I was here yesterday to pick up my contact lenses. I then proceeded to ask about glasses since my prescription was updated. I informed them that I had been told I had a 60% off discount, but the gentleman helping me was unsure and asked a woman, who I found out is a GM at another store. She said, no, it’s only 50% off. This is the second time incorrect information has been given.
Anyway, I proceeded to browse the glasses. They had a lot of brands I was unfamiliar with and, honestly, of poorer quality than I am used to. But the discount was appealing, so I thought, why not. They had a BOGO sale, so I picked out two frames—not the best, but they’d be useful for travel, etc., so I wouldn’t risk losing something more expensive.
While I was picking out my frames, the employees—a female GM, a tall gentleman with glasses, and later another male with long hair in a ponytail—were casually shouting at each other from different areas of the store. They were making disparaging remarks about the company, their jobs, a position, another store having no AC, and the CEOs and their ideals. It made my experience very unpleasant, especially given the volume at which they were speaking. This was around 10-11 am.
Anyway, I decided to check out, and when I got to the counter, I felt like I was being ripped off. I’ve never been quoted over $500 for such poor quality. The GM came over, saying “nooo,” assuming the price couldn’t be right. The guy at the desk helping me (the one with long hair and a ponytail) said, “I added every discount,” and refreshed the screen with a smile. The GM looked as well but shortly walked away.
I immediately declined, feeling like I was being taken advantage of. There was no real discussion of a discount or a price breakdown—it felt like they wanted me to accept $500 as a verbal agreement. It felt like buying glasses and contact lenses there was akin to purchasing a car—same old sales tactics. I overheard the female GM saying, “this is a super low-volume store,” so I guess they need revenue that badly.
After I declined, the man with the ponytail asked, “What price are you looking for?” as if glasses are something to negotiate. I began wondering if there was more flexibility with the price. I felt so uncomfortable and just said it’s okay. I wanted to ask for a refund for my contacts as well, but I just wanted to leave. I regret going there and am considering returning my contacts.
I went to Warby Parker for new frames, and everything cost $250, with a second pair free. Absolutely insane experience. I only went to this place because it’s close by, but I can see why it’s a “super low-volume store.”
I went in to return my contact lenses today after getting a proper in person exam at a different eye doctor, turns out the prescription I received from Stanton Optical was incorrect and I was unsuccessful with my trial lenses and again the same poor behavior and unprofessionalism. The same two guys helped me again. One of the guys wasn’t sure how to preform a refund so he called over the other guy who also didn’t know and said he wasn’t a manager. Then they started saying “I don’t know how to inspect a box.” The boxes were unopened. Then they clicked around on the computer and figured it out how to refund me. The unprofessional banter among employees here is embarrassing. They pressured me to keep the lenses even after telling them I have already purchased new lenses elsewhere and had a years prescription they seemed offended and kept pressuring me to keep them and continue on with these lenses and offered to change the brand even though my new lenses are the same brand, and I’ve used this brand for 10 years now. They then said they could give me lenses with the new prescription I got elsewhere for purchase. Why would I do that? If my prescription expires in a year, and I have a years worth why would they try to rip me off and tell me to buy more??? I spent extra money and wasted my time because my virtual eye exam was incorrect and I had to go pay elsewhere for a new exam and new lenses! Why on earth do they bargain with you, when you have a very clear objective? Seriously, I had an 11:45am appointment, as soon as I saw who was working I already knew to go ahead and get a refund immediately and even that was difficult. Seriously work on this for this property. I left just as angry as I did the first time. I feel so disrespected for having to bargain and explain myself and try to be persuaded and pressured into doing something they wanted and would benefit from. After two extremely negative experiences I would say for women maybe don’t go here alone and if you’re black maybe also don’t go here, they’re dismissive and disrespectful and you’ll have to explain yourself over and over to get something done, unfortunately this is the reality for black people when trying to get the right healthcare, it is heavy self advocacy.
How do I contact the owner to refund my purposeless eye exam??? And how will you improve the environment there? Why is everything a negotiation??? If I say I’m returning contact lenses, the prescription was incorrect, I purchased elsewhere and have a years supply, I want my money back isn’t clear, and needs to be hurdled at what point is it considered harassment? I feel harassed for a return! I felt harassed for a purchase. Absolutely ridiculous. I will be reaching out to corporate as well for this.
