There are a number of business models that combine a product that everyone needs with also providing benefit to those that may need it. Businesses like Tom Shoes, Harry's and Warby Parker have created a business model with a goal of helping others.
I had heard about these companies but had not ordered from them till lately. My first order was with Harry's where I bought a "Truman" version of their razor. I got it this week and gave it a go. OMG was it nice (this is where the simple pleasure came in). After decades of using electric and then cheapo razors, I did not know what a real nice shave was like. I enjoyed it and I felt good about ordering from the company. Other companies could learn from how there packaging is done. Very nice, personal and clear. A pleasure.
Moving on to Warby Parker for new glasses. It's been a couple of years and it was time for a change. Given the 60 minutes report on the monopoly like status that Luxottica has in the eye glass market, I did not want to pay hundreds for frames that only costs tens of dollars to make. Enter Warby Parker. Both frames and lens for under a hundred dollars, you can test fit 5 frames (shipped to your door) and they will donate a pair of glasses to those in need. I gotta give them a try. Our test frames should arrive in the next couple of days and we'll see if we have a fit.
It makes me happy that there are businesses (niches as they are) that can provide a good service at a fair price and also provide a benefit to the needy. Patagonia has been doing this for years (but their prices are generally high end in both price and quality) and I'm sure there are many many others.
It's nice to see them succeed.
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