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| Cynthia in her Firmoo frames |
Cynthia: I was really excited when the inexpensive online optical store, Firmoo, asked if it was okay for them to send me a pair of their eyeglasses to review.
Because I was frustrated at the whole “buying eyeglasses” process.
I had just been at my optometrist’s office a week before and needed new lenses for my glasses.
I checked out new frames and was frustrated at how expensive they all were. The price range was $150-$300. Just… ugh.
Add the lenses (progressive in my case) and anti reflective coating and we are talking $600. Just… double ugh.
So I skipped the new frames and only updated my lenses. Still annoyingly expensive.
Then Firmoo called. And I was so interested to check out one of the companies that is trying to cut costs for consumers. (And break up the Luxottica monopoly which is causing eye wear costs to skyrocket. But more on that in a future post.)
Marcy: You talk too much. Get to the review already.
Cynthia: Okay. Here we go!
Pros
- Affordable (The frames range from $26-$69. Adding single vision lenses is free. Adding progressive lenses is $36.95 or $49.95)
- Stylish
- Lots of options
- Same quality as my “expensive” Oliver Peoples glasses (yay!)
- Responsive customer service
- Fast turnaround and shipping
Cons
- Difficult to predict if the glasses will look good even with their “photo booth” and exact measurements.
- Made in China (I know how much we all support American made products and I felt guilty about my carbon footprint for a single pair of glasses).
- According to Firmoo, their free shipping is disabled due to packages not getting to their destinations at this level. You will not find this out until you checkout. The “upgraded” shipping fee is $9.95 and while that is not much, I feel this needs to be stated up front. Otherwise, it looks like a marketing game. Or at worst, a bait and switch.
Conclusion
I would order from Firmoo again. Totally worth it.
In fact, based on my experience, Freddy ordered a pair. For both of us, these are great back up glasses instead of our everyday frames. Unfortunately, nothing beats trying on glasses in person. The littlest detail can make the biggest difference in how you look.
However, I am thrilled that a company is offering glasses at the price they are worth. I hope they expand and work out the little kinks.
Marcy wants a pair too!
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| Firmoo photo booth to “try on” the frames |
Marcy: Oh I look fabulous! Nobody looks better in a cat eye than a cat.
*Firmoo is giving Marcy Very Much readers a 50% discount off of your first frames. Click here for the code.
10 Comments
You look so cute! I agree that glasses are such a pain. I have such terrible eyesight. I often only get new glasses every three years because of the expense. I have found Costco to be the best quality and most reasonably priced. By far. I even have eye insurance and I feel that I prefer to pay out of pocket for Costco. it is nice to see another company offering affordable options. I wonder if there are any cats or dogs that really do need glasses?
Jenni
Costco is one of Luxottica's competitors so that's so great that you get your glasses there. They have an optometrist there too, right? Oh dear – you are good! I only manage to get to an optometrist every five years. I get so stressed out about eye exams. My eyesight is bad too.
xo,cynthia
I cannot tell you how much I LOVE the picture of Marcy in her glasses!! So incredibly cute!! I can't believe a pair of glasses cost you $600, that's insane. I guess that's why I've had the same pair for almost 10 years 🙂 This Firmoo sounds like a good alternative. I'll have to keep it in mind when I decide to get a new pair. That is a great discount offer for us Muchers!
thank you i know. so my fans are called muchers? i approve.
meow,marcy
I was trying to think of something cute, I'm glad you approve 🙂
Love, your #1 Mucher!
Cynthia and Marcy, you both look stylish and intellectual in your new specs and almost as presidential as Rick Perry. Would either of you consider running? Your platform could be "affordable glasses for all."
you mean sunspots and catnip and friskies… for me.
meow,marcy
Thanks for your review, Cynthia! I love Warby Parker and gladly spent the money for Kyle's birthday a few years ago. But buying myself a new pair to replace my janky old ones leaves me less than enthusiastic to lay down $150+. Firmoo sounds affordable and like it offers a similar service at a much lower cost. I do appreciate you sharing the cons and giving a balanced review. I think Firmoo is a more practical and affordable option for buyers on a budget.
I really did appreciate Warby Parker's "try before you buy" option, though. It's so hard to find the right frames for your face without trying them on first. Plus, it makes it harder to branch out and try a new style because you'd be more prone to order a familiar style that you're more certain will work for your face. Thanks, Cynthia! I'll give Firmoo another look!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
Warby Parker opened up a store in Los Angeles. We went to it and they were doing a brisk business. I really liked their frames. Their selection was even better than at my optometrists office.
The key with Firmoo is not to branch out I think and to go with what style you know works for you.
xo,cynthia
Affordability and aesthetics are always a welcome combination. Glad to know that you have gotten the eyewear that most suits you, and that hasn't put too much of a strain on your budget. We all deserve that kind of break in our lives. Thanks for sharing that, Marcy! Stay gorgeous!
Jennifer Bell @ Clarity Vision