“Free” Sunglasses
Not Really Free Sunglasses
So, I just saw an ad in my Men’s Health Magazine about a “market study” where you can get $200 sunglasses for “free.” You just pay the S&H, which is overpriced, so they do not actually end up being free.
Each pair costs $9-$20 so I said, “What the heck?” I ordered a pair for $19 with an interchangeable amber driving lens and a sunglass case for $6. We’ll see how the quality is when they get here and I will update this post with my review of Red Star World Wear and Vectra Vision.
They are the same company, but Red Star World Wear says they will refund you immediately if you do not like their product. If they suck and give me a problem with the return, then I will be sure to blast them for it.
Get a “Free” Watch
Well, the watch is not really free because they charge you the S&H on this one too. If you order 4 pairs of “free” sunglasses then you can get the “free” watch for $10. I’m sure that it’s only worth about $10 and not the $200 that they claim it is worth.
A Good Deal?
We will see how this one turns out, but I think $10-$20 for a pair of “free” sunglasses is a good deal. $6 for a decent case is a good deal. $10 for a cheap watch is a good deal too. I’m not expecting Oakley quality, so it should work out OK.
Just to rant, I think paying 100’s of dollars for expensive shades is ridiculous and you will probably lose the damn things anyways. You can look just as good for $10 without a wearing a fancy logo on your face.
10 Ways to Save in 2010
Hi all,
Like most of you I stumbled on this site to see if this was a scam. After reading through this I think that I’m going to give them a shot. I was just wondering for those of you that did recieve your sunglasses if you actually got an evaluation card that was said to be the reason for the “deal”. I just wanted to see if they remebered to include them in the “free” sunglasses.
I ordered my glasses on June 6th and still haven’t gotten them. I emailed them and they said they were sent out on June 26th… that was two weeks ago. It has been way over a month since I ordered them. I really hope that these glasses are worth this because I am pretty frustrated by all of this.
I am not saying that I am expecting to receive a $200 pair of glasses, but for $20, im not sure that it is worth all this time. By the time I actually get them, Summer will be over!
So anyway, I was wondering how long it took for SHIPPING alone. That is for the people who actually got their glasses…
Sorry if im sounding rude, but I am just a little pissed off at them…
I just checked out the redstargiftcard.com store..And it looks like they’re actually trying to sell these sunglasses for $100+ dollars. Hell, even the giftcards are full price.
But, then I went back to redstarworldwhatever.something and the same pairs of sunglasses were still free.
I can’t figure out what in the heck they’re doing. They’re not going to be a name-brand sunglass brand with their shabby quality. I can’t see anyone paying $130 for a cheap piece of plastic when they can get the worlds best brands for the same amount. Do they understand anything about business? lol
I am about to order some, but I would like some reviews or feedback on them. I don’t want to go through the hassle if they are cheap crappy glasses
I’d like to thank everyone who added their comments.
It would seem that these would be worth the s&h, but I’m going to pass completely. Made in China essentially means that the workers get paid next to nil for their work, and money that was once part of the US economy is now bolstering China. It’s not that I don’t want the Chinese to be well off – but heck, they HAVE it and the workers there still get very little pay. It’s supporting the corrupt system, not the people.
I apologize going off on my soap box with my political conspiracy theory.
Regardless of my own mumbo jumbo, there seems to be one point made here that goes unnoticed: these glasses aren’t worth their proclaimed retail price. They might be worth the “s&h” to some, but claiming they’re worth more is just a marketing ploy to get people to buy them. Truly good products don’t need a marketing ploy.
I recently ordered 4 pairs of glasses from Red Star. It took about 2 weeks to get them. I was under the impression that I would get the “free” watch since I ordered 4 pairs but you actually have to order the watch and pay for the shipping $10. The shipping is extremely expensive, the 4 glasses I ordered came in a small box and weighed about the same as an apple but they charged $65 for the shipping. The quality of the glasses are sub par and the fit is horrible. None of the 4 glasses fit my face or any of my friends faces, the nose pieces are out of whack. I think they would fit you if you had a very wide face and a nose that is low on your face. I have returned the glasses but have not received a refund yet.
