How HipOptical, a Fort Lauderdale Glasses Company, Created Their X-Factor
Do you want to gain a competitive edge in your business?
Many startups instinctively look overseas, particularly to China, for low-cost manufacturing. While that may make sense in some industries, you’d be surprised how a “Made in America” strategy can actually make a lot of cents.
William and Michael Campbell, father and son duo set out to compete with brands like Warby Parker by building an American eyewear company: HipOptical.com, with its own manufacturing facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Idea: Quality and Speed
“We deliver glasses anywhere in Florida within 24 business hours of the customer ordering. Our state-of-the-art automated factory allows us to sell factory-direct and fast.”
By manufacturing locally, HipOptical unlocked a powerful X-Factor (something unique and different than any other competitors:
- Speed: Glasses delivered within 48 business hours, compared to weeks for competitors relying on overseas production.
- Quality Control: Consistent standards and oversight, with no extended supply chains.
- Customer Delight: Rapid delivery creates loyal customers and drives word-of-mouth growth.
Breaking into a Tricky Industry
Entering the optical industry is no easy feat. But by establishing their production plant in Florida, HipOptical differentiated themselves with something most competitors couldn’t match: speed and local quality.
That’s their X-Factor: delivering premium eyewear at warp speed while maintaining full control of the product experience.
Inspired by the success stories HipOptical, which is also in our incubator, Startup Club decided to create a music video to celebrate American-made products.
We believe America is a great country—home to innovative entrepreneurs and hardworking individuals who take pride in building right here at home.
Let’s keep building in America. I hope you enjoy the video. 🇺🇸