Titanium remains a strong contender in the dispensary when it comes to frame sales. Dispensers report that there are now more options available than ever in titanium, and that prices have become more reasonable in the process. While this is an advantage, the challenge is sifting through all the titanium product on the market to find what's right for your dispensary. Here, four frame buyers share their secrets for success with the category.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Q What is the most important aspect to look for in buying titanium frames?

A I look at the manufacturer's warranty. If they service the product unconditionally for one year, I will choose that over anything. Most vendors usually warranty for manufacturer's defects and breaks at the solder points. Customers are most interested in the way you present product and the warranty.

-- Kimberly Mueller, owner/optician,
Jazzy Eyes, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

It's important to look for different styling. You don't want the same price and the same look throughout your mix; you want a variety.

-- Angie McClain, director of operations,
Linden Optometry, Pasadena, Calif.

The biggest criterion is the depth of the line that the manufacturer offers. Until they have made a big investment in the line, we won't consider it because we want to see their commitment to quality. You really have to look at the manufacturers you are dealing with and the product offering in relation to what they are charging.

-- Dan Jalowiec, manager/optician,
Reed Eye Associates, Rochester, N.Y.

WHAT PERCENT IS ENOUGH?

Q Is it important that the frame be 100 percent pure titanium?

A If the manufacturer is reputable and their frame says "100 percent
titanium" or "nickel-free" on the tag or demo lens, it should be true. I would not buy questionable titanium, especially from reps and manufacturers that I don't know and who do not back up their products with service and a warranty.

-- Angie McClain, director of operations,
Linden Optometry, Pasadena, Calif.

The industry has still not [officially] defined "100 percent titanium." We carry some pieces that say "100 percent titanium" on the temples, but not all of our titanium frames are 100 percent. If you are pigeon-holing yourself to just 100 percent titanium, then you will cut your selection of frames in this category in half.

-- Dan Jalowiec, manager/optician,
Reed Eye Associates, Rochester, N.Y.

You have to ask for the paperwork on the frame to know if it's 100 percent pure titanium. Otherwise, how can you be sure? This is a very important aspect to me.

-- Kimberly Mueller, owner/optician,
Jazzy Eyes, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Q Is pricing important to you in buying titanium?

A Yes, price is very important in the buying process. And it's easier now because the pricing has gotten better on titanium frames. Before, you couldn't touch 100 percent titanium for under $170. Now many are in the $110 to $130 range. You are definitely getting a better value for your money today.

--Dan Jalowiec, manager/optician, Reed Eye Associates, Rochester, N.Y.

In many cases, prices are actually below what some of the titanium product is worth. Titanium is a very durable material--the only submarine that could make it to the deepest part of the ocean was made of titanium. Now we've incorporated this into the eyewear industry, and that's very powerful.

-- Alyce Adair Jones, owner, Adair Optical, Fort Worth, Texas EB