I've been slowly trying to get ContactLensRetailerReviews.com updated.
- Originally, I had the ugly version of EyeglassRetailerReviews.
- Then, I started ContactLensRetailerReviews which was prettier, but the information always seemed to be sparse. I was content with information just plain being there for now, and didn't focus a lot on useability. Really, it just had to look better than EGRR and it did.
- Finally, EyeglassRetailerReviews got it's big update, and I started off with the CLRR design as a basis and thought "ok, how can I combine the best of both worlds, and then make it a bit better".
Naturally, that meant CLRR was lagging a bit behind and everything is in the process of being updated to the new EGRR standards.
Most of the updates to CLRR are pretty superficial. I re-wrote EGRR from scratch, but it would be silly to do it here. I have prices listed, so I update them to be current. I check the BBB and see if anything's changed. I go to the site, browse around, and make sure the things I said continue to be accurate. What takes the most time is reformatting things to follow the EGRR "theme".
One thing that bugs me is that CLRR lacks the substance that EGRR has. There's nothing I can really do about it, but it bothers me anyway. When reviewing eyeglass retailers, the sites all vary significantly. Prices vary significantly. Frames and lenses offered vary significantly. Some have virtual "try on" features. People need more help buying glasses online whether it's a PD measurement, or frame dimensions (gotta fit yer face ya-know), or whether they want CR39 or Polycarbonate, or what index to choose. Whether this stuff is provided or not affects the review I give of the retailer.
With contact lenses.... they're all the freaking same. These guys are selling the exact same stuff, usually for about the same price. Unless a retailer decides to re-label something no-name, crush packages before sending them, screw customers with extra charges or just plain engage in bad business practices, there's little they can do wrong.
Really, unlike eyeglass retailers who have to try to do well, contact lens retailers would pretty much have to try to screw something up. What do I really have to offer or compare?
- list of retailers? done that
- pricing? done that
- bbb ratings? done that
- lens options? haven't done that, but they're almost all exactly the same to the degree that anyone might care
- shipping times? haven't done that. maybe I should. I doubt it varies enough to be worthwhile to anyone, but I could be wrong.
- website experience? can't do that. they're all too much the same. I could nitpick to death but I had 0 problems finding what lenses I was looking for to price compare, so I doubt anyone else would have a problem either.
Maybe one day I'll figure out the magic solution that's going to help people beyond simply listing retailers who sell contact lenses, giving bbb ratings, pricing, and a little bit of thought.
Until then, at least I got 1 more revamp done today. It's LensMart. They're based in the US, they've kept off the BBB's radar so far, and the biggest thing that stands out is that they make you enter your credit card info before seeing the final total. There might also be the additional charge thrown in that some other contact lens retailers feel the need to do. I'd know if I were willing to enter my credit card info before seeing the final cost - I'm not. Read more about them at the LensMart - ContactLensRetailerReviews.com page.
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