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Coastal Contacts
(enter coupon code during checkout for the savings):
Strengths:
Introduction: Coastal Contacts is located in the US (WA). Pricing in USD. They sell single-vision and progressive glasses, the majority of which come in name brand designer frames. Methods of contact include a phone number, a toll free number, a fax number, e-mail, and a mailing address. They accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, PayPal, and "Bill Me Later". The BBB lists them twice, with a C and a D rating, with 84 complaints (30+54), all of which were either resolved or administratively closed. Note that in addition to the US version of the site (which can be used by anyone world-wide), they have Canadian, Australian, UK, and NZ specific sites as well, each offering glasses in their respective currencies and shipping from their respective countries (you'll find little icons in the upper-right corner of the CoastalContacts website where you can jump to your respective country's site). This review applies to the US version (it's the only that ships worldwide), but I've also included a small blurb about the Canadian version below, simply because it's become so popular. Note for those in Canada (if you don't live in Canada, please ignore this italicized section and just scroll down to continue reading the US version):
Impressions: Coastal Contacts was originally a contact lens retailer (and a fairly popular one at that) until somewhat recently when they expanded into eyeglass offerings as well. One thing that really sets them apart from others is the ability to "Checkout without Payment". This applies to US orders only, but for those a little squeemish when it comes to submitting credit card information online, it may be a welcome option. If you choose this option, your glasses are shipped along with an invoice that must be paid within 15 days. A couple things qualify Coastal Contacts as a discount retailer, even though much of the selection is made up of name brand frames. In the non-brand area, there are about 10 frames under the $10 mark, and another 40 frames under the $20 mark. The brand name seleciton on the other hand generally starts at around the $50 mark which technically qualifies those as being in the discount price range as well. There is considerably more selection as you step up to the $75 mark although that effectively takes them out of the "discount" position. That said, you typically get popular name-brand designer glasses such as Hugo Boss, Armani, Nike, and Calvin Klein offerings beginning at that range. Coastal Contacts seems to cater towards the individual who wants name-brand glasses for as close to the discount-price-range as possible. The majority of their frames are name brand, and include free basic single-vision lenses with free AR. Each brand typically has between 20-40 offerings, although that includes duplicates simply offered in different colors. Pricing varies quite a bit, with budget-brands being below the $10 and $20 marks, some name-brand offerings under $50 (although those are usually "clearance"), with $75 and $100 being more common price points for name-brand frames. It's worth noting that they do not give a lot in the way of frame measurements - lens height is absent as is a total frame width (although the latter can be calculated). Single-vision lenses (1.5 index) come free with the frame. They include free AR, anti-scratch, and UV coatings. Polycarbonate (single vision) and Higher Index (both single vision and progressive) lenses are offered at extra cost. 3 sunglass tints and 4 light tints are available as well for single-vision lenses.
Website and Ordering: The Coastal Contacts site seems to be designed towards those who have a particular brand in mind. While you can sort by gender or frame type/material, there's no way to sort by price or color. Presumably, a shopper will simply pick the brand they prefer, and sift through the offerings that way. One major issue with the above set-up is that someone looking for progressive glasses is going to have a lot of browsing to do. If you use progressives, you have 2 options - either choose a gender/brand/etc, find glasses, and hope that the "Progressives" option isn't greyed out, or choose the "Progressives" category and sift through the 175 frames without the option to further sort by type or brand. Aside from the above issue, the ordering process is fairly easy. Unfortunately there isn't a "try on" feature of any sort. However, one major plus is their use of videos. There are quite a few about everything from frame measurements, to lens thicknesses, to reading your prescription, to taking your PD measurement. This is probably one of the nicest ways to present PD instructions (as well as other information), and a plus for first-time buyers.
Pricing and Value: It's a bit tough to pick a price-point, with most of the budget offerings sitting below $25, typically some name brand clearance items can be found for $35, a few low-cost name brand frames at $50, and the majority at either $75 or $100, all coming with free single-vision lenses and free coatings (including AR). Progressive wearers can add another $79 to the price. For those who are looking for name-brand/designer frames, the prices are very competitive. It should be very possible to find name-brand glasses for under $100. There really isn't a lot more to say - those looking for budget glasses may be able to find something for between $10-25, while for those looking for name-brand frames, Coastal Contacts may very well be a good place to look with many being available for between $50-100. One odd note is that while they throw in an AR coating for free (which is a little surprising since name-brand retailers tend to charge up the nose for any and all options), and have reasonable shipping prices, you might think they're a company that doesn't nickle-and-dime you. However, upon getting to the order page, you'll be greeted with a "Handling & Insurance" charge of a few bucks. This is a practice I personally hate, and in my opinion these charges should be integrated into the cost of the product (or the cost of shipping), not snuck in on the order page. That said, it's not a lot, but it's a practice that deserves to be attacked, and thus why I chose to mention it.
Pricing shown listing both budget and name brand prices
Total price for basic single-vision frames/lenses for name brand offerings after shipping is $56.90+fee within the US, $59.90+fee to Canada, and $63.90+fee Internationally.
Click here to go to the Coastal Contacts purchase review
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