Prices & Saving Money: Bargaining Tips
A bargaining guide based on market-research reference prices from 14 cities: if a quote is clearly above the reference range, compare a few more shops. Prices are for reference only — lens brand, frame material, and after-sales service matter just as much. Never look at price alone without considering quality.
Price Benchmarks by City and Configuration
Market-research reference prices for standard prescription glasses in 14 cities. Use them as your baseline when bargaining — if a quote is clearly above this range, compare a few more shops. Prices are for reference only; never look at price alone without considering quality.
| Configuration | Danyang | Guangzhou | Shenzhen | Shanghai | Beijing | Other Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (1.56 lenses + alloy frame) | USD 11.92–22.35 （RMB 80–150） | USD 14.90–26.82 （RMB 100–180） | USD 17.88–29.80 （RMB 120–200） | USD 22.35–37.25 （RMB 150–250） | USD 26.82–41.72 （RMB 180–280） | USD 22.35–37.25 （RMB 150–250） |
| Standard (1.60 lenses + acetate frame) | USD 17.88–32.78 （RMB 120–220） | USD 22.35–41.72 （RMB 150–280） | USD 26.82–44.70 （RMB 180–300） | USD 37.25–59.60 （RMB 250–400） | USD 41.72–67.05 （RMB 280–450） | USD 37.25–59.60 （RMB 250–400） |
| Premium (1.67 lenses + pure titanium frame) | USD 29.80–52.15 （RMB 200–350） | USD 37.25–67.05 （RMB 250–450） | USD 41.72–74.50 （RMB 280–500） | USD 59.60–104.30 （RMB 400–700） | USD 67.05–111.75 （RMB 450–750） | USD 59.60–104.30 （RMB 400–700） |
| Progressive (1.56 progressive lenses + titanium frame) | USD 44.70–74.50 （RMB 300–500） | USD 52.15–89.40 （RMB 350–600） | USD 59.60–96.85 （RMB 400–650） | USD 74.50–134.10 （RMB 500–900） | USD 81.95–141.55 （RMB 550–950） | USD 74.50–134.10 （RMB 500–900） |
| Branded Lenses (ZEISS/Essilor 1.67 + titanium frame) | USD 89.40–149.00 （RMB 600–1,000） | USD 104.30–178.80 （RMB 700–1,200） | USD 111.75–193.70 （RMB 750–1,300） | USD 119.20–223.50 （RMB 800–1,500） | USD 126.65–223.50 （RMB 850–1,500） | USD 119.20–223.50 （RMB 800–1,500） |
⚠️ Friendly Reminder: The prices above are for reference only; actual prices vary by shop, brand, and your bargaining skills. Never look at price alone without considering quality — very low prices may mean poor lens materials, low processing accuracy, or no after-sales guarantee. Consider lens brand, frame material, shop reputation, and after-sales service together, and choose the option with the best overall value.
The prices above are market-research reference prices; actual prices may vary by shop, season, and bargaining. Danyang is usually the cheapest. Shanghai and Beijing are the most expensive but the most convenient, and larger shops may offer English service. All prices include frame + lenses + eye exam + processing fee.
Bargaining Guide: How to Get a Fair Price
In China's eyewear markets, bargaining is common and perfectly normal. The tips below help you get a fair price without offending the seller.
Start at 50-60% of the Quoted Price
Initial quotes at wholesale markets usually leave plenty of room for negotiation. You can start at 50-60% of the quoted price. For example: the shop quotes USD 59.60 （RMB 400） → you offer USD 29.80–37.25 （RMB 200–250）, and you may settle around USD 41.72–47.68 （RMB 280–320）. The exact margin varies by shop and product.
Check the Price Benchmark Table
Know the reasonable price range before shopping (see the benchmark table above). If a shop quotes clearly above the reference range, the price is likely inflated. Compare a few shops so you know what to expect.
Don't Over-Bargain on Branded Lenses
Branded lenses (ZEISS, Essilor, etc.) have relatively fixed wholesale costs. If a shop quotes only USD 29.80 （RMB 200） for ZEISS 1.67 lenses, they are very likely counterfeit or from unofficial channels. Frames and generic lenses leave room for bargaining, but be wary when branded lens prices look too good to be true.
Payment Methods
When shopping at China's eyewear markets, knowing the payment methods and bargaining rules saves you more money and helps avoid disputes.
Cash
Most stalls accept cash. Bring enough RMB cash (USD 74.50–298.00 （RMB 500–2,000）); some small stalls don't accept cards or foreign cards, and paying in cash can sometimes get you a lower price.
