Choosing your side, so to speak, in the LensCrafters vs. Costco debate can be challenging because each chain has its merits and demerits in terms of products and services. LensCrafters may have the edge in terms of number of stores but Costco stores may have more selections and affordable prices, for example.
Let’s take a look at these two chains of retail stores that sell prescription and over-the-counter eyewear. You never know when you have to choose between a LensCrafters and a Costco in your neighborhood for your optical needs.
Getting Your Eyewear at LensCrafters
LensCrafters, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the world’s largest eyewear company, Luxottica, sells a wide variety of prescription eyewear including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses for men, women and children. As the largest optical chain in the United States, it maintains more than 850 stores nationwide – and counting – so you will likely find an outlet in your neighborhood.
Just to be sure, you should check its official website to search for the nearest LensCrafters outlet. You can book your appointment online, too, as well as browse the FAQs, look at the available products, and ask relevant questions before your appointment. As an active Netizen, your digital life definitely becomes easier with said features.
Tip: Be sure to fill in on the required fields on the online form. Your information will be used for future appointments and, thus, for more efficient addressing of your concerns.
Be ready with your vision insurance plan details before coming in for your appointment; it will make the patient-provider relationship better and the transaction faster. Your insurance plan will be useful in the significant reduction of your total bill although we have to say that LensCrafters have relatively affordable eyewear and professional fees.
Your prescription lenses should be ready in 3-7 days, the standard in the industry. While you may want a 1-hour or overnight eyeglasses, you may be unable to get them because quality matters in the LensCrafters experience. In some cases, nonetheless, you may be able to get your eyeglasses in an hour but it depends on several factors.
Each independent optometrist in a LensCrafters store usually sets his or her own prices for the exams and services. But in most cases, LensCrafters’ products and services are reasonable, especially considering their high quality.
Enjoying Your Eyewear Experience at Costco
In a Consumer Reports survey involving 30,000 eyeglass readers, the participants were asked about their opinions and experiences with eyeglass retailers including independent optical shops, large chains, and private ophthalmologists’ clinics. The result: Costco was #1 in terms of total prices and overall experience including customer service, frame selections, and employee competence.
We have to agree with the participants based on our personal experiences, too. The prices at Costco Optical stores are more affordable at around $150 (median) in comparison with more than $200 at ophthalmologists’ clinics and independent shops.
Besides, the chain has affordable prices for quality eyewear and accessories the entire year so there’s no need to wait for special discounts and promotions. Many of its competitors use promotions to attract more customers, said promotions of which doesn’t happen the whole year-round obviously.
And then there’s also the general public perception – and once again, we agree – that Costco’s customer service is above par! The employees seem to know what they are talking about so customers get good information about the products and services without being pushy about selling them.
The chain also maintains high quality standards on its products so there’s significantly less issues about damaged frames and loose lens, among others, after the first few weeks of purchase. The return policies are just as customer-friendly, too.
With these things considered, the clear winner in the LensCrafters vs. Costco comparison is Costco! But this isn’t to say that LensCrafters isn’t a great place for your eyewear needs either. You have to consider other factors, too, such as your proximity to a store, your specific needs and wants in eyewear, and your preference in staff.
