In our blog, we want to inspire you to source products from China. We have already described several cases of successful China sourcing, including GoPro and Nest Labs. This time, we write about an everyday product, eyewear from Warby Parker.
Warby Parker – China Sourcing
Warby Parker was established by two entrepreneurs: David Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal, “to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style.”
It offers fashionable eyeglass frames at competitive prices. The cheapest glasses cost $95 (including prescription lenses). The company managed to cut the price by using the internet as the main distribution network and establishing a close relationship with a Chinese factory that manufactures all frames. Aside from a direct-to-consumer business model, Warby Parker operates 169 retail stores. The company owners often visit Chinese partners and are familiar with the production process.
Moreover, the company runs the Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, to alleviate the problem of impaired vision of the unprivileged.
Generally, glasses are expensive because most glasses stores/manufacturers are owned under one umbrella. Sourcing from China for cheap, being excellent at marketing, offering fun & trendy eyeglasses, streamlining the order process to 10 minutes, and caring about charity – it all paid off for WB. Its eyeglasses are a great alternative to what is usually available in the market.
Below is a short interview with the founders of WP.
Read more successful stories about China Sourcing.