The College of Optometrists

after weeks really quiet and wondering what has happened - this last week has been so busy. Everything is up - we have done buckets of contact lenses and glasses have flashed out of the door. Eye tests are way up. Wierd!

Why is it that everyone is also having extras @ the mo. Transitions, AR coats, hi index or all three seems to be the trend.

I'm not complaining!

Palfi, we are also very busy in my practices and there is no trackable pattern. lets just rake it in and build up the fat for may be leaner times nearer christmas. i am not selling transitions even though there is alot of tv advertising. recent section 60 has if anything increased sales in my outfit as i have had a wake up call and i suppose my teams are converting more effectively. hooray for practice plan.

trade is up put the flags out

I had a gentleman the other day who bought 4 pairs of glasses! Two pairs of varifocals, one distance and one for reading, as he said he does lots of different things and so requires them. I didn't recommend he purchased all these, but he did!

Consequently, my dispensing sales figures were a personal best the other day! So yes, it is a busy period.

Yep same here...very busy suddenly. Haven't seen 18 pxs three days in a row for atleast 3 years !

me too best week for a long time!

Very true about the upgrades . Transtions more so......

carry on

We're chocca as usual. But then with the money Guernsey creams off for marketing we should be...

Sean why did you take out a SSavers franchise or do you just locm for them?

Cant beat them. Join them...

I only asked cos friends of mine at SS are unhappy as the drop in prices is being picked up by the directors and this is having a knock on effect on salaries and locum rates, or is that all myth?

What's the point of being "chocca" when you spend half the week paying for the marketing etc.

Surprising how few eye exams a week are required to give a good income, once you have freed yourself from the costs of a big organisation.

Guy's these are the pitfalls of having franchises. one doesn't always look at the small print on agreements and their implications. on the other hand being an indie, you would still have to pick up the costs of any promos but there are not franchise + advertising costs. i looked at various franchises and they were all the same when it came to fees and costs which are always paid from you top line figures and you will always have surprises. thats franchise for you.

What do you consider to be a good income?

Finkle, The actual income figure is not too important but certainly more than I see advertised for franchisees/ multis.

It grieves me that so many work a large part of their week just to pay company overheads and advertising.

David,

It really doesnt matter how much your marketing costs if it works. For example if you spend 100k per year on ads turn over 1000k and make 300k who cares how much Fat Cat takes.. We're all on the Med together...