Zenni Review

Zenni Optical gets lotsa love from online shoppers looking for inexpensive frames, plenty of lens options, and reliable optical quality. I'm a fan because I've ordered from Zenni four times and always been satisfied with the result. The lenses have always been perfect from a prescription/PD standpoint, and the prices are great if you have a rapidly changing prescription or a less-than conscientious spectacle wearer (e.g., a child) for whom you are buying.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Take special care when choosing your frames so that you'll be pleased with what you get. Returning items isn't really a cost-effective option, and Zenni does not offer full refunds. Double check your measurements, use the virtual try-on feature for more success, and remember that you sometimes get what you pay for where the frames are concerned. 

2. It takes two weeks to get your glasses (in the USA). Don't expect them much sooner than that.

3. Zenni doesn't often have big, blowout sales, but if you sign up for the emails or "like" them on Facebook, you will occasionally receive notifications about free shipping or other discounts.
4. Don't rely entirely on the search options to find what you want. Zenni has a massive number of frames, and they aren't always categorized the way you think. I have found some real gems (which did not show up when I filtered my search options) by taking the time to go through ALL of the frames. (Yes, it was a bit tedious because the selection is freakishly large.)
5. Use the "add to favorites" option to keep track of your picks, otherwise you may never be able to find them again. 

Tidbits and Tips

Here are some good tips you should know, if you don't already, about shopping online for prescription glasses:

Most of the retailers offer regular sales.

If you sign up for emails from Zenni, you'll always know when they are offering free shipping, free tints, etc. They tend to do this during holidays, etc.

Goggles 4 U has sales and free frame offers, just check the "Special Offers" tab on their homepage. Same goes for GlassesUSA; just check the "Sales and Coupons" tab.

EyeBuyDirect has BOGO sales all the time. Really.

"Like" the retailers on Facebook. Almost ALL of them have a page, and they tend to post coupons and sale notices there. Some have giveaways, too.  

Looking for discounts?

Check the GlassyEyes homepage or RetailMeNot for your specific vendor, or just do a Google search.

Get an (almost) free pair.

Coastal, Firmoo and GlassesShop all offer "first pair free" promotions. Typically there is some associated fee (you pay shipping, etc.), but it still might be a way to get some great specs for less.

Keep an eye out for deals on your faves.

Most vendors have a "favorites" cart where you can save your favorite frames -- if you're signed in. Creating an account is free, so why not take advantage of this opportunity to keep an eye on the ones you like? In addition, Coastal adds new frames to its collection every Wednesday, so that is a great time to check in and see if they've gotten something new in your "size." With the addition of new frames, more frames are added to the "first pair free" promo, as well, so a little patience can pay off if you've got your eye on a specific pair.