1-800 Contacts, Inc, In the Matter of (2024)

Case Summary

The FTC filed an administrative complaint charging that 1-800 Contacts, the largest online retailer of contact lenses in the United States, unlawfully orchestrated a web of anticompetitive agreements with rival online contact lens sellers that suppress competition in certain online search advertising auctions and that restrict truthful and non-misleading internet advertising to consumers. According to the administrative complaint, 1-800 Contacts entered into bidding agreements with at least 14 competing online contact lens retailers that eliminate competition in auctions to place advertisem*nts on the search results page generated by online search engines such as Google and Bing. The complaint alleges that these bidding agreements unreasonably restrain price competition in internet search auctions, and restrict truthful and non-misleading advertising to consumers, constituting an unfair method of competition in violation of federal law.

1-800 Contacts, Inc, In the Matter of (2024)

FAQs

What is the FTC 1-800 Contacts case? ›

Case Summary

The complaint alleges that these bidding agreements unreasonably restrain price competition in internet search auctions, and restrict truthful and non-misleading advertising to consumers, constituting an unfair method of competition in violation of federal law.

Is 1-800 Contacts credible? ›

1-800 Contacts is a legitimate, direct-to-consumer online retailer that was founded in 1995. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has hundreds of reviews on consumer experience websites. If you order from 1-800 Contacts and you run into a problem, there will be customer service reps to assist you.

What is the annual sales of 1-800 Contacts? ›

1-800 Contacts's annual revenue is $237.0M. Zippia's data science team found the following key financial metrics about 1-800 Contacts after extensive research and analysis. 1-800 Contacts peak revenue was $237.0M in 2023.

How do I cancel my 1-800 Contacts order? ›

Call us at 1-800-266-8228 or chat with us now.

Is there a lawsuit against 1 800 contacts? ›

In 2018, the FTC determined that 1-800 Contacts was guilty of an antitrust agreement – although this decision has reportedly been appealed. The defendants in the antitrust class action lawsuit from consumers have not admitted any wrongdoing but have agreed to settle the claims against them in a $40 million settlement.

How do I get my FTC settlement money? ›

The FTC currently issues payments by check, prepaid debit card, and PayPal.
  1. A payment or claim form sent as part of an FTC settlement will include an explanation of and details about the case. ...
  2. To discuss your claim or payment, call the number on the claim form, check, or email that you received from the FTC.

What is the 1-800 Contacts controversy? ›

1-800 CONTACTS v. WhenU.com was a legal dispute beginning in 2002 over pop-up advertisem*nts. It was brought by 1-800 Contacts, an online distributor of various brands of contact lenses against WhenU SaveNow, a maker of advertising software.

Is 1-800 Contacts owned by Walmart? ›

In 2008, 1-800 Contacts entered into a partnership with Walmart to integrate phone and Internet orders for contact lenses with eye-doctor services and operations in Walmart's stores, The agreement ended in 2013. In June 2013, 1-800 Contacts launched glasses.com, a domain which the company has held since 1999.

Is 1-800 Contacts FDA-approved? ›

All lenses 1-800 Contacts sells are FDA-approved for sale in the United States.

Is it cheaper to order contacts from 1-800 Contacts? ›

Almost any contact you could need is not only in-stock and it's almost guaranteed to be cheaper than your eye doctor's office. Plus, we accept most major vision insurances and offer our own in-house rebates. That, plus our regular site-wide discounts, make the savings even more enticing.

Is 1-800 Contacts cheaper than Walmart? ›

Opticians will usually be cheaper , but not by much because the profit margins are quite small on contacts so prices can't be much lower. There is a contact lens site that is a phone number , 1800contacts,,,well that site belongs to Walmart so the prices at that site are the same as at the store.

Does 1-800 Contacts take unused contacts? ›

If you bought them from us, we'll take back any contacts you haven't worn: opened boxes, single lenses, and even a lens from 2005. If you have unopened boxes you bought somewhere else, we'll take those back, too.

Is 1-800 Contacts legit? ›

Once 1-800 verifies your prescription, it will ship your lenses for free. If 1-800 can't verify your prescription, or if it is expired, you can take an ExpressExam for $20 or contact your eye doctor for an in-person appointment. Is 1-800 Contacts legit? Yes, 1-800 Contacts is a BBB-accredited business.

Does 1-800 Contacts call your doctor? ›

If we need to double-check with your eye care provider, no problem! We'll give them a call and get everything squared away (verification with your eye doctor may take up to one business day).

Which contacts are best for dry eyes? ›

Bausch & Lomb ULTRA Contact Lenses

The ULTRA lenses by Bausch & Lomb check off two important boxes, which is why they're our pick for best overall. They're made from silicone hydrogel, which not only keeps eyes moist but also allows more oxygen to pass through than other materials.

What is a FTC case? ›

Every year the FTC brings hundreds of cases against individuals and companies for violating consumer protection and competition laws that the agency enforces. These cases can involve fraud, scams, identity theft, false advertising, privacy violations, anti-competitive behavior and more.

What is the FTC contact lens rule? ›

Rule Summary. The Contact Lens Rule contains two key requirements. The first requirement is that contact lens prescribers (i.e., optometrists and ophthalmologists) must provide patients with a copy of their contact lens prescriptions at the completion of a contact lens fitting.

What is the FTC charged with? ›

The FTC deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. The FTC is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy.

What is FTC contact? ›

Federal Trade Commission. 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20580. Telephone: (202) 326-2222.

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