Ma Fu

About Ma Fu

Ma Fu, operating as Shanghai Mafu Network Technology Co., Ltd., is an eyewear company founded in 2014 by Peng Yongze. The company has developed a business model centered around providing on-demand, at-home optical services, moving away from traditional brick-and-mortar retail. This "new retail" approach combines online booking with in-person service, allowing customers to schedule appointments and have a vision care steward, or "Mafu," visit their home or office.

The core of the business is to make the eyewear purchasing process more convenient and personalized. Ma Fu's service includes an on-site optician who performs eye exams using portable, proprietary equipment, such as a handheld optometry device. Customers can then try on a curated selection of frames, with the company aiming for a high conversion rate through personalized service. The business model is designed to reduce overhead costs associated with retail space and inventory, as it operates on a 'no rent, no decoration, no inventory' principle, procuring products after an order is placed. Ma Fu's revenue is generated directly from the sale of eyeglasses, with the on-site service component offered free of charge to attract and retain lifelong customers.

The company was conceived by Peng Yongze, who sought to address what he saw as key issues in the traditional eyewear industry: comfort, style, cost, and purchase frequency. Ma Fu's strategy involves building a direct connection with the consumer through its stewards, who are trained in partnership with optometry associations. The data collected during these visits, including facial measurements, prescription, and style preferences, is used to provide customized optical solutions. In addition to at-home services, the company has also planned for small-footprint "robot" stores in high-traffic areas and has a corporate client base that includes major companies in Shanghai.