Rivet & Sway Review (Please note that this business has closed)

As of June 3, 2014, Rivet & Sway is no longer in business. 

Rivet & Sway belongs in the "boutique startup" category of the online eyeglasses retailer spectrum, but with some significant differences between it and peers such as Warby Parker and Benji Frank. Here are the major distinctions, according to me, at least.

• Rivet & Sway only offers frames for women. 
• Its prices are double those of similar retailers. 
• They offer standard 1.6 high-index lenses (vs. polycarbonate) with all the coatings and even say they'll automatically upgrade you for free to a higher index lens, if your prescription warrants it. 
• You may only select three frames for three days of at-home try-on (vs. five frames for five days or longer). 
• Rivet & Sway does not appear to be involved with a charitable organization.

A review of the at-home try-on experience is detailed in the video. If you want the nitty gritty, keep reading after the video.

My own personal experience with Rivet & Sway was not without its drawbacks. Bear in mind that reviews are solely my opinion and may not be at all indicative of anyone else's experience with the same retailer. I did NOT inform R&S that I was a blogger and purchased the frames through the website like any other customer, for whatever that's worth. 

The short version is that I ordered some at home try-on frames as well as one pair of prescription glasses. There was confusion over my order that delayed the trial frames, and the glasses were never delivered, for reasons unknown. R&S did communicate with me, and I received a refund. 

One other comment is that I have received promotional emails from R&S almost every day. There is no way to opt out of emails once you open an account with them, so be prepared for that.  

I think R&S has a nice frame selection for women, and there are positive reviews for them out there, but with such steep competition in products and price, I think they need to work out some kinks.
   
I wish my experience had gone more smoothly and hope, if you decide to order from them, that yours will be great!