Eyewear Distributors and Wholesalers Education and Training

Gain a clear edge with education and training for eyewear distributors
By Shalleen Mayes Eyewear and sunglass distributors need to stay on top of a dizzying array of choices in the eyewear industry and be able to distinguish the high-quality goods from the lowest. Eyewear distributors and wholesalers should keep their training and education up to date in order to remain competitive in their business and present the best eyewear products to the consumers.

Granted, there is a world of difference between a kiosk business selling cheap wholesale sunglasses and the specs offered by a high-end sunglasses distributor. However, eyeglass distributors everywhere can gain valuable knowledge through training seminars at trade shows, as well as training offered by manufacturers. For eyewear distributors and wholesalers, education and training should just be an ongoing part of doing business, whether they're selling discount designer eyewear or sunglasses.

The following options are excellent resources for education:

1. Look into attending trade shows for a first look at the new offerings for eyewear distributors. Take advantage of training offered there.

2. Check out associations in the vision industry for special programs and training support options.

3. Find a wealth of sales tools and training aids for the eyewear distributors from manufacturers.

Get a professional edge with training offered for eyewear distributors

Conferences can be great training tools for professionals in any industry. Send your sales staff to a professional conference where they can learn to best way to purchase sunglasses wholesale, for example, or market a new product with the latest materials from the sunglasses distributor.
Try:  The International Vision Expo & Conference, held annually in Las Vegas, is a great place for eyeglass distributors or others working in the field to receive continuing education credits and browse the wares of 500 exhibitors. The National Optometric Association annual conference offers training tools and seminars and big-name sponsors such as Luxottica and Bausch & Lomb.

Get on board with continuing education offered for eyeglass distributors

Several organizations help promote the field of optometry and eyewear, and have developed training courses to support the sales staff. The focus is on continuing education as the key to success in the field.
Try:  SECO International is dedicated to the education of the optometry field and offers online training classes for continuing education opportunities. The Vision Council has an opportunity called "On the Road Sales Coach" for members to receive free sales training through facilitated conference calls.

Get training from the manufacturing source for eyewear distributors

Eyewear wholesalers and manufacturers may be the best link to educating and training your staff on their products. Most well-established companies can provide you with the marketing tools you need to educate your staff and give a well-informed presentation to your consumers.
Try:  Live Eyewear requires all new distributors to attend training at their San Luis Obispo headquarters, and offers annual product seminars and training sessions. Carl Zeiss Vision presents interactive vision demos on their website, showing for example the effect of correction on an astigmatic eye.