Everyday Low Vises: Meta’s hidden Ray-Ban smart glasses store offers $76 discounts

Meta has launched a little-known refurbished Ray-Ban smart glasses store offering discounts up to $76 off retail prices, with products arriving in original packaging and pristine condition. The hidden marketplace provides access to discontinued styles and hard-to-find configurations that have been largely out of stock at traditional retailers for the past two years.

What you should know: Meta’s refurbished smart glasses are essentially new products sold at 20% discounts through a dedicated online store.
• ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner purchased Skylar-style glasses with Shiny Caramel frames for $263, down from the $329 retail price, with some configurations discounted by as much as $76.
• The refurbished glasses arrive in unopened original packaging with all accessories, protective materials, and documentation intact.
• Available styles currently include Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler configurations, with the latter two being particularly difficult to find elsewhere.

How the refurbished process works: These products are typically lightly used returns or items with minor original defects that undergo manufacturer inspection and quality assurance.
• Items are cleaned, repaired if necessary, and repacked in original packaging before being sold at discounted prices.
• Both US and European Union regulations require refurbished products to be clearly marked and sold as such, even when they’re functionally equivalent to new items.
• Meta offers a 30-day return policy and 1-year warranty on refurbished Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Why timing matters: Meta is expected to unveil next-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses on September 17 at its Meta Connect event.
• The new models could feature improved battery life and better cameras, potentially at higher price points.
• Recent Oakley Meta Smart Glasses retail for $400-$500, suggesting future Ray-Ban pricing could increase significantly.
• Uncertain US tariff situations could also impact component costs and final pricing for new models.

The bigger picture: Meta Ray-Bans have maintained strong demand despite limited availability, rarely going on sale through traditional retail channels.
• The refurbished store provides one of the few opportunities to access discontinued styles and secure meaningful discounts on the popular smart glasses.
• Current market conditions and upcoming product launches make refurbished options particularly attractive for consumers seeking Meta’s AI-powered eyewear technology.