As a member in good standing of Costco, I took it for granted that part of my "member privileges" included purchasing glasses at their optical center.
I purchased my frames from Randolph Engineering which is licensed by the U.S. Government to fabricate its Air Force glasses. The frames have a lifetime guarantee.
I figured that I would have my prescription lenses installed by Costco Optical.
Imagine my surprise, when I was charged $18.00 for not having purchased the frames from Costco Optical. I told them that as a member, optical was one of my privileges.
They explained to me that they are not part of Costco and operate independently. They pay Costco for the space inside their warehouses and avail themselves of the Costco members. So eye exams, eyeglass purchases and related optical services are as they see fit.
I've had to pay "corkage fees" to a restaurant when I've taken my own wine for dinner, but to pay it to a misrepresented "Costco Optical" because I brought in my own frames, is fraudulent.
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