Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about buying, selling, and re-lensing on the UK's first dedicated circular eyewear marketplace.

General Questions

Where can I sell pre-owned prescription glasses in the UK?

Squinted is a dedicated UK marketplace where you can sell pre-owned prescription glasses, designer frames, sunglasses and eyewear accessories online directly to buyers.

Does Squinted buy frames directly?

No - Squinted is a marketplace which connects individual sellers directly with UK buyers. As a seller you set your own selling price for your items and receive 100% of that value when a sale is completed.

Is it legal to buy pre-owned prescription glasses in the UK?

Yes. It is completely legal to buy and sell second-hand spectacle frames in the UK. Squinted operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace for frames and sunglasses. Buyers can purchase high-quality frames and then have an optician or online relensing specialist fit them with their specific prescription lenses.

Can I put new prescription lenses into second-hand frames?

Yes! It’s incredibly simple. Once your pre-owned frames arrive, you can take them directly to any high-street optician or use a trusted online re-lensing service. They will simply cut and fit a fresh pair of lenses matching your custom prescription directly into the frame structure. Read our full guide on How to Reglaze Second-Hand Glasses & Replace Lenses for details on prescription strengths and frame compatibility.

How does Squinted protect buyers and sellers from fraud?

Squinted features a secure, payment system. Funds are held safely when a purchase is made and only released to the seller once the buyer receives the item and confirms it matches the listing description."

What are "Perfect Match" Alerts?

If you’re looking for a highly specific frame size or measurement configuration, you can save your specs inside the app. Perfect Match works in the background—the moment another user lists a set of glasses matching your target data, we'll ping your device instantly.

What if the frames arrive and they just don't suit my face?

We’ve all been there—sometimes a frame looks great on the screen but "not quite me" in the mirror. While we encourage sellers to provide all the measurements so you aren't squinting at a tiny frame on a big head, individual return policies are set by each seller. Check the listing details before you buy! If they don't work out, you can always relist them on Squinted and keep the circle going.

How do I know the frames are authentic?

Nobody wants to be fooled by a "faux-go." We ask our sellers to provide clear "Squint-Shots" of the branding on the inner arms and any original packaging. Because we are a community of eyewear enthusiasts, our users help keep things sharp. If something looks blurry or "off," our team is here to take a closer look.

Are the lenses included in the price?

Yes, you’re buying the whole package! However, since most pre-owned frames come with the previous owner’s prescription, we usually recommend our "Re-lensing 101" trick. Unless you lucky enough to be notified by Squinted of a "Perfect Match", you’ll likely want to pop in your own lenses.

Is it safe to buy "well-loved" frames?

Absolutely! One person’s "Fair" is another person’s "Vintage Treasure." We use our Condition Guide to make sure there are no surprises. If you’re looking for a project or a backup pair for the beach, "Good" or "Fair" frames are a total steal. If you want that "just-left-the-optician" feeling, stick to "Mint."

How much does it cost to re-lens?

It’s usually way cheaper than buying a whole new setup! Most local opticians or online lens-mounters charge a flat fee for the lenses and the fitting. You’re essentially getting designer frames for a fraction of the cost, then just paying for the "glass" that helps you see. No squinting at the bill!"

Are pre-owned glasses frames hygienic to buy and wear?

Yes. Spectacle frames are durable, non-porous accessories made from materials like acetate, metal, or titanium, making them easy to clean and disinfect. While Squinted guidelines ask sellers to clean their frames before shipping, the biggest benefit comes when you re-lens: taking pre-owned frames to a high-street optician or online reglazing service for new prescription lenses routinely includes a professional ultrasonic deep clean, sanitization, and frame adjustment as standard.

How do I know if a pair of glasses on Squinted will fit me?

Check the "Measurements" section on the listing! We’ve taught our sellers how to find those three little numbers (Lens, Bridge, Temple) and our AI engine automatically populates them. If you have a pair of glasses at home that fits you perfectly, compare the numbers. If they match, you’re golden!"

Selling on Squinted

What is the "Magnify" feature?

Magnify is our premium listing boost tool. For a small fee, you can supercharge your frames to pin them to the absolute top of the user feed for 7 days, guaranteeing maximum impressions and higher chances of a speedy transaction.

How do payments and shipping work?

All checkouts are managed via our integrated Stripe Connect portal for absolute payment security. Shipping parameters are entirely standardized across the platform, giving sellers trackable, zero-guesswork postage options to ship items safely.