My newest pair of sunglasses is the Waterwoman from Costa Del Mar, and they're everything I need: extremely durable, scratchproof, lightweight, and (I think) timelessly styled. If you've ever bought a $10 shirt from a trendy store at the mall that came apart in the laundry a month later, it was fast fashion. T&\C\|D;v]2ZnJFMviC*0ww6wXVHTaD_0f-NU%gec.MOkmmJ}8gX9I&v:nB/X8cU$ui'@8*"[0^Ei xJ! A class action claims Costa Del Mar's lifetime warranty is a bait-and-switch scheme that results in customers paying much more for repairs than expected. We welcome your feedback. Read our Newswire Disclaimer. ", I ofted for a pair with a bit of color, but you can also go for simple tortoiseshell or other solid colors. Sign up for newsletter today. That's why I never go outside without sunglasses. The water beads off easily. The complaint for this class action is all US citizens who, prior to Costas switch to a Limited Lifetime Warranty, bought a pair of Costa sunglasses backed by a Lifetime Warranty who, within the applicable limitations period, paid Costa a fee to repair or replace those sunglasses which had a manufacturers defect. Product was successfully added to your shopping cart. It costs $11.95 to ship them back and have them replaced or repaired under warranty. When I tried on the Waterwoman sunglasses, the person helping me promised they look good on nearly everyone and she was right. Costa Del Mar, Inc. touts its sunglasses as being backed by its rock solid Lifetime Warranty against manufacturers defects. With a large frame and slightly angled temples, they create flattering lines on wide and slim faces. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. According to the complaint, in September 2015, he sent the sunglasses to Costas warranty center. But if your budget does allow for it, most people should find a pair they like from the 90+ options (50+ for women) Costa makes. Please provide any additional information about your inquiry. Fill out this form for a FREE and prompt case evaluation. ClassAction.org is a group of online professionals (designers, developers and writers) with years of experience in the legal industry. By buying a pair of Costa shades and keeping them maintained and repaired when needed, you'll help keep plastic out of landfills and look darn good in the process. Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor. This, the complaint says, is illegal. costa_del_mar_life_time_warranty_fee_complaint.pdf. Suzie Dundas/Business Insider. I chose the lens best suited for being on the water, but there are 14 lenses available; the plastic ones are a bit less expensive. Plaintiff Troy Smith bought a pair of Costa Fisch sunglasses which were supposedly backed by this wonderful warranty. Of course, this does mean they're more expensive (more on that below). Most men's styles have larger lens shapes and medium or wide widths. Costa is reportedly the fourth-largest brand of sunglasses in the US. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. According to the complaint, the following statement is printed on every box of non-prescription Costa glasses (emphasis added): In reality, the suit alleges, customers are not charged a nominal fee, but substantial repair fees, such as $89.00 for replacement glass lenses, $69.00 for plastic lenses, $49.00 for frames, plus shipping and handling fees. Please download the PDF to view it: Download PDF. But, if I do break them, I have two options: 1. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Costa has profited enormously from its falsely-marketed products and its carefully-orchestrated label and image, the case reads. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :iw+$iM2>Nbiv "+xA$pf0hcrAv*X>i= N By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider In the summer, I try to spend at least an hour or more a day outside biking, hiking, paddling, or just throwing a stick for my dog at a nearby lake. Costa Del Mar Women's Waterwoman Polarized Glasses, reimbursement from your insurance company, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. All of their shades with plastic frames (including the Waterwoman) use bio-resin sourced from castor plants, which has a much lower carbon footprint and lower emissions than using traditional plastics. I don't like to buy fast fashion, so when it came to finding myself a good pair of sunglasses, I opted for one with a lifetime guarantee. Subscribe to our newsletter. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. [QUEj,o.^;:SjUN;&K|cG$f9N/.>] 2c4g?8ysQJz.U2\:*R$bI+Ues]DY2wRUJ7eq'W%( r5|Gn'N/hX,Ch}d}j?p??8. I chose a frame with a blue-brown color scheme called "Shiny Wahoo," which has enough color to ass some personality but isn't so bright or bold that it's going to go out of style anytime soon (I hope.) The Waterwoman feels durable and doesn't show any wear, even with heavy use and dozens of drops in the few months I've had them. Her work has appeared in Playboy, Fodors, Forbes, TripSavvy, SkyLife Magazine, and many more. Get all the latest information on Events, Sales and Offers. The complaint claims that the company accepted that these issues were caused by a manufacturing defect. They make products with recycled and eco-friendly materials and their production methods are much better for the planet. However, this year may be different. Camp Lejeune residents may soon have the opportunity to claim compensation for harm suffered from contaminated water. tj@E Costa assembles their sunglasses in Florida, and at least eight people inspect each pair before it ships. I'm thrilled with my Waterwoman's from Costa not just because of the look and durability, but because I know I'm supporting a company that's significantly reducing plastic waste and moving the industry towards sustainable manufacturing. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Even if you don't know the term "fast fashion," you probably know what it is: cheap, trendy clothing and accessories made with low-quality materials. I recommend Costa to everyone looking for a pair of "forever sunglasses. But the complaint for this class action claims that the company has violated the law, because it requires that customers pay to repair or replace the sunglasses. For issues not covered under manufacturing or materials, like breaking a lens, Costa has a repair program to help keep trash out of landfills and reduce manufacturing emissions. It's important to me to support brands that encourage reuse and repair rather than replacement, and Costa certainly fits that criteria. 2. This browser does not support PDFs. .?LIeYn@'Q}:3*8kP4mlUE X?/:i* fYbL9!_&$[,}#e)X*G$XV% 09q$;M)T=zcI'|1B\^|zUqAt`v'y%#,V(KUU:oT The Costa Waterwoman is considered a "narrow" frame shape, and it's a bit tight on my temples, though not uncomfortable. aj)~VCNp~T'=Xd$x1!Ur${XZGvS{Tp:anc ww?2kpqS+&~penYAO?I'+Uf.CRe9,iYX:Uv(p;M#Ja^/V"M9Si0I] hY]Eqy&.c(DhvFq%ke4.6>&lN9a.fvGCB*+DQ(=% Ksv~2mehYl!,]DK2~Fy-0$,Q. The warranty center inspected the sunglasses and determined that the rubber nose piece needed replacement and that the lenses were delaminated. But maybe the most significant selling point is Costa's lifetime guarantee, ensuring they'll be my go-to pair of shades for years to come. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. However, people with a wider face will likely want to get a pair with a "regular" width frame; fortunately, this includes the newly released Waterwoman 2. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. Costa Del Mar, Inc. is on the receiving end of a proposed class action that alleges the sunglass makers lifetime warranty is a bait-and-switch scheme that results in customers paying much more for repairs than expected. The Costa Waterwoman Sunglasses are currently on sale at. Read more here: Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claims. Further, the case charges that Costa knows its glasses have a significantly higher failure rate, and deceptively advertises a rock solid warranty to trick consumers into paying a premium and ultimately maximize revenue for its repair center.

@:,ZAR~yaMif?8x6wpF8z?"0}O-J} I,)d&Gq'Wi Hy2 e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K New to ClassAction.org? However, the company did not repair or replace the sunglasses for free. Fortunately, Costa is the total opposite of that. Affordability is the bottom line, so fast fashion is usually neither sustainable nor long-lasting. They're expensive at about $270 full-price, but if all goes well, I won't have to buy another pair of sunglasses for a long time, if ever. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Costa has a lifetime warranty in case of any defects in parts or materials, even if it's been years since you purchased them. Suzie Dundas/Business Insider. Instead, the complaint says, it charged Smith $11.95 plus tax, which is apparently what it charges all customers who attempt to make a claim under the warranty. It feels like I'm looking for a new pair of sunglasses every summer and constantly throwing broken ones in the trash. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Nadia is a part of ClassAction.org's marketing team. She focuses primarily on travel and outdoor adventure, though she's written about everything from van-life culture to the latest high-tech coffee gear. Before commenting, please review our comment policy. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. The frame is plastic, but Costa also has dozens of metal aviator-style frames, especially in their men's collection. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. But because I'm pretty active, I tend to break and scratch my shades more than the average person. For example, the complaint claims that boxes are marked with Backed by our lifetime warranty in all capital letters, along with the line, [W]e stand behind our craftsmanship with a rock solid Lifetime Warranty against manufacturers defects. Similarly, the complaint says its website claims that the sunglasses are Backed for life and claims, If a pair of Costas needs to be fixed, they get sent back to the shop where they were made and the Costa Repair Shop experts will bring them back to like new standards.. That said, they're expensive, and though I think Costa is a great company, no one should feel bad if they can't swing the extra cost; $200 or more for a pair of sunglasses is on the pricier side. Repairs start at $40. With glass lenses, polarization, and a lightweight, durable frame, the. Costas lifetime warranty, which it claims is the best in the industry, is featured prominently in its advertising, on its boxes, and on its website. Follow her on Instagram at @hikeupyourskirt or twitter at @suziedundas. Binocular Inverted Metallurgical Microscope 100x - 1200x, Trinocular Microscope with DIN Objective and Camera 40x - 2000x, Junior Medical Microscope with Wide Field Eyepiece & LED 100x - 1500x, Trinocular Inverted Metallurgical Microscope 100x - 1200x. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. Costa also recycles old lenses and the company donates to organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, the Coastal Conservation Association, and OCEARCH, in addition to numerous other community and eco-based organizations. When not writing or traveling, you can find her hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. The complaint points out that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA), a federal law, requires warrantors like Costa advertising full lifetime warranties to remedy consumer products without charge. The complaint thus claims violation of the MMWA and asks for redress for all customers who have been forced to pay in order to use the warranty. But all-day sunshine can cause eye fatigue, and squinting into the sun can quickly cause a headache and expose your eyes to potentially harmful UV rays. New cases and investigations, settlement deadlines, and news straight to your inbox.