Where to Buy
Where to Buy: Online vs Offline
A six-dimension comparison of buying glasses online vs offline: prescription accuracy, trying on, price, authenticity, pickup time, and returns. For prescription glasses we recommend an in-person exam and fitting offline; non-prescription sunglasses and accessories can be bought online.
Online vs Offline
Buying Online vs Offline: How Should You Choose?
| Factor | Buying Online (Taobao/JD.com) | Buying Offline (Eyewear Markets) |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription accuracy | ⚠️ Risky—you must measure your own PD, with no way to verify | ✅ Professional exam + lensmeter verification |
| Trying on frames | ⚠️ Can't try on; may not suit your face shape | ✅ Thousands of styles to try, professionally adjusted |
| Price | ✅ Usually cheaper (no storefront costs) | ⚠️ Slightly higher but still very affordable |
| Authenticity | ⚠️ Counterfeit risk—be extra careful on Taobao | ✅ Verify on the spot via anti-counterfeit codes |
| Pickup time | ⚠️ Delivery to your hotel takes 2–5 days | ✅ 20 minutes–2 hours (most standard prescriptions) |
| Returns & exchanges | ⚠️ Returns from abroad are a hassle; custom lenses aren't covered by no-questions-asked returns | ✅ Adjusted on the spot, remade in store |
| Best for | Non-prescription sunglasses, fashion frames, accessories | All prescription glasses, progressives, high prescriptions |