While out and about shopping, do you ask for military discounts? What is your take when they do not have them?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:35:26 -0500

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jan 4 at 2016 11:39 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:39:30 -0500

My wife does and I do at times. If they don't that's ok, if they do that's ok also. It doesn't bother me if they don't.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 11:43 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:43:42 -0500

Do you know, I started feeling "embarrassed" asking; not only because the answer was NO so much but people make you feel so uncomfortable. At Barnes & Noble the clerk actually said, "Well, on Veterans Day, we do" And, I was like, "Well, we're Veterans for more than just 1 day"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 11:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:44:25 -0500

I usually never use them unless I am spending a high dollar amount at Lowes or Home Depot. My wife uses them, when it's convenient to do so. We don't normally dont actively seek out discounts.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jan 4 at 2016 11:48 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:48:25 -0500

If I'm at a retail place, and I'm spending more than a few dollars, I'll ask. I'm happy if they do, and I'm not upset if they don't. If it's a place where I may regularly spend money in the future, the presence or absence of a discount may impact my future spending decisions though.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 4 at 2016 11:51 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:51:25 -0500

I ask at new places so I know whether or not to ID myself the next time. I do hate the ProEx hardware store in Bonners Ferry that has a military discount, but only on Wednesdays, but only on some stuff, etc. Either do it all the time or not because you are just pandering without appreciation otherwise.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jan 4 at 2016 11:55 AM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:55:18 -0500

- Yes I ask about military discounts.
- No issue if the organization/business does not offer.
- Great if the organization/business does offer.
- I tend to do my business with organizations that offer military discounts in the future not because of the discount but to support organizations that support the military.

Response by MSG David Holmden made Jan 4 at 2016 11:59 AM

MSG David Holmden — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:59:32 -0500

If I remember to which is hardly ever, but when I do and they do I say thank you. If they don't that's fine, everyone needs to remember that the employee that says no probably didn't make the store rules/guidelines. I've had MANY people really apologize for not and I tell them it's not that big of a deal but thought I'd ask. Have to think that unless it's over 100.00 @10% it's only a 10.00 savings, I think we can be bigger people and not get to upset when they don't offer a discount.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 4 at 2016 12:06 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:06:51 -0500

Been out too long to even think about them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 12:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:07:26 -0500

I don't go out of my way to ask, but at places that I already know that offer them like Lowes, I am quick to show my CAC card.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 12:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:09:45 -0500

I don't make it a point to ask for them. If offered, I accept. But if a place doesn't have them, then so be it. No sweat off me.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Jan 4 at 2016 12:23 PM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:23:08 -0500

Yes I do ask. I have my new MO Drivers Lic that states Veteran on the back and I use it whenever possible and when they don't I guess I'm a little disappointed. Funny thing Last Veterans Day I noted to the lady cutting my hair for my free haircut I said dang for my 6 years all I get is a free haircut...and smiled because I was joking but she replied. yeah that doesn't seem right. That we all should get more. I said well we don't join to get rewarded but it does feel nice when someone recognizes what we have done.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 12:24 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:24:03 -0500

Yes, I do ask if they have veteran or senior citizen discounts. If not, no problem. It make sense to use all discounts that are available including coupons. A penny saved, is a penny earned.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 4 at 2016 12:32 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:32:32 -0500

Living OCONUS I don't get much of a chance. Two years ago i was in Caldwell, Idaho and stopped in at D&B to get a few things. As I was checking out the lady asked me if I was a member of AARP, guessing I was over 50. I replied no, but said I was a retired vet. She smiled and said Thanks for your service and that will do. I asked if she wanted to see my I.D. card, and pulled it out. She gladly gave me ten percent discount! My only time receiving any kind.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 4 at 2016 12:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:36:14 -0500

I say oh well, thanks anyway.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 12:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:44:46 -0500

Stay calm , stay cool. Ask for the discount. But ask the manager not the stock person. The manager can give you a break on the spot even if it's not company policy. That day any how , so you win.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jan 4 at 2016 12:52 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:52:32 -0500

While it's appreciated i usually don't actively seek them out, unless maybe i'm buying things at Home Depot or Lowes. I found out Carl's Jr had a 10% discount when i pulled up to the drive thru window and the guy saw my base decal. A sushi place my wife and i go to regularly started giving us freebies after the owner found out i was retired. Usually a its a dessert or trying a potential new menu item.

If a business doesn't offer a discount, that's fine by me, it's their choice.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Jan 4 at 2016 12:56 PM

SrA David Steyer — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 12:56:41 -0500

I only did if they asked, and one place proudly advertised it so at that one place I used it. I think I used it when I bought my current and previous car, as part of the loan application they asked my employment so when they looked it over, showed them my ID and got the $500 discount.

Response by SPC Robert Smart made Jan 4 at 2016 1:08 PM

SPC Robert Smart — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 13:08:06 -0500

I use it at Lowe's and some online places. But most do not offer where I shop.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 1:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 13:20:04 -0500

I ask if they offer a discount if I don't know. If they say yes, great. If they say no, that is fine too. I tend to shop where they offer them because it is smart. Anytime I can save money for my family, and it is legal :), I will take advantage of it. Businesses that offer me a cheaper service for my service will receive my service!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 2:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:08:55 -0500

Oh ok that's fine if you don't lol

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 4 at 2016 2:24 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:24:21 -0500

Yes I make a point to ask

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jan 4 at 2016 2:25 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:25:12 -0500

I ask for it and if I get it then great but if not then its okay to.
I do find it odd though that some chain stores will give it while others in the same chain do not. Still nothing to get upset over, maybe its the cashiers are not trained in how to do it or they need a manager override.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jan 4 at 2016 3:10 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:10:29 -0500

Generally I don't ask unless I know it will save me money.(auto Zone) But I always ask, if they do great, if not then that's okay to. I don't expect anything, but nice if they do!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 3:14 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:14:53 -0500

My wife always push e to ask ... because a dollar save is a dollar for something else. I am the opposite, I don't ask for it, but if I know you offer it, I would like to hang around more :).

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jan 4 at 2016 4:22 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 16:22:29 -0500

At times I do.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jan 4 at 2016 4:41 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 16:41:04 -0500

I don't ask. I do look to see if it is advertised. I'll also put my military ID down with my card as my form of ID - usually if they have a discount, they'll just tack it on.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jan 4 at 2016 4:57 PM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 16:57:50 -0500

I don't. I don't go out for breakfast/lunch/dinner on Veterans Day either. I'm not ashamed of my service, far from it, I just have never been comfortable asking for a discount.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jan 4 at 2016 5:07 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 17:07:57 -0500

Unless it's over 25% discount and it's a big purchase, I usually don't bother. About the only times I ask for military discount (or benefit) is when it's either posted (ie movie theater) or it is a significant amount of money (ie free checked bags on airlines).

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Jan 4 at 2016 5:13 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 17:13:24 -0500

I normally ask if establishments have military discounts. If they do then great, if not then no problem.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 5:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 17:17:32 -0500

I definitely ask. There's no harm in asking especially if it'll save a bit even if it's a couple dollars. I shop at Home Depot quite often and always bring my retiree card with me. I think I have saved well over a few hundred dollars in total. If a place doesn't offer one then that is okay too but, like many others, I tend to patronize the ones who do offer a discount.

As someone else stated too, when I am able to start my own business I will probably display a sign offering some type of discount to military personnel (with an appropriate and valid ID, of course).

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 4 at 2016 6:37 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 18:37:50 -0500

I always ask for military discounts, especially since I live in a military town (Tucson). But if that business doesn't give one but they have a product or service I'm willing to pay for, I will still give them my money if they don't offer the discount.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 7:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:33:59 -0500

I will ask if the purchase is large, but wont if the total purchase is just a few dollars.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jan 4 at 2016 7:52 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:52:24 -0500

I have never asked for a military discount and also very rarely have ever asked for a senior discount. If someone offers it I take it but I never ask. I do appreciate it when someone offers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 8:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:07:35 -0500

Lol. This is a funny topic for the new year. I must admit I hardly ever asked that discount question when I first enlisted but now it seems I ask for a discount at every store and restaurant I go to. Some offer the discount and some do not. Does not really mean that I won't shop there but it is always good to have. But what does stick in my head is the VARYING discount rates-- some as low as 5-10% and some businesses will give as much as 20% which is the best I have ever seen ie. Footlocker!!!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 8:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:12:31 -0500

I do ask for Veteran's discounts and most of the places I support have them. I show my Veterans card issued by the VA DMV and they are more than happy to give it to me. When I went up to NJ and shopped at Sports Authority, I asked about Veteran's discount, went to pull out my care to show proof and the lady said that was not necessary. She kindly gave it to me. If they don't have it, then no big deal.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 5 at 2016 8:28 AM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 08:28:21 -0500

I ask on occasion if there is a military discount. If they don't have it, I shrug it off and go from there. I don't get mad at them, that just makes us all look like jackasses. Instead, I am grateful for the things that have a discount.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 12:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 12:16:11 -0500

I have been thinking I need to be more conscious of military discounts.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Jan 5 at 2016 12:52 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 12:52:09 -0500

It's a business decision I leave up to the owner of the business. Offering a 10% discount can go a long way in a military town to garner customers. I have saved a LOT of money taking the Military Discount offered by Lowes and Home Depot. I also tend to return to those places which offer the discount a lot more.