Aloha All
Im back. Just tonight I stumbled across a site that helps me understand what true value in sunglasses is all about
behold, http://www.sunglasswarehouse.com
I would rather buy from this site, then dead star
anyone recieved those glasses? does it worth expensive shiping and handling?
I ordered four pairs on July 01 and received them on July 23rd. All of the glasses I ordered are great in my opinion. Only one pair was a smaller size but my wife was ablt to wear them with no problem. I for one am happy I spent the shipping and handling. My friends like them as well. Happy customer.
I did order a couple of glasses, and I received them pretty fast. Though my first impression was that they had a cheap-looking appearance, I found the frame dessign somewhat orginal and overall comfortable. They fit very well on my face, and they are polarized as the seller claimed. All in all, I am happy with my buy. A pair of sunglasses for $34, who can beat that!
I received my sun glasses over a month ago and i can honestly say, these are almost the worse glasses i have ever had. One pair was so bad that the lens covered more of my forehead than my eyes.
Save your money and buy cheap glasses at Wal-Mart. These come nowhere close to Maui Jims, Revo, RayBan or Oakley.. more of a cheap Dollar Store sunglass….
@ Luis ” A pair of sunglasses for $34, who can beat that!”.
lol. many places can beat that without lying about the true value.
try http://www.sunglasswarehouse.com
and then tell me who can beat that
lol
I recently ordered one of Redstar sunglasses (RS06a) after seeing the ad in the Runners World magazine. I knew it sounded too good that you were giving away all these expensive sunglasses for free but since the S/H fee wasnt too bad so I thought I should give it a try. And I’m glad I only tried one because the quality was…hmmm…how do I say this nicely? Very very poor! It’s something I would find it in gas station or 7/11 for $10 bucks or so. I’m sure these guys have to make money somehow but they shouldn’t be deceiving people that their sunglasses are high quality. I think I paid $17 for S/H and I feel like I paid $15 too much!
Beyond disappointed,
Chris
Wow thanks for all the info.
I was thinking about trying a pair but when i got onto the website and picked out glasses. Then CC info was needed. Guess what the site was not a https: ( not a secure website).so I’m not taking the chance. $2.00 fleemarket glasses are fine for me. I end up sitting on them anyway.
Tswan.
Best Goddamn glasses since my NAM aviators
I ordered a pair back on June 6th and I just received a phone call last night (Sept 2) in regards to my order. Apparently they have been on back order and now they are saying I will have them in 3-5 days……?????Lets hope so, the reviews don’t look so hot, either way, I would not recommend this product due to lack of information to the consumer!
I order from Red Star and waited very long time and called them a couple of times – they haven’t had a merchandise ready back in June!
I ordered a polarize type -one broke immediately and I sennt it back – waited another month for a replacement.
These broke too in the same palce when the first one!
have enough!. The quality leaves much to be desired and the response time is too long.
It has been a couple of months so, I just want to follow up on these sunglasses. Well, my one pair broke right down the middle simply from just wearing them.
I am careful with my stuff, I never even dropped them, and I recommend that you stay away. This is a crappy deal and a waste of money!
I ordered mine and about 6 weeks later they showed up. I got an extra 500 dollar gift card too, but still pave to pay S&H. But they aren’t bad for $20 shades. Good style, but the freebie watch was junk. The band broke less than a month after getting it. It’s just a marketing promo gimmick they’re running. Trying to get the brand out there like Oakley and Ray-Ban, etc. Justifying the ridiculously over priced plastic.
We found the ad for the free sunglasses…we paid like $10-$20. We just received a $500 gift certificate to use in any store or on the website, just for participating in the promotion.
This is a scam. I got charged again for $19.90 on my credit card 3 months later. I had to call to dispute the charge but there is no customer service, just an answering machine. BE CAREFUL. This is a marketing scam.
