How do you feel about companies who offer free services or discounts to military members?

Cpl Anthony Pearson — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:08:29 -0400

I recently discovered an absence of Facebook groups dedicated to various perks, benefits, discounts and freebies that are available to veterans all year long, or during certain holidays. I decided to create one, https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeteranPerks/, and then promoted it on Facebook and other military channels. The response was incredible, as both civilians and service personnel jumped onboard and started sharing information.

One individual, followed by a few others, stated that the whole idea of freebies and discounts for veterans makes them uncomfortable and they feel ashamed to take advantage of it. I admit, I have felt this a little bit, too, over the years. I spent some time thinking about it and decided that I am 'ok' with it, and here is why...

If I owned my own business (and I kinda do, somewhat), I would look for ways to honor and help our nations military members and veterans. I wouldn't do it because I think I need to, I would do it because I *WANT* to. I feel strongly about it, and I know that many other people feel the same way. It is impossible to thank everyone on an individual, person by person basis, so offering a special service or discount - across the board - seems like a great way to get the word out and share the sentiment of, "We love our military, and we want to do something special for all of them."

If I owned a mattress company, I'd discount mattresses or maybe even help get the right type of bed system for service members with unique disabilities. I'd offer free in-home installation or something.

If I owned a restaurant, I would absolutely offer free or heavily discounted meals.

I happen to do photography and graphic design, and I often donate my abilities to those who served. I do what I can, when I can, and it feels good. It feels RIGHT.

I'm wondering what you all feel about this. Inquiring minds want to know.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 11:35 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:35:15 -0400

Like that company has earned my business!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 22 at 2015 11:39 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:39:43 -0400

Well first, this is great marketing. Who in the RP community wouldn't patronize a business that's "Veteran Friendly." Offering discounts & perks to active duty service members and veterans (while waving the American flag, of course) brings in business.

As a veteran, I've yet to take advantage of such perks. However, these "benies" are in the back of my mind as I set out to the mall on payday. I'm sure there are a great number of youngsters who might be incentivized to buy something --if it was priced just a little more in line with their pay grade.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 22 at 2015 11:49 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:49:03 -0400

I am happy when offered a discount from a business. Like you, I agree that those willing to do so, are doing so willingly, and out of respect for our service. That being said I NEVER expect a discount, or get upset if one is not offered.

Response by SPC Erin Myatt made May 22 at 2015 11:50 AM

SPC Erin Myatt — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:50:52 -0400

I only ask if it's something pretty pricy or expensive....or if I'm broke at the moment and really want the item lol. I feel some people take way too much advantage of other's kindness (not saying you or anyone in particular). We signed our lives away and our freedom so I feel, not untitled by any means, that it would be nice to receive some perks to show some appreciation for our sacrifice. If only they knew what all we've been thru I feel the perks would go sky high. Just my opinion.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made May 22 at 2015 12:38 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:38:05 -0400

I feel like it is the organization's way of saying thank you for all the sacrifices that veterans have made. I don't go asking for it, but if I know they do it, I don't see a problem accepting a discount.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 12:43 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:43:13 -0400

I try not to expect it.
(Although it does get iffy if I get attitude for asking.)
A discount does earn my repeat business. I always try to shop at Lowes, because they're the one home improvement store in my town that offers a military discount.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 22 at 2015 12:53 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:53:59 -0400

Of course I take advantage of the military discounts/freebies offered by various merchants. However, I would still patronize a business if I like their product even if they didn't offer perks to active/retired/veterans.

Response by CPL Brian Murphy made May 22 at 2015 1:09 PM

CPL Brian Murphy — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:09:49 -0400

I like it. I don't use it like others at places. I am s Gulf War Vetetan but the benefits Abd perks are for the one families that have their all. We need to recognize those families.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 22 at 2015 4:14 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:14:39 -0400

Klamath County Oregon has a recognized veterans program that is supported by local businesses offering 10% discounts on goods and services. Best thing is all you need to show is your drivers license and DD214 and it is free to all veterans.

