The Internet is an invaluable tool for bargain hunters. It doesn’t matter if you are buying electronics or eyeglasses, you can save a substantial amount of money if you know how to shop online. Here are a few money-saving tips to help you find cheap eyeglasses online.
1. Do Your Research
It is important to know exactly what you want when shopping for glasses online. Take the time to educate yourself about the various frame materials and lens types that you can choose from. There are thousands of styles to choose from; you can save both time and money if you research your options first and then narrow your search criteria according to your own needs.
2. Stay Away from Designer Frames
You can save a significant amount of money if you limit your search to off-brands. Just because a pair of frames has a designer label doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting a better quality product. You can often save hundreds of dollars by buying off-brand without sacrificing the quality of style.
3. Don’t Be Fooled
If you don’t read the product description carefully, you can be fooled into thinking that you are getting a pair of high-quality glasses for a real steal. For instance, even though an advertisement or product heading refers to the frame as titanium, the product description may indicate that it is actually a titanium alloy, which is why the price is so low.
4. Do Some Comparison Shopping
Once you have found a style you like, type the exact style number into a search engine to see what sites have the best deals. Don’t forget to search for promo codes to score additional discounts as well.
5. Take Advantage of Price Match Guarantees
While you are doing comparison shopping, look to see what sites offer price match guarantees. Many companies that advertise cheap glasses will beat a competitor’s price by a certain percentage if you find the exact same style elsewhere.
6. Be Careful When Choosing Add-Ons
When you start adding features such as a UV coating or a scratch-resistant coating, the price can increase significantly. Some sites include these features in the price of their glasses while others do not. Take this into consideration when comparing prices as well.
7. Look for Free Standard Shipping
Many sites offer free standard shipping with a minimum purchase. Others may charge as much as $20 or more for protective packaging and shipping services.
8. Enter Your Information Carefully
On many websites, you are responsible for entering your prescription information. Type carefully and double-check the information you enter before finalizing your order. It doesn’t matter how much of a bargain the glasses are if they don’t have the right lenses.
9. Use Health Saving Account to Make Purchases
Most people buy a new pair of glasses every year or so. If you plan ahead and allocate a portion of your health savings or flex spending account that money will be tax-free. While this won’t save you money on the actual purchase price, it will save you money indirectly. Every little bit counts!