I have recently received several pairs of the glasses from RED STAR. Contrary to alot of opinions I own several pair of HIGH END sunglasses, 3 pair of Maui Jim’s and 1 Pair of Ray Ban. I have to also let people know over the last 15 years I have participated in market serveys like this one for sunglasses 3 times and the RED STAR Quality are GREAT. I live in Southern CA and anyone that lives in a sunny area knows the value of GOOD sunglasses. I have to give RED STAR SUNGLASSES as good of rating for the lens quality as my MAUI JIM’s, I paid $350.00 for them, and the RED STAR’s were much cheaper, yet a GREAT DEAL. My wife’s family took 4 of the 7 pairs I got & I reordered before the end of their market survey. Why bad mouth a company before you know the facts? The past 3 weeks I have used the 2 remaining pair I have left and love the fit, quality, & PROTECTION of the LENSES. They are a good fit for me, and my wife loves the Purple Ski style. The customer service is ON THE BALL and take care your needs as they can. Until you understand the need for good quality EYE PROTECTION, keep your opinions to yourself.
I did order the 2 pair of “free” glasses. They are cheap, flimsy, and cheesy! Do Not order any of the glasses. They are a rip off and are not free in the end due to many fees.
I just rec’d a 500.00 gift card from red star today. Im cutting it up and throwing it in the trash..SCAM SCAM SCAM!! Do not even bother…and I see people have the nerve to sell these on ebay and ruin someones credit as well as mess up their bank accounts..I hope Karma get them!!
I got the add out of runners world as well. I needed some sunglasses to wear while I run. I didn’t expect much. I did the 4 pair and spent about 55 bucks. The “casual” pair broke after about 3 weeks, a screw came out and the nose pieces fell off. The other sporty pair I bought for work and running are great. I haven’t had any problems with them. I would like them to be a little darker tint but they are pretty good glasses. I’m a cop and I’m constantly getting in and out of my vehicle and the glasses are usually hanging off my gear and take a beating and get dropped a lot. I wouldn’t recommend the “stylish” ones but the “rip” off oakley looking ones are good shades. I’d buy them again just out of convenience. A little too expensive for shipping but hey, I didn’t have to go to wal-mart.
I just don’t get how these can be compared to $350 glasses. Look at how many people have said their glasses broke or the screws came out under normal wear, including me.
@ dablueslover:
lol, you my fellow human are an obvious disinfo shill
Its one thing to say its worth the 10 -20 bucks, but to then go over the top and say they compare or are BETTER then your maui jims. all credibility goes out the door. then you say the customer service one the ball. lol @ your capitol words which close the deal. the consensus of dozens of people that ordered these frames it they suck balls
enjoy
@ dablueslover > “Until you understand the need for good quality EYE PROTECTION, keep your opinions to yourself.”
Until you UNDERSTAND what the word QUALITY actually means; keep your OPINIONS to YOURSELF please. Big letters means I’m not talking out of my ass.
It’s been a while, and heck I attempted to do a lens strength test but I dropped the pair Jay sent to me in my garage next to the rig I built, and one of the lenses broke, and the frame cracked.. It was a 5 ft. fall, nothing too rough. Must have landed on a screw that was next to it. Just to make sure I wasn’t being too hard on them, I took that screw and placed my oakleys down on a 2×4, put the screw on top (laying down so the flat-top was touching), and bashed the screw into the lens with a hammer. It had an indent from the edge of the screw, didn’t even slightly crack.
So, Mr dablueslover, I say you try that with your precious red stars and see how your views on quality lack.
I am 37 yrs old diagnosed with macular degeneration. I absolutely cannot go into the sun without a hat/glasses. I ordered the pair and was excited to rec. them. They look great, I like how lightweight they are. However, after 1 wear they stretched out and now constantly fall off my face. Idk about anyone else but I wasnt feeling the quality. That was months ago, the company never sent me another pair, but thats ok since I didnt really like them anyhow. Then today I rec’d a 500.00 gift card from them to use on their website. I did research and found this forum. I also found more complaints on other websites. I did take a look on their website. I just feel that the glasses are overpriced. I wouldnt mind buying them for 15.00 but not over 100.00…..I cut up the gift card and threw it out.
@ Matt Thanks for the post
@ dablueslover Do you work for Red Star?
I got into the deal b/c of the Runners Magazine. Thought I could trust a good quality ad from the Runner’s but disappointed. So buy at your own risk. I wonder real runners wear sh@tty glasses like these on the run.
