Eyewear Industry — Field Notes From An Insider

In recent years, my work has taken me from Beijing, Duqiao, and Wenzhou to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong—attending major optical exhibitions, touring factories, and meeting with buyers and brands of all backgrounds.

Whether it’s for custom sunglasses, optical frames, or reading glasses, every real industry exchange has helped me develop a more rational and empathetic perspective on “product selection,” “customization,” and “supply chain reliability.”

Through this article, I hope to strip away stereotypes, share authentic insights, and offer a clear view into the essence of our industry.

Regional Labels Are Outdated

Many newcomers to the eyewear field are influenced by the so-called “regional hierarchy”—Duqiao, Wenzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Shenzhen seem ranked from low to high in perceived quality. Yet the reality is much more complex.

Industry crossflows and collaboration are increasingly close-knit, with premium factories often cooperating across regions: Wenzhou brands outsourcing to Duqiao, Shenzhen brands utilizing Dongguan’s production lines, and Guangzhou stores selling large quantities of Wenzhou and Duqiao products.

When buyers see the same batch of custom sunglasses, optical frames, or reading glasses appearing at multiple booths during trade shows, it’s the result of supply chain integration.

In today’s market, regional labels are losing relevance; “origin” has become more diverse and open.

Logic Behind Price Differences

Countless times, I’ve seen buyers comparing the prices of the exact same product across markets and exhibitions, only to find significant differences in both pricing and service descriptions. The reasons are rooted in several core factors:

Different business models: Bulk purchasing vs. small-batch customization have different cost-sharing mechanisms.

Variations in quality control and service: Some shops have dedicated QC teams, while others rely entirely on the factory, leading to uneven risk management.

After-sales support and delivery processes: Many hidden service costs are not reflected in the quoted price, but they influence the actual customer experience.

Therefore, the “cheapest price” rarely equals the “best solution.” Evaluating custom requirements with a one-size-fits-all factory logic easily overlooks the importance of long-term reliability.

It's About Supply Chain Integration

Many buyers assume that finding the “source factory” guarantees the lowest price and highest quality. Industry data and real-life cases suggest otherwise—source factories usually prioritize long-term, high-volume customers. One-off or small custom jobs often don’t come with deep discounts or meticulous service. Sometimes, factories even recommend that smaller buyers work with intermediaries to ensure efficient delivery and minimize risks.

Especially for custom sunglasses, optical frames, and reading glasses—where non-standard specifications are common—it’s supply chain integration and process control, not location, that really matter. Both direct sourcing and intermediaries can play a role; the main criterion is whether they truly control quality, take responsibility, and uphold standards for the buyer.

Time To Build Your Own System

The healthiest, most effective buyers and brands are those who gradually build their own criteria for product selection and partnership. They invest time in research, supplier screening, and, more importantly, focus on after-sales service and the long-term stability of the supply chain. The most reliable collaborators are those who act as quality gatekeepers and industry-neutral parties—connecting resources while also offering buffers against risk.

Several Takeaway Tips

• Don’t obsess over “where the product comes from.” Instead of clinging to regional stereotypes, focus on supply chain collaboration and service reliability.

  
  

• When purchasing, ask, “If something goes wrong with the delivery, who will step up for you?” This is far more important than chasing the lowest price.

  
  

• Brands and buyers should establish standardized QC and product selection processes, making rational decisions based on actual service—not hearsay.

  
  

• In the journey of custom sunglasses, optical frames, and reading glasses, a long-term partnership is the best way to vet and build trust.

  
  

• Value after-sales support and quality assurance—true “delivery security” is what every serious buyer ultimately depends on.

Conclusion

The deeper I delve into industry research, the more I appreciate the importance of balancing facts with empathy. Only by seeing the eyewear industry as it truly is can we avoid common pitfalls and move forward with greater confidence. As the eyewear sector continues to evolve, so do supply chain models and customization services. By sharing genuine insights and observations, I hope to help more brands and clients grow stronger and smarter, sidestepping unnecessary setbacks along the way.

If you’re curious about product selection, customization, or supply chain optimization, I welcome your questions and conversations—may we become trusted partners in finding the best solutions?

Wishing you clarity and confidence on your journey with custom sunglasses, optical frames, and reading glasses.