For Military Folks...Have You...?

Question

Have you ever felt kinda weird being on leave and asking for a military discount? And then when they say no, you feel like you are asking too much? I mean I dont serve to be recognized but I like saving a couple bucks too. What is your opinion?

Answer 1

NEVER feel like you are asking too much! You or your spouse are serving our country, and deserve and compensation our government has to offer. We are retired after 20 years of service and you can bet every time we check into a hotel or even go to an amusement park we ask for a military discount. If they dont have one available we in NO way feel guilty. We have served our country well in combat and on home land and deserve all that we have comming. You know as well as I do that we could have had a civilian job that offered more pay but we made the choice to server our country. After many years of service its the least our country can do for us. Stand Tall!

Answer 2

Military discounts are great! They shouldn't be an incentive for service in the military or a compulsory business practice to save the government money, but a way for a business to voluntarily show their respect and appreciation.

I don't feel any kind of shame for asking, if the business in question has a policy on military discounts. If I save two dollars at the cinema on a Defence ticket, that'd leave me enough money to get a Burger King at their special Defence discount. If businesses are happy to do that, then they've just earned a new regular customer.

Answer 3

I agree it's good to save. If there was a military discount, I'd take it, but wouldn't be too upset if there wasn't. I got to deal with this in a way after getting out, too, cause I went into a law enforcement job. Some places will offer and, of course, I'd accept. I mean I'm not Gates or Trump. If the place doesn't offer, oh well. But, if they offer a student and/or senior discount, then I feel they should also offer a military one.

Answer 4

I don't feel bad about asking ahead of time if they have a military discount. They either do or don't. It doesn't mean that I'm going to change my decision. You will find that in some cases that even if they don't have one they will still give you some type of discount because they respect what you are doing. The times that I feel the best using a military discount is when it can help others out, like when I buying a gift for someone one or if I have someone with me and I can help them out by saving them a little money.

Answer 5

In general, we only use the discount if we see if offered on a sign in the store or in the mall directory. However, when it comes to things like airline tickets, hotel reservations, entry into large amusement parks or major purchases like our car, we always ask. The worse that happens is they say no. More often than not, we're given some sort of dicount and,in cases where one was not already in place, many of the business have begun to or since put one in place because of our inquiry. If you are in a business near a military installation, pointing out that a military discount can help them get in more customers often gets folks thinking.

Answer 6

I don't think that I have ever asked for a military discount while shopping. I've tried it with airlines and rental cars, but not in Target or Walmart.

I don't think that it would have bothered me one way or the other. UNLESS, they were just rude about it. You know the type I mean. If I didn't get satisfaction after talking with the manager, then I probably would leave my stuff on the counter, walk out, and let everyone know (email is wonderful) just what kind of service I received.

Answer 7

I have never asked for a military discount. The only time that I was concerned was when the Nimitz battle group came back to Norfolk. Jimmy Carter showed up and the town came out with all kinds of discounts if you were part of the Nimitz battergroup. The battle group relieved my ship which had been underway for 8 months (a destroyer) and we ran out of food. Our reward, orders to wear our dress blues while that farmer was on the base. Most of us found something to do in town that day.

Answer 8

I feel awkward asking if they have a discount. Normally i dont ask but when i do i feel bad. I mean i didnt join the military to get discounts on stuff...

Answer 9

My husband and I feel that since he puts so much of his time into the army and has fought for his country (he is currently serving his 3rd tour in Iraq) that it is nice if they offer something. we usually will ask but dont get upset if they don't. Sometimes they don't advertise the discount but will give it to you if you ask. You can save quite a bit.

I know right now Busch Gardens and Seaworld is offering free admission to their themed parks for the active duty military member and 3 family members. And with most of Fort Stewart being deployed right now, over 50 businesses are offering a "Deployment Discount Program" where we present our DDP card, if our spouse is deployed, and we get a certain percentage off sercvices or things and sometimes get free kids meals.

Its worth it to ask, no harm no foul. With what service members do for this county sometimes it just shows that people do support us and this is their way of sharing and showing their support for the military. They wouldnt offer if they didnt want us to take advantage of it.

Answer 10

I don't ask for it. I mean if a retaurant or amusement park or something offers it then I take it. I really hate it when people find out you are military and want to give you money. That's just weird. I mean its nice but I'm not a charity case.