@Lynnd
They have had a couple people come into here and say that the glasses are above anything you could ever buy retail, haven’t seen it in a while, but they do occasionally. Was probably time for them to put a little “fairness” into the mix once again.
I’ve had my redstars for a while now – I got recommended to try the promotion out from a friend. My wife and I ordered 1 pair of glasses each. She liked hers other than they were too big and I LOVE mine. I can honestly say that they are the best sunglasses I have ever owned.
The polarization was awesome, the quality is on par to what I expected and they are very comfortable.
Also I got $500 gift card in the mail today so I will probably make another purchase or two…
Got my 4 glasses a few days ago along with the $500 gift card. They are great. The lenses make everything look a little more clearer. My wife does Tri’s and I ride. So, no problems. As for the styles, you pick them. So, if you picked one that you liked and then changed your mind…really is that Red Stars fault. Nope, it is yours. Also, You have to read the print at the bottom of the page when you order if you do not want join in on the program. All you have to do is unclick the red check. Simple as that.
To Everyone:
This is a shipping company that works through China. They make their money on shipping. The glasses actually cost less than $2-$3 each to make.
Poly carbonate products are extremely inexpensive. This is just cheap Chinese crap. It can be a good deal if you only pay $10 for each pair for shipping. I got a pair for cycling and have REAL glasses for total eye protection and skiing….Vuarnet.
I think this is too good to be true. I got 3 five hundred dollar gift cards in a goodie bag at a run today- and at first thought I won the big door prize- but if the site isn’t secure, folks are getting charged numerous times in the future, and an answering machine is their customer service- It sounds like a scam someone is running out of their house selling low quality 10 dollar sun glasses for 20 dollar shipping and handling. If it is too good to be true- it is!
i sent away for these glasses from a magazine ad and i just paid about $12 for there $140 glasses. they are decent but are Defiantly not worth more then $30 i feel.
Last week they sent me a letter in the mail and it said pretty much thank you for contributing to our marketing research on our magazine advertising and gave me a $500 gift card to red star, they arent worth much but hell, thats 2 free pairs!
i was very skeptical to begin with when i read the offer in runners world. but i figured for ten bucks it was worth a try. the glasses lasted for about a week. i didn’t drop them or any thing. i went to take them off my head to put them on and they broke right down the middle. these glasses are very poorly made! i guess the old saying holds true “if something sounds to good to be true it probably is!
So anybody tried to use their 500 dollar gift cards?? Just woudering because i tried to use mine on their website and it kept saying that the card has expired ( which the experation says 12-11) ?? Im kinda thinking that this is a scam due to we were just handed tow 500 dollar gift cards any way and never even heard of red star before!
ordered 2 pair they broke ,lenses are not clear very poor quality!!! received the $500 gift card and 2 more pair cost me more than the 1st 2 pair. Buyer beware they are junk
Doesn’t anyone care about the degree of UV protection that sunglasses should have? When their website fails to discuss that they can’t be worth even the s&h. SDave your eyes. Learn at the Rudy project website about lense quality.
The Redstar website shows a few different styles. Some look like they would be flimsy and some look solid. For all you people out there that say the glasses are flimsy, which models do you have?
BUYER BEWARE!
You know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true then it is! Thats the case here. Anyone who is just going to give you a “$500″ credit to their store is probably not best bet. Also, after researching you cannot find “Red Star” in any other locations… besides ebay. Also not a good sign. While getting hundred dollar sunglasses for a fraction of the cost is great, bets are that; A: possibly stolen or B: Piece of crap product. As people have stated before me, this is simply a marketing ploy. If you perceive this to be a deal, go for it!…but.. James says no dice.
I have ordered 3 pair of sunglasses. All the same model because they fit well and the polarized lenses are not bad at all. The frames however are not super sturdy and the lenses do feel like they want to fall out of the frame (I haven’t had one fall out though). My first pair broke after 6 months of normal wear and tear, I am on set #2 going on the 5th month and so far so good. If I can get a good lense for $20 a year, not bad in my book.
