On Business Models

"Do these frames look alright on me? I can't tell because I'd need fucking glasses to see."


Last night I finally lost one of the little nose pads from my glasses.

It happens often enough, but I can usually find the little thing without much panic and after little searching. It's not even really that bothersome to wear my glasses without a pad. The right one has a tendency to come off if I even pull off a t-shirt too quickly, but the left one sticks in place fairly well. I can get by with just left for a day or two.

Anyway, today I went over to LensCrafters to get a new pad. They're always very nice about it and even give me a little lens cleaning and realignment before sending me on my merry way.

I asked if I could maybe get a few spare nose pieces since the right one tends to pop off a lot, but the lady at the counter told me, "No, sorry, we can't sell those."

Here's what I don't understand: They don't sell those.

LensCrafters offers as a special service free adjustments to any pair of glasses, even pairs they didn't sell you. It's a draw to bring in more business with pleasant, speedy, convenient service.

But why can't you just give me a couple of those free nose pads? It's not like you charge anyone for them. Hell, I've only bought glasses from LensCrafters before. If you're giving a product away for free, what's the sense in making me come back every time I lose one to waste your time sticking a new one on it? Do you really want me to go out and buy like a dozen for myself from a wholesaler? You'll never see me again, LensCrafters.

Except if I come in before May. That flier you gave me about 30% off frames-and-lenses is actually a really good deal if I can combine it with AAA.