The Internet is a great place. The convenience it offers is amazing. Shopping can be done from the safety of your home and there is no need for getting stuck in traffic jams when everything is available with a click of the mouse.
One product people like to buy online among the thousands is the contact lens. Now while the internet does have its advantages there is the flip side to buying online. That is why before making any purchase it is essential to understand the pros and cons of buying online.
Pros of Buying Contact Lenses Via the Web
Saves Time
Imagine needing to buy a contact lens, only a contact lens and nothing else. You would first have to get in your car, go to the shop, stand in line, provide the prescription and then make the purchase. This would take a minimum of two hours taking into consideration the commute you would have to make. Now imagine going online googling contact lens purchase and making the purchase. You would take a maximum of a half an hour including research time and the lens would be delivered right to your doorstep. That saves you at least 90 minutes of your time. Online purchases are simply easier and make more sense when there is no bulk shopping involved.
Competitive Prices
With more and more people buying online prices have become more competitive. That means you would find great deals when you go online and end up saving at least 5% compared to brick and mortar shops. There are sites that help compare different vendors and there are sites that offer discounts or free delivery. Do your research and you will end up saving a bundle.
Cons of Buying Contact Lenses via the Web
On The Spot Sales Help
One of the greatest advantages of making a purchase when standing in a store is the help of the sales person. The sales person would present the advantages and disadvantages of different contact lens brand and help you make an informed choice. Most online sites would not offer such information other than textual statements made on the site.
After Sales Services
Unfortunately, the web is not the best place for after sales services. The complete independence of the web site from the customer makes many vendors over confident and once the sale is made they ignore the consumer. Dissatisfaction is suggested to be fraud and the consumer may take a hit with the contact lens he or she bought. Many sites have online numbers for consumers but many do not so make the choice of your vendor in an informed manner.
Buying contact lenses online is not a challenge for anyone who is familiar with the Web. With more and more businesses going online even your local contact lens provider may have an online site from where the purchase can be made which would make it easier to have an after sales service. It is all about how you as the consumer view the experience that makes the convenience of buying lenses online worthwhile.
Disclaimer: The author is not a medical doctor, optician, ophthalmologist or any other medical professional, this article has been compiled using a variety of internet reference sources and while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy this cannot be guaranteed. No preference for product or brand is inferred or intended and the contents of this article are not to be used in whole or in part to inform a decision regarding any aspect of contact lens use.