So, my husband and I received the $500 gift card in our race packets for the TC 10 Miler. I was a bit incredulous at first and did wonder, “What’s the catch?” The 9% fee kind of shocked me at first and then we did the math and decided it was worth a shot. We both ordered some sunglasses on Monday morning. I received an email Tuesday afternoon stating they had shipped. I received them this afternoon (Thursday). That’s fast by any standards.
They are all of different quality depending on the style. I have one pair that is very nice and seems durable and high quality (it’s the only pair that is actually Red Star). One pair with changeable lenses is better than the glasses that were issued to me by the military. The third pair is kind of cheesy, but they will be nice for knocking around in. These 2 are both Alterna eyewear. All in all, not bad for the $45 I paid for the 3 of them w/ 2 hard cases to boot. I had to call customer service about the watch as it was not included in the shipment. Lo and behold, I got a live person on the first call and she informed me the watch was still indeed backordered.
I am still trying to figure out what all the negative ballyhoo is I have been reading. If you are expecting to get a pair of Oakley’s for $20 you are delusional, but for $6 to $30 (depending on style) it is a decent deal and you certainly can’t get polarized glasses for that. They have a money back guarantee and fast shipping. It’s a great way to get people to wear and “show off” their products.
I just had to post that our experience was a positive one among all the negative comments.
rlc56: you are clearly a sheeple
you CAN easily get polarized for 10-20 bucks
the ballyhoo is the company says the frames are worth 100’s while they are actually worth 5 bucks + or – 2bucks
bottom line: http://www.sunglasswarehouse.com is the place for quality cheap frames that dont LIE
WAKE UP PEOPLE
lol paul..do you get $$ per time you give that website a bump?
here’s bottom line: If you’re a cheap person, buy these, you won’t tell a difference between em and your wal-fart pair.
If this is you then these glasses aren’t for you;
If you do anything other than ride in your car with sunglasses on, and you’d prefer your sunglasses not break
If you understand what polarization is, what it does, and prefer your pupil not to be opened by the cheap tint, thus allowing uva/uvb/uvc straight into your eye.
If you think that an advertised retail price should reflect quality.
@ Everyone giving good reviews to this company… Tell your boss over at redstar that his plan with having you deceive us isn’t working. It’s actually quite annoying when people water-down the truth with disinformation. And you should all feel ashamed for lying.
matt: I wish I would
The real bottom line is:
the site i posted sells the better product for cheaper with better customer service and a 1yr guarantee
and 100x more selection
im sick of the slick bs advertising. for them to say the product is worth 100 + when we all know its crap is just terrible. its a shipping scam with a crap product
I got a $500 gift card in a swag bag from a recent race. Gave them a try by ordering the case and a pair of the RS06a’s. The 9% service fee is worth it. I can’t say the construction is as nice as a pair of Smith’s, but for about $20 you get a pair of polarized lens shades. They are very lightweight and don’t wobble or fit unevenly when you put them on. The one beef I have, as I do with many sunglasses, is that when they are “closed” the tips will touch the inside of the lens. I don’t think this is a sign of cheapness, rather poor design that expensive brands like Ray-Ban suffer from as well. Definitly get the case it’s nice.
We just received our Redstar Sunglasses. My husband and I both think the quality of the sunglasses is good for the price. We had a $500 gift card but only ordered one pair. We didn’t want to pay S &H for a second pair if they weren’t decent quality. The sunglasses arrived within a week of ordering and we are going to go ahead and order another pair. They are worth the $15 we paid for S &H. We were at a charitable event last weekend and were given another $500 gift card. I am sure the sunglasses are not selling for $150 or more as they are advertised, but worth the amount you pay for S&H.
Don’t do it!! Four months after my purchase my card was charged an additional $19.90 and their is no way to contact this company, only an answering machine.
Received a $500 gift card in a goodie bag at a 5K walk. Thought I hit the jackpot. My husband & I looked over the website and thought what the heck. Order 2 pairs and paid $24 for S&H. After two weeks received the glasses and thought not worth the $200 +/- they indicated on the website but they were worth the $24. They fit really well and thought we would go ahead and finish spending the remain amount on the card. To no prevail they do not recognize the card number or my logon information. They have not responded on requesting a new password. I think I will stick with the $20 glasses at the Mall