My $700 Mistake: 5 Pitfalls When Buying Reading Glasses Online

I understand the appeal. Everyone wants to save money, and purchasing reading glasses online appears straightforward and affordable. I had my eye on a specific frame style—a vintage square design similar to the Mozaer R45844 Tr90 frame—but I tried to cut costs by going with a lesser-known vendor first.

That was a serious error. I made these mistakes so you can avoid wasting both time and money. My misstep led to months of frustration and cost me hundreds of dollars. Don't repeat my error.

Here’s what happens when you prioritize speed and low prices over quality and service:

Mistake #1: Choosing Only the Cheapest Option

I came across a price that seemed too good to be true. My focus was solely on saving $20 upfront. I told myself, "How different can plastic frames really be?"

The difference is significant. The most affordable frames often use brittle plastic that breaks easily. Even worse, cheap lenses can be warped, leading to headaches. You might save $20 initially, but you could end up spending $100 to replace the frames just a few weeks later.

I learned the hard way that cheap eyewear often comes with equally cheap service. These vendors typically lack the staff to resolve issues and don't invest in reliable shipping.

Verdict: Avoid buying the lowest-priced frame you find. Quality materials like Tr90, used in Mozaer frames, cost a bit more but are flexible and built to last. This saves you money over time.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Quality Indicators and Materials

I looked at the product image and thought, "That vintage style looks cool." I didn’t bother reading the description. I saw brown square frames and clicked "Buy."

Don’t make my mistake. Look beyond the style. You need to know what the glasses are made of. Materials are crucial when shopping for reading glasses.

Key Quality Checks I Missed: