Based on looking at the website, sharpeye.co.nz presents itself as a New Zealand-based importer and supplier of glass products and related services for various applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, balustrades, and other building projects. While the site attempts to convey professionalism, a closer examination reveals some critical areas where it falls short of what a consumer would expect from a fully legitimate and transparent online presence, especially when considering the detailed information and security measures typically found on trusted platforms.
Here’s an overall review summary of sharpeye.co.nz:
- Website Security (HTTPS): Appears to use HTTPS, which is a positive for basic security.
- Physical Address: Multiple addresses are listed under portfolio projects, but a single, clear company headquarters address for general business is not prominently displayed on the homepage.
- Contact Information: Provides a phone number and email address, which is good.
- Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy: No clear links to these crucial legal documents on the homepage, which is a significant red flag for consumer protection and transparency.
- Return/Refund Policy: No mention of these policies, which are essential for consumer confidence in product purchases.
- Customer Reviews/Testimonials: While projects are showcased in the portfolio, readily accessible customer testimonials or an integrated review system are absent from the homepage.
- About Us Information: A brief “Who We Are” section and “Sharpeye’s Story” are present, stating their operation since 1999 as an importer.
- Product/Service Detail: Offers a range of glass products and services, with a portfolio showcasing past projects.
- Online Transaction Capability: The website does not appear to facilitate direct online purchases or transactions, focusing more on service inquiries and project showcasing.
- Ethical Considerations: The products and services offered (glass, granite, stainless steel for construction) are inherently permissible and align with ethical business practices in Islam. There are no concerns regarding forbidden categories like interest, gambling, or immoral content. However, the lack of transparency in terms and conditions and privacy policies is a general business ethics concern.
The website’s presentation, while functional, lacks several key elements that instill complete confidence in an online business. The absence of easily accessible terms and conditions, privacy policies, and clear return/refund policies means that potential customers are not fully informed about their rights or the company’s obligations. This lack of transparency is a critical point that needs addressing for any business operating in today’s digital landscape. Without these foundational legal documents, engaging in significant projects or transactions becomes a higher risk for the consumer. While the products themselves are permissible, the overall operational transparency could be significantly improved.
Here are some alternatives for home improvement and building material suppliers that generally uphold higher standards of transparency and customer service, offering similar or complementary products:
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- Key Features: Wide range of building materials, hardware, and home improvement products, including glass, timber, and various structural components. Offers in-store and online shopping, often with clear return policies.
- Average Price: Varies widely depending on products; generally competitive.
- Pros: Extensive product range, numerous physical stores across New Zealand, strong customer service, clear policies, convenient online presence.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming due to size, some specialised items might require ordering.
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- Key Features: Comprehensive selection of building supplies, garden products, and DIY tools. Known for strong local presence and community involvement. Provides project advice and services.
- Average Price: Competitive, often with loyalty programmes.
- Pros: Good range of products, widespread store network, helpful staff, commitment to local communities, robust online platform.
- Cons: Pricing can be slightly higher on certain items compared to big-box competitors, although service often makes up for it.
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- Key Features: Focuses more on trade and commercial building supplies, including structural components, cladding, and joinery. Offers design services and project management support.
- Average Price: Trade-focused pricing, often requiring accounts.
- Pros: Excellent for large-scale projects, strong industry reputation, expert advice for builders, wide selection of core building materials.
- Cons: Less geared towards casual DIYers, minimum order quantities might apply, less direct consumer-facing online retail.
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Home Depot (While Home Depot doesn’t operate physical stores in NZ, their product range and focus on home improvement are relevant if sourcing from international online marketplaces, though local suppliers are generally preferred for bulk building materials).
- Key Features: A massive selection of building materials, tools, appliances, and home improvement items. Strong online presence.
- Average Price: Varies greatly; generally competitive.
- Pros: Enormous inventory, strong online shopping experience.
- Cons: Primarily US-based, shipping to NZ can be costly and slow for large items, local support and warranties might be an issue.
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- Key Features: Specialises in aluminium windows and doors, including custom designs for residential and commercial projects. Offers energy-efficient options.
- Average Price: Custom pricing based on specifications.
- Pros: Specialised expertise in a key building component, strong focus on quality and durability, good for specific custom needs.
- Cons: Limited to windows and doors, not a general building supplier.
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- Key Features: Specialises in glass products and services, including custom glass solutions for balustrades, showers, and other architectural applications.
- Average Price: Custom pricing based on project.
- Pros: Dedicated glass specialists, offering specific expertise that aligns with Sharpeye’s core offerings, strong local service.
- Cons: Narrow product focus, not a general building materials supplier.
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- Key Features: A significant player in the New Zealand building supply market, offering a broad range of timber, building products, and trade services.
- Average Price: Trade-focused pricing.
- Pros: Strong reputation in the building industry, extensive product range for construction, good for trade accounts.
- Cons: Less retail-oriented than Bunnings or Mitre 10, may require a trade account for best pricing and access.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Unpacking Sharpeye.co.nz: A Deep Dive into Online Presence
When we talk about a business’s online presence, it’s not just about having a website; it’s about how that website functions as a window into the business’s operations, its professionalism, and its commitment to transparency. For a company like Sharpeye.co.nz, which deals with significant building materials and services, a robust and informative online platform is critical for building trust with potential clients. We’re talking about tangible products and services that impact structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, so every detail matters.
Sharpeye.co.nz Review & First Look
Upon a first visit to sharpeye.co.nz, the immediate impression is one of a functional, albeit somewhat dated, business website. The design is straightforward, with a clear menu highlighting “Products,” “Portfolio,” “Services,” “About Us,” “Download,” and “Contact.” The main banner proudly proclaims “We create it for you” and showcases a “360° showroom” for glass products. This suggests a focus on custom solutions and visual presentation of their offerings. The site quickly states its core business: supplying glass fabricating, toughening, sandblasting, water-jet cutting, and design and installation services for balustrades, bathrooms, kitchens, offices, shops, canopies, handrails, and safety glass. They also mention importing quality furniture since 1999 before venturing into building products.
However, a critical eye quickly picks up on missing elements that are standard for reputable online businesses today. While a phone number and email are provided, there’s no immediate, prominent link to a privacy policy or terms and conditions. These documents are fundamental for any online interaction, outlining how customer data is handled, what recourse customers have, and the legal framework governing transactions. The absence of these links on the homepage is a significant omission that raises questions about the site’s overall transparency and commitment to consumer protection. For instance, according to a 2022 survey by Statista, 84% of consumers stated that clear privacy policies significantly influence their trust in an online business.
Sharpeye.co.nz Features and Offerings
Sharpeye.co.nz primarily focuses on providing glass products and related services. Their product categories extend beyond just glass to include “Granite/Marble Engineered Stone,” “Stainless Steel Products,” and “Other Products.” This diversification suggests they aim to be a broader supplier for interior and exterior building needs. The services listed indicate their capability for custom work and installation, which is a strong point for clients seeking tailored solutions rather than off-the-shelf items.
The “Portfolio” section is a key feature, showcasing completed projects with associated addresses and completion years, such as “The Empire Apartments Central Auckland, 2006” and “South Auckland Medical Centre Otara, 2011.” This is excellent for demonstrating past work and building credibility through tangible examples. It provides a visual testament to their experience and capacity. Additionally, they mention “Sharpeye Mate,” an app designed for order tracking and management, which, if functional and well-implemented, could be a valuable tool for clients to plan projects efficiently. This hints at a modern approach to client management, even if the app itself isn’t directly available for download from the homepage. However, the lack of immediate user reviews or case studies specifically highlighting the app’s utility means its actual impact remains speculative from the website’s perspective.
- Key Products:
- Glass Products (fabricating, toughening, sandblasting, water-jet cutting)
- Granite/Marble Engineered Stone
- Stainless Steel Products
- Other Building Products
- Key Services:
- Design and Installation of Balustrades
- Bathroom and Kitchen Glasswork
- Office and Shop Fit-outs
- Canopies and Handrails
- Safety Glass Supply and Installation
- Notable Features:
- 360° Showroom (Spherical Image via RICOH THETA)
- Project Portfolio with completed works
- Mention of “Sharpeye Mate” order tracking app (though not directly linked for download on homepage)
Sharpeye.co.nz Pros & Cons
When evaluating any online presence, especially for a business dealing with tangible products and services like Sharpeye.co.nz, it’s crucial to weigh its strengths against its weaknesses. This helps potential clients make an informed decision and highlights areas where the company could improve its digital footprint.
Pros:
- Clear Business Focus: The website clearly articulates its primary offerings: glass products and related installation services. This avoids ambiguity and targets specific customer needs.
- Demonstrated Experience via Portfolio: The “Portfolio” section, featuring completed projects like “The Empire Apartments” and “Bank of India, Newmarket and East Tamaki,” is a strong positive. It provides concrete examples of their work and suggests a track record of handling significant projects since their stated inception in 1999. This tangible proof of work helps build trust and credibility.
- Good Contact Information: A direct phone number (+64(9) 443 4450) and email address ([email protected]) are prominently displayed, making it easy for potential clients to reach out. This accessibility is fundamental for any service-based business.
- Mention of “Sharpeye Mate” App: While not directly linked, the concept of an order tracking and management app indicates a forward-thinking approach to customer service and project efficiency. If implemented well, this could significantly enhance the customer experience.
- HTTPS Security: The website uses HTTPS, indicating a basic level of encryption for data transmitted between the user’s browser and the server. This is a standard security measure expected of all modern websites.
Cons:
- Lack of Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy: This is arguably the most significant drawback. The absence of easily accessible, linked legal documents suchating terms of service, privacy policies, and return/refund policies is a major red flag. Without these, customers have no clear understanding of their rights, the company’s liabilities, or how their personal data is handled. This is a critical omission for consumer trust and legal compliance.
- Absence of Online Transaction Capability: The website appears to be primarily an informational brochure. There are no clear mechanisms for online quotes, direct ordering, or payment processing. While this might be typical for custom fabrication services, it means potential clients must initiate contact for every inquiry, which can be a barrier for some.
- No Customer Reviews or Testimonials: While the portfolio showcases projects, there are no integrated customer reviews or testimonials that allow for independent verification of client satisfaction. Social proof is a powerful tool in online business, and its absence means potential clients rely solely on the company’s self-description.
- Limited “About Us” Detail: While “Sharpeye’s Story” is briefly mentioned, a more comprehensive “About Us” section detailing key personnel, company values, certifications, or affiliations would further enhance credibility.
- Dated Website Design: The aesthetic and layout feel somewhat behind modern web standards. While functional, a more contemporary design could improve user experience and reflect a more dynamic business.
- No Clear Physical Headquarters Address: While portfolio projects list addresses, a single, clear physical address for Sharpeye Ltd’s main office or showroom for general business inquiries is not immediately visible on the homepage, which can be a trust concern for some users.
In essence, while Sharpeye.co.nz effectively showcases its past projects and core services, its significant gaps in legal transparency and modern online features prevent it from fully instilling the kind of confidence found in leading industry players.
Sharpeye.co.nz Alternatives
Given the specific niche of glass products, stone, and stainless steel for building applications, several robust alternatives exist in the New Zealand market. These companies often provide more comprehensive online experiences, clearer policies, and broader product ranges. When considering alternatives, it’s wise to look for businesses that not only offer similar products but also prioritise transparency, customer support, and robust online information. Appliancestar.co.nz Review
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- Key Features: Specialises exclusively in glass products and services, including custom glass solutions for balustrades, showers, splashbacks, and commercial applications. They often highlight their expertise in specific glass types and safety standards.
- Pros: Dedicated glass specialists, likely to have deep expertise in the field, local presence often means better service and understanding of local building codes. Their website appears more modern and includes specific product details.
- Cons: Limited to glass products, so not a one-stop shop for other building materials like stone or stainless steel.
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- Key Features: One of New Zealand’s largest glass processors, offering a vast range of glass products for residential and commercial applications, including double glazing, safety glass, and custom solutions. Their website typically has extensive product information and technical specifications.
- Pros: Large-scale operation, likely to have efficient production and supply chains, strong reputation, comprehensive product range for glass.
- Cons: Might be more geared towards bulk supply or trade, potentially less focus on individual small-scale residential projects compared to smaller fabricators.
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- Key Features: While focusing on windows and doors, Nulook offers a range of glass options within their aluminium joinery systems. This makes them a direct competitor for projects involving glass balustrades, large windows, and custom glass doors.
- Pros: Integrated glass and joinery solutions, strong brand presence, custom design capabilities for specific architectural needs.
- Cons: Specialises in windows and doors, so won’t cover standalone glass products like splashbacks or shower screens unless part of a larger joinery order.
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Stainless Steel Balustrade & Handrail Systems (Searching for categories on Amazon NZ or international sites can yield suppliers who ship to NZ)
- Key Features: Many suppliers specialise in pre-fabricated or custom-made stainless steel components for balustrades and handrails, often with modular systems for easier installation.
- Pros: Focused expertise, often a broader range of styles and finishes for stainless steel, can be more cost-effective for specific components.
- Cons: May require sourcing glass separately, often online-only or small workshops, less likely to offer full installation services across the board.
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Stone Collective (An example of a specialist stone supplier)
- Key Features: Specialises in natural and engineered stone surfaces like granite, marble, and quartz for benchtops, vanities, and other applications.
- Pros: Deep expertise in stone products, wide selection of materials and finishes, professional installation services for stone.
- Cons: Exclusively stone, so no glass or stainless steel products.
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- Key Features: Offers a selection of glass panels (e.g., for showers, pool fences), basic stainless steel components, and engineered stone benchtops. While not a specialist fabricator, they provide accessible options for DIY or basic needs.
- Pros: Wide accessibility, competitive pricing for standard items, strong return policies, physical stores for viewing products.
- Cons: Limited customisation options, generally caters to standard sizes and DIY projects rather than complex custom fabrication.
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- Key Features: Similar to Bunnings, Mitre 10 stocks a range of building materials, including some glass panels, stainless steel hardware, and engineered stone benchtops. They also often provide basic cutting services for materials.
- Pros: Strong local presence, good for standard items and smaller projects, knowledgeable staff, often have a trade focus for larger orders.
- Cons: Like Bunnings, their custom fabrication capabilities for glass or stone are limited compared to specialists.
When making a decision, it’s always advisable to compare quotes, check for online reviews and testimonials on independent platforms (e.g., Google Reviews, Facebook), and ensure any chosen supplier has clear, transparent policies regarding pricing, delivery, returns, and privacy.
How to Evaluate Online Business Legitimacy
In today’s digital age, discerning the legitimacy of an online business is paramount, especially when considering significant investments like building materials or custom fabrication services. Beyond simply having a website, genuine and trustworthy companies exhibit specific characteristics that build consumer confidence. It’s about looking past the flashy images and delving into the nuts and bolts of their online presence. Solidsheds.co.nz Review
One of the first and most critical checks is the presence and accessibility of legal disclaimers and policies. A legitimate business, particularly one in New Zealand, must comply with various consumer protection laws. This includes having clear:
- Terms and Conditions of Service: Outlining the rules for using the website, engaging with the company, purchase terms, and dispute resolution.
- Privacy Policy: Explaining how user data is collected, stored, used, and protected, in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.
- Return and Refund Policies: Detailing the conditions under which products can be returned and refunds issued, crucial for tangible goods.
- Shipping and Delivery Information: Clearly stating timelines, costs, and procedures for product delivery.
According to a report by the New Zealand Commerce Commission, a lack of clear terms and conditions is a common area of consumer complaints. Websites that bury these policies, or worse, omit them entirely, signal a potential disregard for consumer rights and transparency. A study by the Baymard Institute (though global, principles apply) found that 55% of users abandon a purchase if they can’t quickly find return policies.
Beyond legal documents, other indicators of legitimacy include:
- Professional Contact Information: A dedicated business email address (not a generic Gmail account), a verifiable phone number, and a physical address. For larger businesses, multiple contact points or department-specific contacts are common.
- SSL Certificate (HTTPS): While Sharpeye.co.nz uses this, it’s a non-negotiable baseline. The “s” in “https” signifies that communication between your browser and the website is encrypted, protecting sensitive information.
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Not just internal testimonials, but links to independent review platforms (e.g., Google My Business, Yellow Pages, industry-specific forums). Genuine reviews from actual customers provide social proof and insights into the company’s service quality. A 2023 BrightLocal survey indicated that 77% of consumers “always” or “regularly” read online reviews when browsing for local businesses.
- Active Social Media Presence: While not strictly necessary, an active and professionally managed social media presence (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram for portfolio showcasing) can indicate a modern, engaged business.
- Clear “About Us” Section: A detailed “About Us” page that shares the company’s history, mission, team members, and values helps humanise the business and build trust. Knowing who you’re dealing with is vital.
- Professional Web Design and Functionality: A well-designed, responsive, and error-free website indicates attention to detail and professionalism. Broken links, poor grammar, or outdated content can suggest a lack of care. A 2022 survey by Clutch found that 75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility based on its website design.
By systematically checking these elements, consumers can develop a more robust understanding of a business’s online trustworthiness and make more secure decisions.
Sharpeye.co.nz Pricing & Transparency
One of the notable observations about sharpeye.co.nz is the complete absence of pricing information for its products or services. While this is common for custom fabrication and installation services, where each project is unique and requires specific quoting, a lack of even indicative pricing or a clear “Request a Quote” process can be a barrier for potential clients.
For custom services like glass balustrades or bespoke kitchen glasswork, quoting is typically done on a project-by-project basis, considering factors such as:
- Material Type: Different types of glass (e.g., tempered, laminated, low-iron), stone, or stainless steel have varying costs.
- Dimensions and Quantity: The size and amount of material required directly influence pricing.
- Complexity of Design: Intricate cuts, curved glass, or complex installations will incur higher costs.
- Installation Requirements: Site access, location, and the labour involved in installation are significant cost factors.
- Finishes and Hardware: Specialised fittings, colours, or hardware can add to the overall price.
While it’s impractical to list fixed prices for such custom work, a transparent online business might still offer:
- A clear “Request a Quote” form: This allows clients to easily submit project details for a tailored price. Sharpeye.co.nz does have a contact form, but it’s more general (“Drop us a line”).
- Examples of past project costs (with disclaimers): “A typical 10-meter glass balustrade installation might range from X to Y, depending on design.”
- A breakdown of factors influencing price: Educating the client on what contributes to the cost helps manage expectations.
The current approach on sharpeye.co.nz necessitates direct contact for any pricing inquiry. While this creates an opportunity for direct sales engagement, it can deter users who prefer to quickly gauge affordability before investing time in a personal consultation. From a user experience perspective, this can lead to a perceived lack of transparency, as potential customers are unable to easily budget or compare options without making a direct commitment to engage. In industries where quotes are essential, clear communication about the quoting process itself is a form of transparency.
FAQ
Is sharpeye.co.nz a legitimate business in New Zealand?
Yes, based on the information provided on their website, Sharpeye Ltd has been operating as an importer for New Zealand clients since June 1999, which indicates a long-standing presence. Their portfolio showcases completed projects across various locations in New Zealand.
What products does sharpeye.co.nz offer?
Sharpeye.co.nz offers a range of glass products and services including glass fabricating, toughening, sandblasting, water-jet cutting, and design and installation of balustrades, bathroom, kitchen, office, shops, canopy, handrails, and safety glass. They also supply Granite/Marble Engineered Stone, Stainless Steel Products, and other building products. Waitarahealthcentre.co.nz Review
Does sharpeye.co.nz have a physical address?
While their portfolio lists addresses of completed projects, a single, clear physical address for Sharpeye Ltd’s main office or showroom for general business inquiries is not prominently displayed on the homepage.
How can I contact sharpeye.co.nz?
You can contact Sharpeye.co.nz via phone at +64(9) 443 4450 or by email at [email protected]. They also have a contact form on their website.
Does sharpeye.co.nz have online pricing?
No, sharpeye.co.nz does not display specific pricing for its products or services on its website. It appears that pricing is provided upon direct inquiry or after project assessment, which is typical for custom fabrication and installation services.
Are there terms and conditions or a privacy policy on sharpeye.co.nz?
Based on the homepage review, clear, easily accessible links to comprehensive terms and conditions or a privacy policy are not prominently displayed, which is a significant omission for transparency and consumer protection.
Does sharpeye.co.nz offer installation services?
Yes, sharpeye.co.nz explicitly states that they offer design and installation services for items such as balustrades, bathroom and kitchen glasswork, office and shop fit-outs, canopies, and handrails.
What is “Sharpeye Mate”?
“Sharpeye Mate” is described as an app that allows you to track and manage your orders instantly, helping you plan your project more efficiently. However, a direct link to download or access this app is not provided on the homepage.
Can I see examples of sharpeye.co.nz’s work?
Yes, sharpeye.co.nz has a “Portfolio” section showcasing various completed projects, including residential and commercial installations across different locations in New Zealand with their completion years.
What types of glass services does sharpeye.co.nz provide?
Sharpeye.co.nz provides services such as glass fabricating, toughening, sandblasting, and water-jet cutting. They also handle the design and installation of various glass applications.
Is sharpeye.co.nz suitable for residential or commercial projects?
Based on their product offerings (e.g., balustrades, kitchens, offices, shops, medical centres) and portfolio examples (e.g., Empire Apartments, South Auckland Medical Centre), sharpeye.co.nz appears to cater to both residential and commercial projects.
Does sharpeye.co.nz support custom glass designs?
Yes, their mention of glass fabricating, water-jet cutting, and design services, along with showcasing various project types, suggests they support custom glass designs and solutions tailored to client needs. Swivel.co.nz Review
What is the history of Sharpeye Ltd?
Sharpeye Ltd has been operating as an importer for New Zealand clients since June 1999. They initially imported quality furniture before expanding into supplying products and services for kitchens, bathrooms, glass balustrades, and other building products.
Does sharpeye.co.nz have an online ordering system?
No, the website does not appear to have a direct online ordering or e-commerce system. It functions primarily as an informational site, requiring direct contact for inquiries and potential orders.
What security measures does sharpeye.co.nz use?
The website uses HTTPS, which indicates that communications between your browser and the website are encrypted, providing basic security for data transmission.
Are there any customer reviews or testimonials on sharpeye.co.nz?
While the website showcases its portfolio of completed projects, there are no readily available customer reviews or testimonials integrated directly onto the homepage to provide social proof of client satisfaction.
What are some alternatives to sharpeye.co.nz for building materials in New Zealand?
Alternatives include general building supply stores like Bunnings Warehouse and Mitre 10, and specialist suppliers like Gerrard Glass for glass, Metro Glass for glass, and Stone Collective for stone.
How does Sharpeye.co.nz’s website design compare to modern standards?
The website design of sharpeye.co.nz appears somewhat dated compared to current modern web design standards, though it remains functional and navigable.
Does sharpeye.co.nz offer any downloads?
Yes, there is a “Download” link in the main menu, suggesting that they might provide brochures, technical specifications, or other relevant documents for their products and services.
Can I get a 360-degree view of their products?
Yes, the website mentions a “360° showroom” and includes a link to a “Spherical Image – RICOH THETA,” which provides an immersive, panoramic view of some of their glass products.
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