Just had this article come up in another group that I'm a member of. Really bummed me out to see it. I'll be digging into it to see if it's true, but if it is, I won't be purchasing anymore of Costas products.
http://www.tackletradeworld.com/costa-owner-merges-with-luxottica/
Forgive my ignorance, but why is this an issue?
On 4/12/2017 at 3:46 AM, webertime said:Forgive my ignorance, but why is this an issue?
They sold out to Luxottica. Eyewear based monopoly responsible for driving the cost of regular glasses, sunglasses, and prescription sunglasses through the roof. They also own optometrists and eye insurance companies. So, they get you coming and going. A quick Google search will turn up more information than you may care to know on the topic.
The reason I'm choosing not to buy from Costa anymore is because I don't feel comfortable supporting that kind of monopoly. I'd rather give my money to an independent retailer.
You're really going to find it hard to buy any products in your life if you truly want to hold up to that mentality. I completely understand what you're saying and respect it but it can be a huge waste of time. Almost every product we buy are owned by some huge company like Luxottica.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:13 AM, Hawkeye21 said:You're really going to find it hard to buy any products in your life if you truly want to hold up to that mentality. I completely understand what you're saying and respect it but it can be a huge waste of time. Almost every product we buy are owned by some huge company like Luxottica.
I don't mind buying from a huge company. What I do mind is buying from a monopoly. They control the production, distribution, sale, prescription for, insurance for, and maintenance of what's essentially a medical device. It's just plain wrong.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:10 AM, BrackishBassin said:I'd rather give my money to an independent retailer.
Isn't that what you do when you buy them from Tackle Warehouse?
So you're saying Essilar is a less corporate entity than Luxatica?
I had a nice pair of Costas. They're at the bottom of Lake Erie. I buy $20 polarized glasses off the spinner rack at the local sporting goods store.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:18 AM, BrackishBassin said:
I don't mind buying from a huge company. What I do mind is buying from a monopoly. They control the production, distribution, sale, prescription for, insurance for, and maintenance of what's essentially a medical device. It's just plain wrong.
Aren't there laws in place to stop a true monopoly?
On 4/12/2017 at 4:18 AM, J Francho said:
Isn't that what you do when you buy them from Tackle Warehouse?
So you're saying Essilar is a less corporate entity than Luxatica?
I had a nice pair of Costas. They're at the bottom of Lake Erie. I buy $20 polarized glasses off the spinner rack at the local sporting goods store.
Not if I'm buying a brand owned by Luxottica.
Essilar is now owned by Luxottica as well. Not sure what point you're trying to make.
I'm saying I'd rather buy sunglasses from a company like Maui Jim or another privately held company.
I have friends that work for Maui Jim. Good company, and good products.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:20 AM, Hawkeye21 said:
Aren't there laws in place to stop a true monopoly?
Yes, there are. Are they being enforced? That's another question entirely.
Like I said to a previous poster, just Google Luxottica. You'll find quite a bit of information available on the topic.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:27 AM, BrackishBassin said:
Yes, there are. Are they being enforced? That's another question entirely.
Like I said to a previous poster, just Google Luxottica. You'll find quite a bit of information available on the topic.
Google is a monopoly. Use DuckDuckGo: https://duckduckgo.com
On 4/12/2017 at 4:29 AM, J Francho said:
Google is a monopoly. Use DuckDuckGo: https://duckduckgo.com
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/060315/google-becoming-monopoly.asp
Not yet, but it's on its way.
Wow, the things that some people worry themselves with....
Now if you said you were done with United Airlines, then I could understand lol
On 4/12/2017 at 4:33 AM, BrackishBassin said:
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/060315/google-becoming-monopoly.asp
Not yet, but it's on its way.
They are a vertical monopoly. They provide everything point to point from fiber, to servers, to online experience, to the browser, as well end devices like Chromebook.
Luxottica bought Ray Ban from Bausch & Lomb
in 1999. I used to work IT at B&L in the mid 90s
and just loved their glasses. It's just what happens
with consolidation and all that. Smaller guys that
make great products get gobbled up by the bigger
guy.
This doesn't really bother me. I've still got my
Costas in a return box waiting to go in for repair
(been sitting on my desk since early fall when I
broke them). Just haven't wanted to pull the trigger
on the repair cost just yet. Might have to now if
the warranty will change (which I doubt).
Like @J Francho says, Maui Jim is quality. I've also
got friends who wear them....
On 4/12/2017 at 4:38 AM, J Francho said:
They are a vertical monopoly. They provide everything point to point from fiber, to servers, to online experience, to the browser, as well end devices like Chromebook.
