Eyewear nowadays isn’t just a necessity for people with eyesight problems; it’s also an accessory to jazz up people’s style. But the frames and lenses of eyeglasses contribute greatly to the plastic pollution making it a non-sustainable industry. However, numerous businesses are producing eco-friendly eyewear, and Proof Eyewear can easily be called the pioneer of sustainable eyewear.
Appearing on Shark Tank’s season 4 episode 17, Proof Eyewear is an eye accessories business with an emphasis on sustainability and giving back. Its mission is to provide stylish, high-quality eyewear at an affordable price. All of their glasses are handcrafted from sustainable wood and recycled materials. The company was founded by three brothers, Tanner, Brooks, and Taylor Dame, in the year 2010. Even before being on the world-famous reality show, the company was generating a profit of $434,000.
The brothers had appeared on Shark Tank to introduce Proof Eyewear, a business they started from scratch in their garage, to the world of investors. Their initial offer was $150,000 for a 25% stake in the company, but they ended up making a final offer of $200,000 for 20% to Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec. Neither of the sharks saw the deal as profitable, and the trio of enthusiastic entrepreneurs returned empty-handed.
Despite the deal not going through, Proof Eyewear was able to gain a lot of traction. Their principle of giving back to the community, along with their quality and sustainable product line, made Proof Eyewear a unique business.
Customers who have purchased from Proof Eyewear generally seem to be happy with their purchase. The glasses are well-made and stylish, and they offer good value for the price. There have been a few complaints about customer service issues, but overall, people seem to be pleased with the product.
Our Review of Proof Eyewear
Proof Eyewear is an ever-growing business with online as well as 27 physical stores in over 27 states of the US and 40 other stores at international locations. The business heavily relies on its range of sustainable handcrafted eyewear made of biodegradable acetate, recycled aluminum, and sustainable wood. The durability of the glasses also reduces the waste that occurs from damaged pieces.
In 2021, in collaboration with Eden Reforestation Project, Proof had promised to plant 5 trees for every frame sold to follow through on their aim of giving back. It has also gained a lot of support for its contribution to hosting health screenings, especially to detect vision-related issues in the rural areas of India. Proof Eyewear also recently started providing micro-loans to entrepreneurs in India, empowering them for success while also building schools to make quality education accessible for every child.
Pros of Proof Eyewear
There are plenty of reasons to love Proof Eyewear. For starters, they’re a sustainable company that uses recycled and reclaimed materials to make their sunglasses. They also donate a portion of their profits to help people in developing countries who are affected by poor vision. But beyond all that, Proof Eyewear makes some really great sunglasses.
Here are a few reasons why we think they’re worth checking out:
- They have a great variety of styles.
- The quality is excellent – they’re made with durable materials, and the craftsmanship is top-notch.
- The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality.
- They offer free shipping worldwide, which is awesome if you’re looking to send a pair of sunglasses as a gift to someone overseas.
Cons of Proof Eyewear
There are a few potential drawbacks to Proof Eyewear that consumers should be aware of before making a purchase.
- The glasses are only available in limited styles and colors. Shoppers may be unable to find a pair that suits their taste or matches their existing wardrobe.
- The glasses are relatively expensive. This may be a prohibitive cost for some consumers, especially those who do not typically wear prescription eyewear.
- One of their customers was also displeased upon receiving a damaged package which could easily happen during shipping. However, the customer’s complaint remained unheard, raising a genuine question about the company’s customer service. However, such instances are rare.
These issues could create difficulties for shoppers who prefer to try on glasses before buying them or do not have reliable access to the internet.
Who Is Proof Eyewear For?
Whether you’re a diehard outdoors enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good pair of sunglasses, Proof Eyewear is worth checking out. Three brothers started this company looking for an alternative to budget sunglasses. They came up with a line of stylish, durable, and affordable sunglasses that are perfect for anyone who wants to protect their eyes without breaking the bank.
One of the best things about Proof Eyewear is that they offer a variety of styles to suit any taste. From classic Wayfarers to trendy aviators, there’s a style for everyone. And because they’re so affordable, you can buy more than one pair to mix and match your outfits.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Woodzee is another promising brand in this niche that manufactures eco-friendly sunglasses for its customers. The packaging is also aligned with the theme of sustainability since the frames are made from recycled paper. A major player in setting Woodzee apart from Proof Eyewear is the price it charges for each set of glasses, starting from only $50. However, proof Eyewear also provides optical glasses for people with eyesight issues, which Woodzee lacks.
Our Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new pair of sunglasses, Proof Eyewear is worth checking out. With their combination of style, durability, and affordability, they’re sure to have something that will suit your needs. Even with the high price point, the quality they offer is unmatched.
Their aim of providing quality education and health to the underprivileged communities of developing countries is also a major attraction as it allows everyone to contribute to doing some good. You can browse their selection and learn more about their company at their website.
