So you reckon you got a good deal at Costco?

Hi CityC,

I have been following your blog for a while now and I have some news to tell you. You talk about all these small stores and not going to LensCrafters and stuff. Well, I hate to tell you but youre wrong about the big box stores being more expensive! I went to Costco Optical today and found Tommy Hilfiger glasses for much cheaper than the small store down the street. It was roughly half the price. I guess they just have better prices because they buy more volume.

A. Fernandez

Hi A,
I know what you mean, you found a good deal. You found yourself a deal, but is it really? You found a pair of Tommy Hilfigers at Costco for a good price but was it the best price?

A few facts about Costco Optical... (and this goes for most stores like Walmart Optical, Sam's Club and such)
1. They sell strictly discontinued models that distributors are trying to unload
2. They do have buying power because they buy in bulk, so they do have good prices
3. Their lenses are ridiculously overpriced for terrible lenses
4. They have a HUGE amount of overhead, as opposed to a small store
5. They RARELY do their own lab work, which means you have to wait a week for your glasses
6. Lack of a lab means that they have to pay someone else to do their lab work.
7. They do not have their own lenses, they use other labs for their lenses, so they dont have the same buying power in that aspect.

So, yes, you found a good deal on your Tommy Hilfiger glasses BUT they are probably discontinued. This translates into no warranty and no after service for parts. Also, they are older styles. So if you break them, they are basically finished. Also, you probably paid double what you would have paid at another store. So buying there is a win and lose situation.