True, but they don't have the kind of market control that a company like Luxottica does. They're open to competition because of the nature of the business they are involved in. Again, not the case with Luxottica.
Like I mentioned earlier, it's more troubling to me because they're in control of what's essentially a medical device that many people around the world require in order to live a normal life.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:36 AM, Jar11591 said:Wow, the things that some people worry themselves with....
Now if you said you were done with United Airlines, then I could understand lol
You must not wear glasses, or if you do, don't mind getting the shaft everytime you need a new pair.
As long as Costa continues to make the best glass out there, I will continue to buy their product.
I have never owned Costas, but I have owned quite a few pair of Ray-Bans and still wear them regularly. I have no issues with the quality, and actually enjoy that they've been great about replacement lenses and service when I've needed them.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:39 AM, Darren. said:Luxottica bought Ray Ban from Bausch & Lomb
in 1999. I used to work IT at B&L in the mid 90s
and just loved their glasses. It's just what happens
with consolidation and all that. Smaller guys that
make great products get gobbled up by the bigger
guy.
This doesn't really bother me. I've still got my
Costas in a return box waiting to go in for repair
(been sitting on my desk since early fall when I
broke them). Just haven't wanted to pull the trigger
on the repair cost just yet. Might have to now if
the warranty will change (which I doubt).
Like @J Francho says, Maui Jim is quality. I've also
got friends who wear them....
On 4/12/2017 at 4:47 AM, BrackishBassin said:
You must not wear glasses, or if you do, don't mind getting the shaft everytime you need a new pair.
I own Costas. If I couldn't afford them and felt I was getting "shafted", then I probably wouldn't buy them.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:53 AM, Jar11591 said:
I own Costas. If I couldn't afford them and felt I was getting "shafted", then I probably wouldn't buy them.
I'm referring to the prescription glasses and the industries that surround them that are the main source of Luxottica's income.
On 4/12/2017 at 5:01 AM, BrackishBassin said:
I'm referring to the prescription glasses and the industries that surround them that are the main source of Luxottica's income.
I know what you're saying.
Have you found anything solid confirming the merger/buyout?
Looks like Essilor, the parent company of Costa and many other recognizable brands is actually buying Luxottica.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-15/luxottica-essilor-agree-to-50-billion-euro-merger-ft-reports
This thread is much better if you have Rage Against The Machine in the background drinking an heirloom coffee.
I first really learned of Luxottica on a 60 Minutes episode a few years ago. Interesting. I've mentioned in another thread that I probably would not buy an expensive pair of glasses again, but that I do own two pair of Maui Jim's and I will tell you flat out their customer service is first rate. I've had lenses replaced, and I continue to get nose pads replaced for free because one pair I have they will eventually fall off. The glasses are so comfortable that you don't even realize they are off, but when you do finally notice you just send them an email and they send you free of charge a replacement. I'm guessing Luxotttica customer service is probably not quite as good.
On 4/12/2017 at 4:26 AM, BrackishBassin said:
Not if I'm buying a brand owned by Luxottica.
Essilar is now owned by Luxottica as well. Not sure what point you're trying to make.
I'm saying I'd rather buy sunglasses from a company like Maui Jim or another privately held company.
I like my mauis more then my costas anyway. Don't hesitate
I got my costas as a prize in a tournament I fished. Then they flew off my head into 30 FOW on Lake Anna within a month of getting them. No more costas for me because I'd rather get a cheap pair and a new rod than just a pair of glasses!
They sure were nice though
On 4/12/2017 at 5:55 AM, webertime said:This thread is much better if you have Rage Against The Machine in the background drinking an heirloom coffee.
This wins the thread.
I go wherever the insurance allows me to go. Benefits of being blind as a bat...
On 4/12/2017 at 4:29 AM, J Francho said:Use DuckDuckGo: https://duckduckgo.com
The new dogpile.com!
Not exactly. DDG is really just a google search (was invented by former google employees) with no tracking, whereas dogpile is an aggregate search.
Go to Walmart, fishing section - select a pair of polarized/ UV ray protected Berkley label or some other brand stuck on the side for $10 or less. Buy 2 pairs for less than $20 if you need a backup. Scratched up, lost, whatever happens - no worries.
You can buy prescription polarized, safety sunglasses at Walmart as well for less than you are paying for some of these designer frame branded non prescription glasses. I believe Walmart calls the shots for what it sells and is not influenced by designer brand companies dictating to them. This is a good benefit for the non brand conscious (non snob factor seeking) consumer.
Prior to being bought out by Luxottica, Costa had no military discount. So in my limited experience, I favor this type of merger.