The problem I have is that I keep forgetting that I am part of this program and entitled to the benefits. It is a great program and I highly recommend it to the veterans in this area. I don't know if this is something that is going on elsewhere, but it seems that it could be of benefit to veterans everywhere.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made May 22 at 2015 4:19 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:19:11 -0400

cool for most, think a lot of people take advantage of it. Like those turds that go to 6 restaurants on vets day and get it all.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 22 at 2015 10:29 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:29:37 -0400

https://missananda.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/happy-song.jpg

Response by SPC Valerie Snyder made May 22 at 2015 10:40 PM

SPC Valerie Snyder — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:40:47 -0400

As a business owner I feel that It is my duty to offer my services at a discount to those who have served. 1. My appreciation 2. I dont feel that our Veterans are taken care of properly. 3. I love my family as a veteran I feel as though I am helping a family member

I dont worry about someone taking advantage of me because if I am offering it its because I want to help. I wouldn't offer the discount or free service if I was worried about being taken advantage of. I want oeople to use it, the ones taking advantage are the ones trying to get free stuff when they never served a day.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 23 at 2015 9:32 AM

SFC Stephen King — Sat, 23 May 2015 09:32:07 -0400

I appreciate the gestures and like the fact that society takes time to notice weigh and remember.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 23 at 2015 11:12 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 23 May 2015 11:12:30 -0400

I'm with the love its. However I also realize there're different motivations out there. Companies that have a 10% discount and also have a strong veterans hiring program think it's important to support Vets. The side benefit of positive customer support is a plus. That support would have been highly absent in the mid '70s, hence I'd conclude the stars have aligned to have these discounts more widely available.

Then there are the lip service ones. Here in Bonners Ferry there is a ProX hardware store. They have a military discount, only on Wednesdays, only on small stuff, with volume stuff like roofing, sheetrock, lumber, etc. off the table. That's why I make up a shopping list and hit the Home Depot in Ponderay every other week.

The Home Depot, Lowes, etc. types have made a business decision that is supported by an analysis that their profits are not unduly harmed by their policies. That said, at some point military discounts disappear without notice. We see it with some small businesses that say the increasing Governmental intrusions are bleeding them dry and can't afford discounts for anyone. Now it will be a game of Chicken with Home Depot and Lowes; neither wanting to be the first to back away as social media will make it very visible.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made May 24 at 2015 11:48 PM

SCPO Joshua I — Sun, 24 May 2015 23:48:39 -0400

People who demand discounts make it a problem for me. I don't show my ID or ask for discounts, even at places that offer them - I get a paycheck for what I do.

Good on the companies that offer, but too many veterans, active duty, and dependants have made too much noise complaining for me to want anything to do with it.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 15 at 2015 1:27 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:27:16 -0400

I absolutely love to take advantage of military discounts, I have even gotten in the habit of asking especially if the purchase if substantial.
I have only run into a few places that don't offer it or if your already using a coupon wont add the military discount, I do understand though as a business has to make money and they cannot give multiple discounts all the time.
As long as the customer service and products are good then discount or not I will do business there.

Response by Chris Gillespie made Mar 21 at 2017 8:37 AM

Chris Gillespie — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 08:37:43 -0400

I think military discounts are just good business practice. But what's a good discount - is 10% really enough? As a civilian, I think of 10% as barely covering sales tax. What are some of the best deals folks have seen/heard of?

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 21 at 2017 8:52 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 08:52:59 -0400

I'm a bit jaded in this area. Think it is a great thing for the companies that offer it but also think it is more of a marketing ploy than a show of support/respect for veterans. Do I use it when offered, sure if I remember that the store I'm in offers one, but frankly Lowes & Home Depot are the only places that I know for sure offer it and I don't ask at checkout at other places. Have been surprised a few times at checkout when the cashier sees my ID when I open my wallet and lets me know they offer a discount, this in my eyes is great customer service and most likely a company that really supports vets. I also have a greater fondness for merchants that offer the discount all the time vs. those that only offer it on special days like Memorial or Veterans Days. Above all, however, I do not think a discount is something I'm entitled to because I'm a veteran and do not choose establishments just because they offer a military discount.

Response by SGT James Bower made May 28 at 2020 1:57 PM

SGT James Bower — Thu, 28 May 2020 13:57:45 -0400

Thanks for sharing. I just submitted a request to join the group.
I am paying it forward through my website https://veteranbargains.com/
I DO NOT sell anything on my site. It is dedicated to sharing information. It includes, events (currently cancellation notices) organizations that help veterans, general information and a list of over 400 businesses that offer freebies, discounts and promotions. My wife and I average $50 to $70 a month in savings. Each Veterans Day I post the special promotions for the day. Last Veterans Day I posted over 280 such businesses for the Veterans Day.

Thanks for your service and stay safe.

James