WeChat / Alipay
The vast majority of shops accept QR-code payment. Foreign visitors can link an overseas bank card (Visa/Mastercard); the per-transaction limit is usually USD 745.00 （RMB 5,000）, making it the most convenient way to pay.
When paying with a foreign card linked to WeChat / Alipay: single transactions of USD 29.80 （RMB 200） or less are subsidized by the platform with no extra fee; single transactions above RMB 200 incur a 3% "international card service fee", deducted together from your linked foreign card; if a refund occurs, the 3% fee is refunded proportionally.
Visa / Mastercard
Only large chain optical stores or shops inside malls may accept them; most individual stalls in eyewear markets do not accept foreign credit cards. If you need to pay by card, confirm in advance.
Bargaining Tips
Master the rhythm of bargaining, keep payment receipts, and pay attention to payment security — so getting your glasses is both money-saving and worry-free.
Bargaining Tips
Prices at eyewear markets usually have room for negotiation:
- Ask for the "all-inclusive price" first (frame + lenses + processing) to avoid itemized surcharges.
- Compare 2-3 shops to learn the going rates and know what to expect.
- Don't show strong eagerness to buy — stay calm.
- Paying cash can get you a 5-10% discount — merchants like cash.
- Buying multiple pairs (2 or more) usually gets a bulk discount — negotiate them together.
Ask for Receipts
After paying, be sure to ask for the following:
- A written receipt listing the frame model, lens brand and prescription, and total price.
- Lens packaging bags: keep the original packaging to verify the specs.
- Brand warranty card: if available, be sure to ask for it and fill it out completely.
These are important pieces of evidence if problems arise after you return home.
Payment Precautions
Pay a partial deposit first (30-50%), and pay the balance only after picking up and verifying the glasses. Don't pay in full before receiving your glasses. If a shop requires full payment upfront, confirm its reputation and after-sales policy first.
The Polite Walk-Away
If the price isn't right, politely say "Too expensive, I'll keep looking," and start to leave. Some sellers will call you back with a lower price. If no one stops you — the price is probably already near their bottom line.
Common Bargaining Phrases (Bilingual)
Common Chinese-English expressions for bargaining at eyewear markets, with pinyin and usage scenarios. Phrases for entering the shop, asking prices, bargaining, and closing the deal are all listed — you can simply point to show the staff.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| I want to buy prescription glasses. | 我想买配度数的眼镜 | wǒ xiǎng mǎi pèi dù shù de yǎn jìng | When entering the store |
| Do you speak English? | 你会说英语吗？ | nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma? | Starting a conversation |
| I need an eye exam. | 我需要验光 | wǒ xū yào yàn guāng | Requesting an eye exam |
| Is the eye exam free? | 验光免费吗？ | yàn guāng miǎn fèi ma? | Before the eye exam |
| Can I get a written prescription? | 可以给我验光单吗？ | kě yǐ gěi wǒ yàn guāng dān ma? | After the eye exam |
| How much is this frame with lenses? | 这个镜框加镜片多少钱？ | zhè ge jìng kuàng jiā jìng piàn duō shao qián? | Asking about the price |
| Is this the total price? Any hidden fees? | 这是总价吗？有其他费用吗？ | zhè shì zǒng jià ma? yǒu qí tā fèi yòng ma? | Confirming the price |
| Can you give me a better price? | 能便宜点吗？ | néng pián yi diǎn ma? | When bargaining |
| When will it be ready? | 什么时候能取？ | shén me shí hòu néng qǔ? | After ordering |
| Can I get it today? | 今天能取吗？ | jīn tiān néng qǔ ma? | Requesting same-day pickup |
| Do you accept Visa/Mastercard? | 可以刷Visa/Mastercard吗？ | kě yǐ shuā Visa/Mastercard ma? | When paying |
| Can I pay with WeChat/Alipay? | 可以微信/支付宝支付吗？ | kě yǐ wēi xìn/zhī fù bǎo zhī fù ma? | When paying |
| Please verify the prescription with a lensometer. | 请用焦度计核对度数 | qǐng yòng jiāo dù jì hé duì dù shù | When picking up glasses |
| It feels dizzy. Can you adjust the prescription? | 有点晕，可以调整度数吗？ | yǒu diǎn yūn, kě yǐ tiáo zhěng dù shù ma? | When picking up glasses |
| Can I get a receipt with all details? | 可以给我详细的收据吗？ | kě yǐ gěi wǒ xiáng xì de shōu jù ma? | After payment |
| What is your return/adjustment policy? | 退换和调整政策是什么？ | tuì huàn hé tiáo zhěng zhèng cè shì shén me? | Before purchasing |