Consumer survey: Would you purchase the new Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses?

Ray-Ban Stories are new smart glasses that just launched in partnership with Facebook and can now be purchased. You can take photos, record videos and can make phone calls, Facebook announced. You can basically wear Facebook on your face, is as The Conversation describes them.

They definitely look better and less intrusive than Google Glass from a few years ago and are also cheaper. Google Glass was $1,500 while Ray-Ban Stories cost around $300 and about $600 with prescription lenses. But would people buy Ray-Ban Stories? We asked 100 consumers through asynchronous video surveys for their opinions about them.

The methodology

A few hours after the release announcement, we launched our survey to consumers in the United States. A few hours after that we had our responses.

We showed consumers in Voxpopme’s Influence app the Ray-Ban Stories promo video.

We asked:

Would you consider purchasing the Ray-Ban Stories sunglasses? Why or why not? If yes, how much would you be willing to pay and how do you envision using this product?

Here’s  quick highlight reel of responses, which we created directly in the platform:

The results

In all, the automatic sentiment analysis showed that almost half had positive feelings, while just shy of a quarter had negative thoughts and the remainder were neutral opinions.

The automatic theme explorer and Word Cloud gave me an idea what some of the most mentioned topics were. About a third, mentioned that the glasses are “cool.”

The purchase price was also a topic discussed by about a third of the responses, according to the theme explorer.

The analysis

I like to review the theme explorer first to get an idea what trends I’m seeing. Here, I saw the “cool” trend.  The Word Cloud is my next step. Then I like to skim through the automatic transcripts and each response.

Sometimes, I click and watch a video. Highlighting text in the transcript, I can easily add snippets to my highlight reel – the one above.

So what did I learn about consumer opinion about the new Ray-Ban Stories?

They are cool

A lot of people did say they are cool. But cool doesn’t mean they’ll buy them. I think it’s cool to travel in outer space, but you won’t see me there anytime soon.

“Honestly, I would not use this product,” said Heather, 30 of Birmingham. “I mean, it’s cool and it seems really easy to use. Easier than pulling out your phone and using the camera. But because I do have a phone that does the same thing, I don’t see the need to buy a separate product just to take pictures.”

“I would probably want to buy the Ray-Ban Stories because they can take pictures, which I have never seen before,” said Melissa, 26, of Albuquerque. “And I think that would be pretty cool because I wouldn’t have to pull out my phone every time I want to take a picture.”

How much would people pay?

“It’s definitely something I’d be willing to pay, even pay premium for,” said Amy, 33, of Gainesville.

What price is acceptable depends on consumer. The survey heard a wide range, from $50, $100, $150, $200, $250, $300 to $400

“I would consider purchasing them,” said Brandi, 36, of Lexington. “They are a good brand, although they are really, really pricey.”

Staying up with trends

There is something to be said about keeping up with trends. That’s one reason why years ago I got Google Glass. I wanted to stay up with trends. Atira, 21, of New York, also mentioned this.

“I would consider purchasing them only because I like to keep up with the latest trends and technology, like to feel the technology out for myself.”

Ray-Ban Stories are not for all

Andrew, 40, of Morrice, said he wouldn’t buy them because they are “massively overpriced.”

“I’m about simplicity,” he said.

“Those sunglasses are probably not something I would consider purchasing,” said Mark, 38, of Austin. “I do like the fact that you can just take take photos by pressing your glasses, but typically with sunglasses, I’m just looking for basic simple something that’s going to protect my eyes and protect my vision.”

Some respondents said they have a different style of sunglasses they like.

“I would not consider purchasing the Ray-Ban sunglasses because I don’t believe in wearing glasses and taking videos and photos at the same time,” said Natalie, 26, of Lafayette.

For creators

I’ve shared how Gen Z is the generation of creators. Edgardo, 26, of Collingdale, mentioned how Ray-Ban Stories can help with content creation.

He said the glasses allow him to enjoy food and then make easy food videos with them on.

“I am willing to purchase the Ray-Bans sunglasses, said Francheska, 33, of New York. “I think it’s very creative. For $299, it’s not bad and it would be nice to share family events and things like that.”

It might be quicker to use the glasses and hands-free is a plus! But Josh, 32, of Port Clinton, questioned the necessity.

“I feel like you just pull your phone just as quick … and I like Ray-Ban branded sunglasses,” he said.

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