Clinton Family Eyecare Center

A caveat: I once worked at an optical store. A long time ago. While pricing models have no doubt (or at least should have) changed with the advent of the internet, I have a general sense of what things cost, what they should cost, and where lie the tricks played on the consumer to ensure profitability of both the optical boutique and the eye doctor’s office.
When I came in to the Clinton Family Eyecare Center today (recommended, as it was, by my insurance provider) to check out the selection of frames, I shook my head when I saw the label with both the «manufacturer’s suggested retail price» and «our price.» Total profit trick, given the size of markup on a pair of eyeglass frames.
But, «no big deal, really,» I thought to myself. 1) I have no issue with people making profit and 2) I have insurance that will cover $ 150 of the frame cost.
Unfortunately for the store, and because of my time as an optician, I’m incredibly picky when selecting glasses. And the selection wasn’t great. I memorized the number/​brand of one pair I did like, sort of, and left. I’d check the frame out later and return after more careful consideration (and with wife in tow to verify my taste).
I don’t remember the exact price, but do recall that I’d have had to pay $ 40 – 75 above what insurance would have paid for the frames. Again, «no big deal, really,» as I know what once frames cost. As I no longer work as an optician and thus no longer get things at cost, I accept the markup.
Or, at least, I accept what «should be» the markup.
But a quick search of the internet (in the parking lot. It took me not even 10 seconds) showed the frames avail at well below 50% of the «our price,» and well under the price of what insurance would pay.
Admittedly, I didn’t buy anything. So it’s not really fair to say I feel cheated by the pricing scheme.
But it is fair to say I won’t be shopping there. Not enough of a selection… and a pricing policy that doesn’t seem to recognize that, in the last 20 years, there’s been the development of this little thing called the Google machine. And the smart phone.