How to start a sunglasses business: Guide with key steps + tips [2024]

How much does it cost to start a sunglasses business? 

It's difficult to give an exact figure in terms of how much money you will need to invest when starting a sunglasses business, as the total startup cost can vary widely based on scale, location, and business model. That being said, there are several key expenses to consider before launching your future sunglasses venture, each contributing to the overall cost.

Initial costs include product development, which covers design and prototyping of the sunglasses. Manufacturing costs can be significant, depending on whether you opt for domestic production or overseas manufacturing, which might offer lower costs but comes with higher minimum order quantities and logistics expenses.

Inventory storage and management also need consideration, requiring space either purchased or leased. Marketing and branding efforts are essential for establishing your presence in the market, involving expenses on advertising, website development, and social media campaigns, in order to help attract new customers and later keep existing customers loyal.

In addition, you'll want to factor in legal expenses for business registration, patents, or trademarks to protect your designs and brand identity. Finally, distribution costs encompass shipping and handling, either directly to consumers or to retailers. 

All about eyewear manufacturing

Who can make sunglasses?

Before creating your own sunglasses brand, it's best to understand the ins and outs of the business. Opticians play an important role in the manufacturing chain, especially when it comes to prescription eyewear. These vision professionals are trained to assess and correct certain visual problems directly, in exchange for a prescription for corrective lenses from a doctor. Thanks to their expertise, they're able to design great eyewear that precisely meets the needs of each customer.

Opticians work closely with lens manufacturers, who are experts in creating high-quality optical lenses. These specialized companies use cutting-edge technologies to manufacture customized lenses, guaranteeing clear, sharp vision. What's more, they offer a wide range of special coatings, such as anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and polarized lenses, to further enhance the visual experience.

When it comes to frames, we're entering the world of creativity and design. Frame manufacturers play an essential role in making sunglasses that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their talented craftsmen shape and assemble materials, whether steel, plastic, acetate or even more exotic materials like wood. They create shapes, colors, and textures to suit every taste and style.

Fashion designers and renowned brands bring their unique touch to the world of eyewear. They collaborate with manufacturers (Luxottica, Marchon, Marcolin, Safilo, etc.) to design exclusive collections that reflect current trends. These collaborations fuse technical expertise and style to offer cutting-edge eyewear.

How do you make your own line of sunglasses?

Before a customer can push open the door of their local optician or surf online to find your products, you need to follow certain steps, from style to logistics, to create a brand synonymous with must-haves!

• Find inspiration: It all starts with an idea, a style, a design. This first step involves taking the time to check out current trends in fashion and optics to find the look that's right for you. Browse magazines, read blogs, visit boutiques, and study the designs of popular brands to better understand consumer preferences.
• Conceive the design: Once you've found your inspiration, it's time to let your creativity run wild. Draw up your ideas, create sketches and think about the features that will make your sunglasses unique. Think about the shape, the materials, the colors, and all the details that will help your products stand out. Be sure to ask for outside advice if needed to refine your concept!
• Find the right materials: The quality of the materials you choose is central to the creation of durable, attractive frame designs. Do thorough research to find reliable optical suppliers offering quality materials such as acetate, titanium, or metal. Make sure that you also choose high-quality lenses that guarantee good vision and maximum sun protection.
• Move on to production: If you don't have the technical skills to make the glasses yourself, you'll need to work with specialized craftspeople or manufacturers. Don't hesitate to share your ideas and designs with them so that you can get prototypes that meet your expectations.
• Test and adjust: Before launching your brand on the market, plan to test your prototypes. Try them out yourself, and ask friends and family to try them out too. Take feedback and suggestions into account, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your sunglasses are perfectly comfortable while maintaining the desired aesthetic.

Where to have "made-to-measure" eyewear manufactured?

For brands seeking to combine quality and aesthetics, the choice of manufacturing location is crucial. The best option for your future sunglasses business will depend on your vision, your location, the tastes of the people in your target audience, and of course, the money in your budget!

• Italian craftsmanship: Tradition in the service of elegance

Among the most popular destinations for eyewear brands, Italy tops the list. The country is renowned for its craftsmanship and heritage in the manufacture of luxury products. From small family-run factories to renowned workshops, Italy offers a wide range of expertise. Italian master craftspeople work with high-quality materials and pay meticulous attention to detail. By choosing Italy, brands ensure a perfect marriage of tradition and refinement.