Response by SrA Marlin Taylor made Jan 5 at 2016 3:23 PM

SrA Marlin Taylor — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:23:13 -0500

I used to not care about seeing if I was eligible to get a discount. But now days every penny counts so I ask. What I run into a lot now is people that ask for an ID and then have no clue what you are showing them.

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Jan 5 at 2016 3:46 PM

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:46:16 -0500

Yes! I always ask if they have military or veteran discounts. The majority of place don't volunteer that information.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 3:50 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:50:11 -0500

I've asked. When they have them-great. If not so be it.

Response by LCDR Steve Didio made Jan 5 at 2016 3:51 PM

LCDR Steve Didio — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:51:16 -0500

My wife actually got me started regularly asking if stores and restaurants offer military discounts. She is ultra-proud of our family's service. I feel that Veterans are a special group of citizens, and we all should be appreciated. I respect establishments that respect service to country. I always increase tips for servers when a restaurant discounts our meal.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Jan 5 at 2016 11:55 PM

SGT Chris Hill — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 23:55:41 -0500

Not unless I'm asked. I never have felt entitled to discounts.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 3:38 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 15:38:44 -0500

Just to see, I have been asking here in the UK if they offer military discounts. I was surprised to find out that they do. Everywhere I have asked didn't discriminate between the UK/US forces on who can receive the discount. Awesome Job UK!!! I don't mind if a business doesn't offer a discount whether in US or UK I know times are hard especially for the little businesses.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Jan 6 at 2016 4:18 PM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:18:33 -0500

As a retired Marine, I appreciate discounts that some business offer to service members. I don't ask a merchant or business for a discount unless I know it's a policy. For example any service member with an active duty or retired ID card can get a discount at Lowes or Home Depot. For me that is an incentive to buy there (when you are spending 18k on home upgrades particularly)

I typically wear a retired Marine cap - primarily because after 20 years I feel odd without a hat on my head. If a business notices and says 'hey, are you retired' and offer a discount for it, great - am I more likely to patronize that business in the future - certainly.

There are businesses that offer discounts to firemen, police officers, teachers - some from a genuine sense of respect or appreciation, others because it makes good business sense.

So - bottom line: I don't ask but if there is one, but if offered, great. If they don't have a discount, it doesn't mean I won't shop there.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 6 at 2016 11:56 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 23:56:11 -0500

Main times I ask are with hotels and renting things like bikes, cars, gear. No problem if they don't have a discount.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 7 at 2016 9:04 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 09:04:24 -0500

If they have 'em, great. If they don't have 'em, great. I don't get emotional either way. I have most of our local businesses figured out now so I rarely have to ask. I do tend to frequent the establishments that offer Vet discounts because I want to support businesses that support us.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 12:30 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 12:30:32 -0500

I also ask and thank them either way. It is something that everyone that served - it doesn't matter if you were in combat or in a support role - or that you did all your service during peace time. You did your service and with the exception of getting an other than honorable or bad conduct discharge, you should be rewarded for that service. It is no different than using the base services, VA medical centers, etc. No matter when you served you gave up more than an average citizen gives for this country. I ask proudly and always say thank you when I get the response No, but thank you for your service. If they only want to give it once a year - on veteran's day so be it. It is their right, just as it is my right to go to the other store that does give the discount the other 364 days of the year. You served proud and no one can take it away from anyone of us.

Response by Cpl Randal Van Es made Jan 7 at 2016 1:11 PM

Cpl Randal Van Es — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 13:11:37 -0500

My wife does this for me. She asks for military or law enforcement because sometimes we get 50% at alot of places as LE. I will take whatever they are willing to give i am grateful for and smile even if they say no.

Response by PO1 Melody Wenz made Jan 9 at 2016 3:57 PM

PO1 Melody Wenz — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 15:57:28 -0500

ALWAYS!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 9:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:50:43 -0500

I do ask if they have military discounts because many businesses offer it. Now if they respond with no and often times employees apologize that they don't or no longer offer it, I have no issue. Sometimes when you don't ask and the employee is quite familiar USAA card, they would ask if you're a service member so they can give you a discount. I'm grateful for businesses/establishments that offer discounts but WE shouldn't feel entitled to one if its not offered. Just my thoughts.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Aug 13 at 2017 8:47 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 08:47:29 -0400

I ask if they give military discount.
If not no big deal. I do shop at Lowes more than Home Depot because of the 10% discount Lowes gives. For you outdoors types, Cabelas now gives 5% military discount. I signed up last night

Response by PO1 J Lewis made Aug 13 at 2017 9:26 AM

PO1 J Lewis — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 09:26:51 -0400

If you're a veteran or on active duty or reserve components take your retired ID, or your VA card or DD-214 to the customer service desk at Lowes and they will give you a My Lowes card that identifies you as a veteran. You'll get a 10% discount. Usually I'll ask for the discount if I'm spending over $25.00, I've seen people ask for the discount on a $1.99 pack of lightbulbs.