Understanding Eyewear Categories: Closeouts, In-Line, and Overstocks
Choosing eyewear is not just about style but also about understanding the different categories of frames available in the market. This knowledge can help you make a more informed choice based on your preferences and budget. In this post, we’ll break down the three primary categories of eyeglass and sunglass frames: Closeouts, In-Line, and Overstocks. Understanding what each offers can provide a more personalized shopping experience and ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for in your eyewear.
Closeouts: Older Styles, Deeper Discounts, and Past Trends
Closeouts are frames that, for various reasons, did not sell well, or have simply been around for a long time. When manufacturers decide it’s time to retire a frame model, these frames become closeouts. This can happen for many reasons, such as declining sales or the introduction of newer, trendier styles. Closeouts often come with significant discounts due to their limited market appeal. However, they carry a bit of a stigma: closeout frames may have flaws, come without cases, or reflect outdated styles that didn’t appeal to a large audience. While some closeouts might still appeal to buyers looking for unique or retro styles, closeouts can sometimes be hit or miss in quality or appeal.
ODsunited Perspective: At ODsunited, we intentionally avoid closeouts for our customers. We focus on frames that meet modern standards for style, durability, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every frame comes with a matching case, is free from defects, and can be returned or exchanged without hassle if there is an issue.
In-Line: Trendy and Brand-New Styles with High Variability
In-Line frames are the latest designs, fresh off the manufacturing line and intended to capture current trends and consumer interests. These are the frames you’ll see promoted on billboards and in fashion magazines. In-Line frames are a direct response to what’s trending now, often reflecting seasonal colors, shapes, and materials that designers believe will resonate with customers. However, new doesn’t always mean better—sometimes, even trendy designs fall short in terms of practicality, comfort, or longevity.
For fashion enthusiasts who love to stay updated on the latest trends, In-Line frames can be exciting. But they also tend to come at a premium price. And since eyewear trends shift quickly, In-Line frames might not hold their popularity for long, leading to high turnover in optical retailers' collections.
Overstocks: Quality, Proven Styles at Better Prices
Overstocks are frames that have performed well in the market for months, even years, but are gradually being replaced by manufacturers to make way for newer models. This cycle of constantly introducing fresh designs means that even the best-selling frames eventually get retired, not because they lack appeal, but because fashion demands evolution.
ODsunited specializes in this category, recognizing that Overstock frames offer a unique advantage. Since they’ve already proven their popularity and durability in optometrists’ offices, ODsunited cherry-picks the best styles from these Overstocks and buys them in bulk, obtaining steep discounts directly from manufacturers. By doing so, we offer our customers high-quality, sellable styles at reduced prices without sacrificing quality or style. Plus, because we buy in bulk, you don’t have to—meaning you get the benefit of choice and savings without needing to worry about minimum quantities or large investments.
Why Overstocks are Ideal for Most Buyers: ODsunited’s Overstock models combine the best of both worlds: they’ve stood the test of time and market demand, meaning they’re stylish and reliable, yet they come at a more affordable price point. Every Overstock frame we offer comes with a matching case and a quality guarantee, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase. Should you encounter a defect, we offer easy exchanges with no questions asked.
Final Thoughts
Each category has its unique appeal and purpose, but Overstocks, like those offered by ODsunited, deliver exceptional value by merging proven style with affordability. So, if you're looking for eyewear that balances timeless style with a sensible price, consider exploring our curated Overstock collection. We strive to bring you the best the eyewear industry has to offer, one frame at a time, without the compromises often associated with closeouts or the high premiums of In-Line frames.
