A local business is helping residents focus on keeping the cost of living down with a service that provides affordable spectacles.
Affordable Specs, which is based in Aldridge Road, Great Barr, is run by Stephen Alexander, who has more than 35 years’ experience working as a technician in the trade.
He explained that the shop provides a cost-effective way of getting glasses.
He said: Traditionally, people go to their opticians to have their eyes tested, and then go out into the optician’s shop and choose a pair of spectacles, order them and then they’re told they’ll be ready in a couple of weeks.
“But things have change now – people can to an optician for an eye test but then they can take their prescription away with them.
“They have choice now to either buy a pair of spectacles from the opticians, to get them online, or come to a shop like mine to choose their frames and get their glasses made up more cost effectively.
“Basically, the public has a lot more choice, which gives them the ability to get their spectacles at a more affordable price than straight from a high street optician”.
“I think the problem is that us Brits are so polite, we go to the opticians and feel compelled to pay more rather than going down the road to get a better price.
“The thing is the optician gets paid for the eye test anyway, so you shouldn’t feel obligated to buy your glasses from them too – you should do what suits your wallet best!”
Steve said people now order spectacles on the internet, but often had concerns over quality when online shopping.
He said: “Where I’m different is that if someone comes in here and they have broken their specs and they’re desperate, I can say to them ‘right’ let’s see if we can sort you out!”
“Sometimes I am able to use my skills to take their existing lenses out of broken frames and put them into new frames.
“Or, if they come in with their prescription, they can pick a new frame and I can order the lenses in and I can sort them out at an affordable price.
“I can also make glasses in just a few days, which is not something the internet can offer”.
Ultimately, Steven believes a caring approach to his work, and a dedication to customer service, is what brings customers to his door.
He said: “A lot of it is just about keeping folks happy and going the extra mile to help them. It’s about being professional but also providing that extra customer service to help them.
“It’s about the personal touch. A lot of people like to talk, especially after lockdown. They really value that personal, face-to-face side of business.
“We’re in a cost-of-living crisis now and people have to find the best deal for themselves when it comes to their spectacles – and that’s what I can help them with.”
Affordable Specs is based at 905b, Aldridge Road in Great Barr, B44 8NS. They can be contacted on: 0121 448 6066
Disclaimer: This original article appeared in the Great Barr Gazette (March/April 2023) and was part of a paid advertisement. However, Pioneer Magazines has purchased glasses from Affordable Specs and attests to both their affordability and quality.