process of comparing prices for glasses frames is relatively simple and straightforward. However, when it comes to lenses, things become a bit more intricate. The technical aspects of lens quality, coatings, and other factors can be quite challenging for customers to comprehend.

This is why many people rely heavily on the guidance of their optician. Unfortunately, not all opticians provide reliable advice, and some may even take advantage of their customer’s lack of knowledge. 

The Factory Glasses Direct Way…

We do everything in-house, Cutting out the middlemen means we can offer exceptional quality and transparent prices with all the upgrades (anti-glare coatings, lens thinning) included as standard. 

Factory Glasses Direct provided the eye and glasses industry with quality lenses and frames for over 50 years. In 2023 the new Director, decided to launch FGD, a new side of the business that provided the public access to the latest frames and quality work that their previous retail and industry clients received. By ordering direct from our factory, we cut out the middle man, simply upload your prescription, order your style and voila your order will be despatched the next day. 

That was the long answer. But as we said at the start, the answer is no. Great glasses really do not have to cost a fortune.