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Choosing a side in the LensCrafters vs. Costco debate can be challenging because each chain has its merits and demerits regarding products and services. LensCrafters may have the edge regarding the number of stores. Still, Costco stores may have a more comprehensive selection and affordable prices.
Let’s look at these two chains of retail stores that sell prescription and over-the-counter eyewear.
We’ll help you to choose between 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 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, so you will likely find an outlet in your neighborhood.
To be sure, you should check its official website to search for the nearest LensCrafters outlet. Then, you can book your appointment online, browse the FAQs, look at the available products, and ask any relevant questions. As an active Netizen, your digital life becomes more accessible with said features.
Pro Tip: Be sure to fill in the required fields on the online form. LensCrafters will use your information for future appointments and, thus, address your concerns more efficiently.
Be ready with your vision insurance plan details before coming in for your appointment; the patient-provider relationship will be better and the transaction faster. In addition, your insurance plan will be helpful in the significant reduction of your total bill. But, first, we must say that LensCrafters has relatively affordable eyewear and professional fees.
Your prescription lenses should be ready in 3-7 days, the industry’s standard. You may be able to get your eyeglasses in an hour, but it depends on several factors. In truth, 1-hour or overnight eyeglasses are not usual because quality matters in the LensCrafters’ experience.
Each independent optometrist in a LensCrafters store usually prices 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, they asked the participants about their opinions and experiences with eyeglass retailers. The survey included 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. The prices at Costco Optical stores are more affordable at around $150 (median) compared to more than $200 at ophthalmologists’ clinics and independent shops.
Besides, the chain has affordable prices for quality eyewear and accessories for the entire year. So there is no need to wait for special discounts and promotions. Many competitors use advertisements to attract more customers, which doesn’t happen the whole year round.
And then there’s the general public’s perception–and we agree – that Costco’s customer service is above par! The employees seem to know what they are talking about to get good information about the products and services without being pushy about selling them.
The chain maintains higher quality standards on its products. Consequently, there are significantly fewer issues with damaged frames, loose lenses, or other defects after the first few weeks after the purchase. In addition, the return policies are immensely customer-friendly.
The Lenscrafters vs. Costco debate winner
Considering these things, the clear winner in the LensCrafters vs. Costco comparison is Costco! But this isn’t to say that LensCrafters isn’t an excellent place for your eyewear needs either. You have to consider other factors, such as your proximity to a store, your specific needs and wants in eyewear, and your staff preference.