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

Augustus_the_Strong

Have a look at what glasses your friend has in stock. She may be able to give you a discount. You can always say if you don't think there's anything that suits you, or it's all more than you can afford.

However - glasses are something it's worth spending money on, because they're right there in the middle of your face, all the time, right where everyone is looking, so it's important to get some that suit you - don't economise just for the sake of it. This applies even more if you need expensive lenses.

zipman23

telsco wrote: »

When you find a pair you like, tell your friend. She may be able to get them for you from her supplier - maybe even cheaper.

My MILTB works in an opticians and does the buying for them. She gets designer glasses (or maybe just the frames, not sure) for about £30! Its amazing what they then sell them for!!

Daaisy

Just a thought..........

tescos are doubling up on their clubcard points up until 1st September
and the opticians department is included :-)

and they are doing 2 pairs for the price of one.

I've just had my eyes tested after dropping my glasses and accidently ruining the lenses earlier this week.

and am about to head over to tesco and get myself some new glasses

without actually handing over any cash.........

I felt a bit guilty about walking away from my regular opticians with the prescription, but they understand my financial circumstances.....as i am entitled to free prescriptions.....

i'm sure your friend would understand too

yorkshireman99_2

You should not worry about this. Friendship and Business reationships should be held at arms-length from each other and one should not influence the other (either way).

JayD

Yes, I agree with the overwhelming majority of people here - TALK TO YOUR FRIEND!!

Can't undrstand why people are so reluctant to talk to each other - especially friends!

If your friend wants to help you financially I am sure she will find ways that are much better than you scrabbling around hunting out cheap frames on the internet that wont be lined up or fitted to your face and eyeline properly.

There is nothing wrong in saying that whilst you would love her helpt, you wont be able to afford anything other than plain cheap frames. Even if she can't fit you up with the frames, her advice alone will be invaluable.

pennypinchUK

Er, I'm sure I'm not the only one that's struggling to see where the "Money Moral Dilemma" is here...

Mention to your friend that you need new glasses, but can't afford the nice but pricey ones she sells. Thus you're giving her the chance to give you a deal (and neatly pushing the onus - and any guilt! - back on to her...). If she doesn't give you a deal you can buy the cheap glasses with a clear conscience.

flashoneforall

I am an optometrist, although I am a locum and I don't have my own practice. Personally I prefer it if my non-optom friends go elsewhere for their specs!!! There seems to be an unwritten law that if you prescribe specs for a friend or for staff members and their families, something will always go wrong, or some complication will arise. Save your friend the embarrassment and get your specs elsewhere.

G6JPG

I'm afraid I have never understood why we are so willing to pay so much for frames, especially those with that word I hate, "designer". Like you, I don't want "designer", I just want something that won't fall apart or give me a headache, and the cheap online ones I bought (which came with a nice, though purple!, case) do fine.

Certainly chat to your friend, but I'd at least take along the details of some online prices.

I'd be interested to know if many outside the trade - and, possibly, the fashion industry - could tell a £100 pair of frames from a £10 pair, obviously ones of similar construction.

It's probably worth - depending on your circumstances (by which I mean where and how you'll use them, not your wealth or poverty) - paying extra for coatings, tints, and possibly unbreakable (or "memory" or whatever) frames. But IMO certainly not "designer". (But I think you originally said you weren't interested in that anyway.)

nedmundo

stingyC wrote: »

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

Not unless you spent loads of their time picking their brains 1st and then went elsewhere:rotfl:

tallgirld

Just say to her you would like to buy a pair of glasses. Tell her what you budget is and see if she can help you. If not go elsewhere!

No Dilemma at all in this one.