What Bulk Buyers Need in Readers: A Procurement Checklist for Durability & Cost
Authored By: Anisey D. Fernandez
When purchasing reading glasses in bulk, the price tends to be the deciding factor. Offering the lowest price may feel like the only way to stay competitive in today’s market. After all, if you’re not the cheapest, then what are you doing? However, a buyer wants a “good value”, so now the “cheapest” must also be something more. Humanitarian organizations such as charities, clinics, and government agencies don’t want to distribute a pair of readers that will fall apart when handled just to save a few pennies.
This checklist highlights what bulk buyers should consider before placing a large order.
1. Frame structure
- Flexible but sturdy
- Uniform in color, shape, and lens quality
- Lightweight material for daily wear.
Why it matters: Readers in bulk settings are handled frequently, and often worn in challenging environments. They are distributed to crowds of people, consistency in the frame structure is key as it focuses on the needs of the individual, not the “looks” of the frame.
2. Basic Hinges
- Standard basic hinges or reinforced hinges over spring hinge or decorative hinges
Why it matters: Hinges are the #1 failure point in low-cost readers.
3. A Wide Range of Strengths
- Buyers want access to both ends of the spectrum: low and high strengths
- The ability to order a mixed range of strengths
Why it matters: Many bulk suppliers stop at +3.00, leaving seniors and visually impaired users underserved. Some bulk suppliers don’t offer the ability to choose the strengths in a bulk order.
4. Cost Stability
- Buyers want transparent pricing and predictable costs for future orders
Why it matters: Procurement teams need reliable budgeting and not fluctuating prices.
5. Packaging That Supports Distribution
- Strength labeling that is visible on the box and the individual glasses
- Bulk packed and individually wrapped.
Why it matters: Packaging that allows for efficient distribution saves time and reduces errors during
handouts.
6. Supplier Reliability
- Proven history of supplying large order in a timely manner
- Clear communication and realistic lead time
Why it matters: Missed deliveries can delay clinics, missions, or grant-funded programs.
The best readers for bulk purchase strike a balance for the buyer. They are durable enough to withstand rough treatment that comes with regular handling, affordable for large scale projects, and come from reliable suppliers that can fulfill the need any time. The frame is never anything fancy. It’s a strong basic frame, usually plastic, that is ready to serve the needs of the wearer; no matter the place, no matter the task. This is what matters most to a bulk buyer.
A bulk buyer may have a hard time finding this perfect balance. It is up to the supplier to provide a level of quality that goes beyond the “cheap” price. I won’t knock down big business, my experience can vouch for the care a small business owner takes on projects of this nature. We search for trustworthy manufacturers, we stock up ahead of time, and test our products for durability. This care comes from a love of service and taking pride in supporting bulk buyers and humanitarian clients, every time.
Author Bio: Anisey D. Fernandez, Executive, Reading Glass Co. of America
Supplying affordable, quality reading glasses to individuals, charities, and institutions for over 15 years.