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Global Eyeglasses

globaleyeglasses.com

Personal Experiences

Feb 20, 2013 - I placed an order for glasses from Global Eyeglasses. I ordered a cheap pair of semi-rimless frames with the basic CR39 lenses ($19) although those became free after using a "first pair free" promotional code. An AR coating added $10, and a UV coating added $5. Shipping to Canada was $9.95. It's worth noting that after you've entered your prescription, it does not show up anywhere (during the rest of the order process or in the final invoice). Thus, to verify that I had indeed entered the correct information, I had to log into the Global Eyeglasses website and look at the "prescription" page.

Feb 23, 2013 - I received an email stating the order had been shipped. They'd actually shipped it via DHL which I wasn't overly thrilled about (it meant a guaranteed drive to pick it up, since DHL does not deliver to my location). I was also a little apprehensive that I might be charged the exhorborant customs-clearing fees that DHL/UPS/FedEx are all known for charging.

Feb 28, 2013 - Glasses were received. DHL had phoned the previous day indicating they won't deliver to me, and I had to set up an alternate location to pick it up.


Order Review - May 11, 2013 - Pictures

(click on any of the thumbnails to open the image full-size in a new window)
Global Eyeglasses packaging/overview   Global Eyeglasses overhead view of glasses   Global Eyeglasses front view of glasses
#1 is the packaging along with an overhead view. #2 and #3 are other shots of the glasses themselves.

Order Review - May 11, 2013 - (continued)

Part of the reason for delaying the review a ways past February was that DHL in particular is known for sending an "invoice" a few months after you've received your item for customs/duty fees and I wanted to see if one would show up. It never did, so at this point, I'm assuming I'm in the clear.

The glasses were packaged quite well, inside both a box and a fairly durable case. Lenses looked good, prescription appeared to be correct, and the tracks for the semi-rimless "wires" were well cut in each lens. Lenses passed the hot water test, and I didn't run into any issues or concerns. A very acceptable pair for something in the mid-range of the discount price arena.

Total time between ordering and delivery: 8 days
Time to ship: 3 days
Time in transit: 5 days


Would I buy from Global Eyeglasses again? I'm not a fan of extra fees for UV protection (most retailers include it for free), and DHL shipping really turns me off. Sure, I got the glasses incredibly fast, but personally I'd rather have the peace-of-mind of having it go through the national postal carrier (and not have to worry about picking up the glasses or the risk of unnecessarily large duty fees) even if it means slightly slower shipping times. Just the option would be nice. That said, the glasses were good, overall pricing was reasonable, it passed the hot water test, and I didn't have any complaints with the workmanship.

Would I recommend Global Eyeglasses to others based on this purchase? Sure, with a few notes. Anyone in a rural area (or in a country where the major couriers are notorious for gouging for customs clearance) should keep in mind that DHL might present them with some issues. In addition, be ABSOLUTELY SURE you've entered your prescription information correctly, as you're not presented with opportunities to notice a mistake later. The glasses themselves didn't present any cause for concern in my case, though should you have an issue, be mindful of Global's "F" rating with the BBB.

Click here to see the Global Eyeglasses information page



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