Ripped off

[Chippygeoff]

When it comes to buying a new piece of kit I am staggered at how much money I have to part with and it's got to the stage now that I will only buy if it's absolutely essential. The cost of a new Hegner is a prime example and I was wondering what the actual cost of making one would work out at. The Germans obviously have to make a profit on them, after all its running a business. Shipping them to the UK is not cheap and then Hegner UK have to make a profit and I reckon they are making a huge profit at our expense. Wood is another example, it's getting so expensive that very soon it won't be viable selling the things we make at craft fairs.

It's just not scrollsaws and the other accessories we need. I went for an eye test the other day and had to have new glasses. They won't allow me to use my old frames, I had to have new ones. The frames were £85, by the time bi-focals and reacterlite lenses were added it had gone up to £169, all that for a pair of glasses, you could buy a really good smart phone or a good tablet for that money.

British gas made umpteen milions profit in the first quarter and still the bills continue to get bigger. I dread to think what it will be like in 5 years time, a basic Hegner will be about £3000 at the rate things are going up. I was going to treat myself to a new fly rod the other day but when I saw the cost I decided to stick with what I have. I have often heard the phrase "Rip Off Britain" and it's true.

There, Iv'e got it off my chest and feel better already.

 

[martinka]

It's just not scrollsaws and the other accessories we need. I went for an eye test the other day and had to have new glasses. They won't allow me to use my old frames, I had to have new ones. The frames were £85, by the time bi-focals and reacterlite lenses were added it had gone up to £169, all that for a pair of glasses, you could buy a really good smart phone or a good tablet for that money.

A couple of years ago I got my prescription from the optician and bought two pairs of glasses online for about £25. Obviously it would be more expensive for reactolite and bi-focal, but still much cheaper. Good branded frames too although my eyes have deteriorated so that the specs are no longer any good to me. I was hoping to use the frames again this time as they are still like new. Did you use Specsavers, by any chance?

 

[themackay]

I have been building an extension for about 4 years now and the prices of insulation timber etc have been steadily climbing over that period bought some 4x2 last week queried the price good bit more than I was paying last time I bought in July last year was told there had been 2 price rises this year.They used to blame wage rises for the increase in prices well thats not the reason now.The Chinese seem to be the excuse these days.
Alan

 

[Grahamshed]

It is the way of the world now. Making a healthy profit is no longer enough, it has to be Billions.

 

[RogerP]

..........The frames were £85, by the time bi-focals and reacterlite lenses were added it had gone up to £169, all that for a pair of glasses, you could buy a really good smart phone or a good tablet for that money................

If you need to wear glasses then a decent pair are far more important than a smart phone, after all you couldn't see that silly little screen without them

 

[Chippygeoff]

Roger. Yes, glasses are vitally important, especially as you get older. I was just using the smart phone as a comparison, you get a lot more value from a smart phone than a pair of glasses financially.

Martin. Yes, I did go to specsavers, it's the only opticians in town. I never thought of getting them online, next time though?

 

[scrimper]

Roger. Yes, glasses are vitally important, especially as you get older. I was just using the smart phone as a comparison, you get a lot more value from a smart phone than a pair of glasses financially.

Martin. Yes, I did go to specsavers, it's the only opticians in town. I never thought of getting them online, next time though?

As a matter of interest I have been a specsavers customer for quite some time but I think they are getting a bit pricey now! I have bog standard lenses but to get a decent pair with spring-back hinges the minimum was £85 so I ended up buying a cheaper £25 pair just for now, I found a place online http://www.spex4less.com/ and with my specsavers prescription was able to buy a pair of decent frames with spring-backs and free anti glare coating for £27.95.

I agree with your comments about rip off Britain and also agree that Hegner saws and spares are over priced. Example how can they justify a charge of £24 for a simple on/off switch that can be obtained easily from several suppliers for under £1.00?

 

[martinka]

I think I got my specs from http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk They let you order 4 frames to try at home and even pay the return postage.

 

[Bryan Bennett]

Have seen my daughter Debs,who has said at www.specs2u.co.uk can use your old frames if they are suitable for your new lenses.They are not a National company,and are located in the North West.


Bryan

 

[Roughcut]

I am also surprised as to the high price of Hegner machines and spares.
Considering their products are NOT subject to import duties they are rather pricey.

 

[themackay]

I believe the new England strip shirt is £90 now that is a rip off
Alan

 

[nadnerb]

Hi Geoff
You should try living over here!!!!!!
Regards
Brendan

 

[martinka]

Hi Geoff
You should try living over here!!!!!!
Regards
Brendan

I better not let our lass see you say that Brendan, she'd be over like a flash. When we were both working she used to go over regularly to see her pal in Galway.