Real life MMD: Should I buy glasses from my friend?

bennett2kuk

They're your glasses and it's your choice where you get them. That being said you could mention you were looking at getting some cheap glasses and ask what she has. If they're too expensive explain you don't want to spend that much and buy them from somewhere else.

Ebenezer_Screwj

Independent opticians are notoriously expensive, buy what you can afford where you like. Your friend will know the reason and if she gets offended that is just too bad.

SallyinYorkshire

Has your friend offered to sell you the expensive glasses at cost? Or would she be upset that you'd deprived her of her just profit?

If the first, see what she's got and whether you like it. Maybe find something you like on a cheap website and show her, and see if she can match it or explain why the frames she supplies are better.

If the second, well, you could just write her a cheque for whatever you think the friendship's worth. About 3p should do it, I reckon.

timbstoke

As others have said - do your research. Tesco £10 frames are fine for day-to-day use, for example, and the links in this weeks newsletter for £29 designer frames is also worth a look. When you've made your mind up what you want, ask your friend what she thinks - you don't have to ask her to price match (which can be seen as a bit cheeky), just ask if it's a good deal. If she offers to match the price, by all means buy from her. If she can't match the price, she knows in advance that you've got a deal she can't compete with.

ISAmad

Bit of a non-dilemma this week Martin.

Can we have something more provocative next week...



Oh, yeah sorry, the 'dilemma': Your money, your choice :cool:

Claires01

I don't really see this as much of a dilemma, ask you friend what the best price is that she can do you glasses for is, if its too dear then explain this to her and go elsewhere.

If she were a true friend she would understand.

gaily

Find what you like, at your budget, and then go to her.

Tell her your budget, and that you'd like to use her, but can't afford her prices. She may offer you hers at cost (and you may get a shock at the mark up) or she may be able to source what you're after at an agreeable price.

Involve her, and then at least she knows why you've got new specs if you don't go to her.

Gillsx

This isn't a dilemma. Get your specs where you want to get them from and tell her you bought elsewhere as it was cheaper. If she doesn't like it then she is not a friend!

stingyC

My friend is a Bugatti dealer and another a Ferrari dealer. Would they be offended if I bought a Fiesta? Er no. Next question please

milvusvestal

It's difficult, but you have to ask yourself why the spectacles your friend sells cost so much more than equivalents from national high-street retailers who, in my experience, are much more up-to-date with their eyesight-measuring technology and provide at least as good a service. Your friend will profit at your expense if you take the easy route and buy from her without haggling.

I reckon your best route is to remind her that Specsavers, etc, have a bigger range of spectacles that cost a lot less, and suggest that she knock 40%, say, off her price. That way, you'll be closer to what you probably want to pay, and she'll still make a profit. The mark-up on designer spectacles is very high, and completely unjustified. Remember also that there is nothing wrong in offering a lower price than that on the label; I often do it when I think the product is overpriced, and nearly always get a discount. Shops these days can't afford to turn any customer away - better to make a smaller profit than none at all.

Besides, who really looks at what you're wearing, and knows whether your glasses are designer or not?