Materials for Sunglasses
Glass sunglasses shatter. Glass is optically superior but shatters easily if you have a high prescription. The commonly used plastic frame materials are zyl and propionate. Zyl, also known as cellulose acetate, is the most commonly used plastic. Propionate is the second most common material. Believe it or not, glass is made from liquid sand by heating ordinary sand until it melts and turns into a liquid.
Make a template for your cardboard sunglasses by tracing the shapes of the parts of a cheap pair, or by photocopying the parts. Include eye-holes where they should be present. Customize your sunglasses with a cloth bag and national flags. Make your own wooden or leather sunglasses by following tutorials. Protect your eyes by making funky pineapple or flamingo sunglasses this summer. Design your own using paint markers and gems. Pick a frame shape that suits your face shape. Those with round faces suit rectangular frames. Heart shapes suit any frames. Square faces look good in round frames bringing out their best features. Frame color should complement your eyes.
Starting Costs and Business Plan
If you are planning to start a sunglasses business, the costs are relatively low. We’ve outlined two common scenarios for “pre-opening” costs of starting a sunglasses business and outline the costs you should expect for each:
- The estimated minimum starting cost = $12
- The estimated maximum starting cost = $27,209
Startup Expenses:
- Min Startup Costs: You plan to execute on your own. You’re able to work from home with minimal costs.
Draft a sunglasses business plan. Pick a business name and entity that best fits you. Find financing. Open a business bank account. Set up accounting & tax reporting. Learn the legal structures you should consider. Understand the pros and cons before deciding if starting a sunglasses line is right for you.
Steps to Start a Sunglasses Line
Start a sunglasses line by following these steps:
- Plan your Sunglasses Line.
- Form your business into a Legal Entity.
- Define your Brand.
- Create your Website.
- Set up your Phone System.
- Set up your Accounting & Payroll.
- Obtain Permits and Licenses.
- Get Business Insurance.
- Select your Products.
- Market your Business.
Business Models
There are three main models: manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing.
- Manufacturing: Source materials and hire staff. Requires most capital but gives you most control.
- Wholesaling: Purchase sunglasses and resell them. Less control but less effort.
- Retailing: Buy from wholesalers or manufacturers and sell directly to customers. Simplest model but least profit potential.
Why start a sunglasses brand? Sunglasses are standardized and well-suited for online sales. Users are loyal once approving a brand.
Building an Online Presence
How to Build a Fantastic Online Website? An engaging, user-friendly website is key.
Concluding Advice
3 Bottom Lines On Starting a Sunglasses Business: Sunglasses grow in popularity, leaving room for innovative brands. Use this guide to launch your business. Select your niche. Build your business plan. Source reputable suppliers. Market relentlessly. Manage cash flow.
Sunglasses business can start with $500, selling online, increasing costs as business grows. Opening a physical store estimated around $27,000. Save expenses initially, scale up later.
Can you make glasses sunglasses? Yes, you can create sunglasses by tracing cheap sunglasses, photocopying parts, and customizing with designs. You can also make wooden or leather sunglasses by following online tutorials.
What material is best for sunglasses? Glass is optically best but shatters. Zyl and propionate are common plastics used.
How do you make glasses out of construction paper?
- Make a template of lens and frame shapes.
- Cut pieces out of paper and tape together into frames.
- Decorate with markers, stickers, and gems for fun homemade sunglasses.
Why are Ray Bans so expensive and where are they made? Ray Bans are expensive due to popularity and branding. Most are made in Italy.
Do Ray-Bans make prescription glasses? Yes. You can order Ray Bans with customized prescription lenses.
How much do sunglasses cost to make? Basic sunglasses can be produced for around $5 and sold for $50+.
Which glass is used to make sunglasses? Glass sunglasses are made by heating sand until melted into liquid form.
Why do my glasses hurt the top of my ears? Visit an optician to adjust frame size, angle, and pad width for better comfort.
How are glasses made? Over 200 meticulous handmade steps produce quality glasses with customized lenses.
Can I make my old glasses into sunglasses? Yes. Options include stick-on tint film, clip-ons, photochromic lenses, and replacing clear lenses with tinted ones.