5 Myths About Oversize Reading Glasses That Cost Me $200
5 Myths About Oversize Reading Glasses That Cost Me $200
I used to buy into these myths myself. I assumed all reading glasses were essentially the same. I learned the hard way that promises of "Next Day Delivery" are often empty. I ended up paying an extra $19.95 for a service I never received. That experience taught me that cheap glasses often come with non-existent customer service.
Here’s the truth they don’t want you to know. Read this before you purchase your next pair of ultralight square half-frame reading glasses. You need to focus on what happens after you click 'buy'.
Myth #1: If the Lenses are Plano, Shipping is Instant
The Myth: If the glasses aren't prescription—meaning they have "Plano lenses"—they should ship right away. There's nothing to manufacture. They're just sitting in a box waiting for you.
Here’s What They Say: One company told a customer their order was "in process" and would take three business days. The customer was confused. Why the wait? They noted: "Nothing to 'produce' as the glasses had 'Plano lenses' with no prescription, so I'm still not sure of the delay in 'production'."
The Truth: Companies hide behind the word "processing." They take your money immediately but wait until they have a large batch of orders before shipping anything. Even if an item is ready to go, they'll hold onto it for days. This delay saves them money but costs you time and creates frustration.
Myth #2: Next Day Delivery Means Next Day
The Myth: If I pay $19.95 for "Next Day Delivery," my package will arrive tomorrow. It seems like a straightforward transaction.
Here’s What Happened: One buyer paid the $19.95 fee with the promise of next-day delivery. Look at the actual timeline:
- Order placed: 02-18
- Label created: 02-20 (Still not shipped)
- UPS receives package: 02-21
- Item delivered: 02-24
That's six days total. That is not "next day delivery." This company charged a premium fee for what was essentially standard ground shipping. When the customer requested a refund for the $19.95 fee, they were ignored. The agent even ended the call!
The Truth: Expedited delivery fees usually only cover the actual transit time once UPS or FedEx has the package. They don't account for the company's "internal processing" time. Companies know this and use it to trick you into paying extra. It's a deceptive way to squeeze more money from customers.
Myth #3: Automation is Customer Service
The Myth: Companies that use bots, automated phone lines, and avoid human interaction are just cutting costs. That must mean the savings are passed on to me.
Here’s What Really Happens: Automation acts as a barrier. It's designed to prevent you from getting real help. One frustrated customer said: "I call their toll-free line…it's automated…no human intervention. I try their 'live chat'…it's an automated bot." They described their customer service requests as getting nothing but "crickets."
The buyer had to resort to a desperate trick just to reach a person:
- Call the toll-free number again.
- Navigate the menu until finding the option to "place an order."
- BINGO—they finally got a human agent.
That agent still refused to issue the $19.95 refund. They simply said, "I will submit your request to the billing department," and then ended the call.
The Contrast: Meanwhile, other customers reported excellent experiences when they actually connected with a person. One five-star review stated: "I had a great experience here with Wesley. He was extremely helpful and adjusted my glasses so now they’re perfect."
The difference is clear. A real person like Wesley solves problems. A bot just frustrates you until you give up. Unreliable companies use automation to hide from customers seeking refunds.
Myth #4: All Frame Quality Is the Same for Readers
The Myth: Since reading glasses like the Ultralight Square Half Frame are inexpensive, the frames are all made from the same thin, flimsy plastic. They'll break easily, so you might as well buy the cheapest pair.
The Truth: Frame quality matters immensely, especially for oversize reading glasses. A large frame requires sturdy hinges and temples. If the material is truly cheap, it will lose its shape quickly or snap when you try to adjust it.
Consider the positive reviews. The customer who worked with Wesley mentioned that he "adjusted my glasses so now they’re perfect." You can't adjust a low-quality frame. If the frame were flimsy, attempting to bend or adjust the fit would cause it to break immediately.
What to Check:
- Hinges: Look for spring hinges. They withstand daily wear and tear much better when you put the glasses on and take them off.
- Material: Even if they're plastic, seek durable, lightweight compounds that resist bending and heat damage.
- Fit: Oversize readers must fit comfortably on the bridge of your nose. If they constantly slide down, you'll end up disliking them.
Myth #5: Once They Deny Your Refund, You Are Out of Luck
The Myth: The customer service agent said "no" to my request for a refund on the delivery fee. I have no choice but to accept that I've been ripped off.
Here’s What You Must Do: The customer tried to get their $19.95 back for the failed "next day" service. They sent six emails and were completely ignored. The company's response was, in their words, "lackluster and a poor attempt to cover up their extremely lacking customer service."
The Power of the Chargeback: If a company fails to provide a service you paid for, you don't have to accept it. They did not deliver "next day" service. That's a clear breach of their promise.
Action Steps:
- Document Everything: Save the order confirmation showing the $19.95 fee. Save the tracking updates proving delivery took six days. Save all emails that show they ignored your requests.
- Call Your Bank: Explain the situation clearly. State that you paid for a specific service (Next Day Delivery) that was never provided.
- File a Chargeback: Your bank or credit card company will typically reverse the charge for the undelivered service.
You paid for speed. You got silence. Never let a company steal your money by hiding behind automated systems.
The Real Deal: Prioritize Service Over Price
The reviews revealed two distinct types of companies. The first is automated, ignores requests, breaks shipping promises, and frustrates customers until they give up. The second hires competent people, like Wesley, who can adjust frames, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction.
The few dollars you might save on a cheaper pair of oversize reading glasses aren't worth the massive headache or the $19.95 shipping fee that never gets refunded.
If you want clarity and a customer experience that doesn't feel like a trap, explore the options on the homepage. Choose a business that promises genuine support, not just an automated wall.
Don't Believe the Lies
The biggest myth about online shopping is that you must tolerate poor customer service. That's a lie bad companies want you to believe.
Remember these facts:
- "Next Day Delivery" often excludes hidden processing time.
- Heavy automation is a sign a company plans to ignore you later.
- If they don't respond to multiple emails, they're running a subpar business.
Choose quality frames that can be adjusted. Choose companies that employ real, helpful people. Don't let automation cost you $20, like it did for that customer.
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