I was introduced to Warby Parker by my friend (uber-hipster) who mentioned how neat their entire service is in that you not only get to have a killer 30 day trial period (where shipping and returns are free), the fact that they donate a pair of glasses for every pair that you buy to someone in need, but also the fact that you can try on their glasses for free at the “Try at Home” opportunity.
It was almost too good to be true – so I tried it for myself. I ordered five of their products and they were quickly shipped to my home:
But their brilliance doesn’t stop there. The “cost” for doing their Home Try-On Program is simply to upload and share pictures of yourself with the test frames on.
Free marketing to hundreds (if not thousands) of people for their products. Simply genius!
So, as you can see, I’ve tried a few on and have decided on two that I want to try (and I’m also sharing this post with you which is free marketing for Warby!):
Yes, I’m quite un-original here – I’m trying on black pairs that are somewhat different than my current pair (I’m honestly looking for a backup pair in case my current ones get sat on or something like that).
I’m not sure what I’m going to choose but probably something like Pierce:
Regardless of whether I bought any or not their strategy really worked and it’s no wonder I hear about them more and more as people learn about them through their trusted friends via Twitter and Facebook.
What can we learn from their strategy? I believe it’s in their formula of shipping cost and marketing – in other words, the cost of shipping being their marketing budget. This simple shift has resulted in some big wins. What we need to do as bloggers and creative business strategists is consider how we can give away more for free and yet, at the very same time, directly benefit from the resulting exposure.
Brilliant concept and I can’t wait to get my prescription glasses – I just have to find where I put that prescription in the first place…
I had the same thought about excellent marketing when I first heard about Warby Parker on a TV news story. I agree, brilliant!
I considered the home trial, but being my “tighten the belt” mentality, I opted to get new lenses in my existing frames.
I still might have to consider home trial.
dude, try it!
the frame AND lenses are $95 total. I can’t get lenses replaced for that cheap
Dude, you better not be getting the Pierce. That’s my effing look!
#LOL!
The marketing strategy is certainly interesting, but the real question is: does it work? Are they making money using this strategy? I think a lot of times we focus on what seems cool without asking the practical question: does it work?
i think they are. i’ve heard tons of people respond that they are trying the new home program because of this blog post and tweets.
I love it. Advertising is their marketing. Marketing is their advertising. Win win.
seriously. it’s genius.
I purchased my first pair of Warby’s almost a year ago after hearing about them from several friends. Their strategy is brilliant & I love the Coltons I chose after previewing 5 pairs for 5 days for free. Such a simple concept but so effective. I also love the TOMS-inspired one for one. For a flat $95 it’s hard to beat. As bloggers, they definitely offer a model we could emulate to offer value on so many levels!
awesome! they are still in great shape?
As good as the day I got ‘em!
While they’ve got some excellent frames, the price tags are a little high for me. I’m a huge fan of ZenniOptical.com– super cheap(we’re talking as low as $10 for frames with prescription) and a huge variety.
I haven’t bought glasses anywhere else since I found that site.
hmm. will check these out.