• German precision: The alliance of ingenuity and technology

Germany is synonymous with precision and advanced engineering. Brands seeking impeccably finished eyewear often turn to this country. German manufacturers use modern production methods to create lightweight, durable frames. They also place great emphasis on ergonomics and a perfect fit to offer wearers optimum comfort. Brands committed to innovation and quality find Germany a partner of choice.

• The Asian avant-garde: Innovation in design

In recent decades, Asia has established itself as a central hub for the optical industry. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China have become popular destinations for brands seeking avant-garde designs. These countries are renowned for their expertise in technology, research and development. Brands wishing to push back the boundaries of design and explore new, never-before-seen models find Asia a hotbed of innovation and creativity.

What is the list of the world's best-selling eyewear brands?

According to Google Trends data from around the world over the last 12 months, the most frequently typed queries associated with the term "sunglasses" are the following 10 brands:

• Ray Ban
• Oakley
• Prada
• Gucci
• Quay
• Versace
• Maui Jim
• Chanel
• Tom Ford
• Dior

Launching your own sunglasses business

Feeling inspired to launch your own sunglasses business? Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure that you start off on the right track!

Perform an in-depth market analysis

Before diving headlong into your entrepreneurial adventure, you need to understand the competitive landscape and trends in the eyewear market. Carry out an in-depth analysis to identify your target audience, examine competing businesses, assess demand, and anticipate growth opportunities. By studying consumer preferences, distribution channels, and pricing, you'll be better prepared to shape your sunglasses business for long-term success.

Draw up a comprehensive business plan

Crafting a thorough business plan is crucial, especially if you're aiming for financing like a small business loan. By integrating the insights gained during your market analysis for your future sunglasses business, you're laying the groundwork for your strategy. This document should not only look professional but also cover essential aspects including sales profit margins, anticipated rent or mortgage payments, marketing, and other expected expenses. 

It's your opportunity to detail your approach for online sales or plans for a physical sales location, essentially putting your strategy into action. A good business plan will feature an executive summary, a detailed description of your new venture, cost analysis, market research on sunglasses, an organizational structure, a sales strategy, and financial forecasts and objectives.

Build your collections

In this step, you'll be curating a range of products that align with your brand identity and target market's preferences. This step is crucial for establishing your market position and attracting your desired customer base.

Focus on offering a mix of styles, colors, and price points to cater to diverse tastes and budgets, prioritizing quality and uniqueness to stand out from competitors. Consider incorporating sustainable materials or innovative features to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Note that regularly updating your collection based on customer feedback and market trends will help keep your product offerings fresh and relevant.

Logo, social media networks, identity: Plan your marketing strategy

Choose your business name carefully and create a unique logo that captures the spirit of your brand. Don't forget to nurture an inspiring story around your sunglasses business to engage consumers and pique their interest.

Once you've developed your product range and laid the foundations of your brand, it's time to think about your marketing and sales strategy. Identify the distribution channels best suited to your eyewear brand, whether physical stores, online sales, or a combination of both.

Create a strong online presence using social media networks, blogs, and marketplaces to promote your brand and interact with your target audience. Take advantage of email marketing and work on crafting effective email newsletters. Also consider partnerships with influencers or celebrities to increase your sunglasses business's visibility: all it takes is one conquered personality to create a buzz!

Create your online sales site

Online sales can propel your success in the eyewear industry and make your next collection a bestseller in the optical world! What's more, offering technological levers such as virtual trials can encourage prospects to turn into customers.

To launch your sunglasses business online, rely on WiziShop! With WiziShop, you have a turnkey tool to enjoy your entrepreneurial adventure to the fullest. To help you on a daily basis, you'll have a team of passionate Business Coaches at your side, from the creation to the growth of your online store. An AI chatbot named Maia is also ready to answer all your ecommerce questions, available 24/7! With over 400 customizable features, offer your customers a unique experience.

One of WiziShop's major advantages lies in its specialized ecommerce AI, capable of automatically generating user- and SEO-optimized texts for every product page in your collection, blog posts, and even your ads on social media. No need for copywriting skills—let yourself be guided by this enticing and unique feature, with unlimited use in your subscription. What's more, thanks to your site's optimal SEO performance, your store will have increased visibility on search engines, making your sunglasses shine in the eyes of as many people as possible!

With WiziShop, you can launch your sunglasses business and sell your unique eyewear online with complete peace of mind. And to convince you, try out the solution with a 3-day free trial!