Why do senior Citizens always expect a discount?

Question

I have worked for Strauss Auto for 3 years. Almost everyday at the register a senior citizen expected a discount. Their eye brows would go up in confusion. What should we do?

Answer 1

Problem is, you got to fix your car

Fix your house,

Fix your teeth,

And you do this on an income that is also fixed,

The discount comes in handy, and we deserve it for putting up with you young uns.

Answer 2

The reason that seniors like to have a discount is because they are on a fixed income and it helps their money go further. They spend (for the most part) a lot of money on medicine as it is.

Around here, seniors get a discount (about 10%) everyday in some stores. But then again some stores also have a certain day of the week that they give a bigger discount to seniors. That discount is more than the 10%. It is something like 20% or so.

Answer 3

you could put a sign up in a place that can not be missed that says something similar to
. Please be on the look out for upcoming specials that Strauss Auto will be offering in ( your local paper )
and when they ask do you have a senior discount just say
yes we have this so and so special ( pretend you dont understand that they want a discount because they are old ) that way you have some thing positive to say and not just "no we dont offer a senior discount"

Answer 4

I don't think we expect it. But I know we sure appreciate it from a business that offers. Having come to living a repititious life living on a low SS, there is more month at the end of the money. And so there's often a juggling act to get something unexpected paid instead of paying that months utility bills.
Often when something unexpected comes up that needs an
immediate cash output, it throws us into a quandry of what is
the more important. So we borrow from Peter, to pay Paul,
as the saying goes.
Auto repairs are far from inexpensive, and can cause a
major upheaval in ones budget of a senior lifestyle. We often
have to go without something we consider a necessity, when
this unexpected cash demand hits us. So feel some empathy
for the poor seniors who have to live within the lines each
month and who don't have any 401k's to fall back on. There
are too many of us out there, just hanging on by our fingernails.

Answer 5

Simply state that Strauss Auto does not offer a Senior Discount and that you're sorry about that. They can choose to grumble about it, complain to management or shop somewhere else.
Senior discounts matter when you don't have a lot of money and sometimes those discounts counteract the state taxes.

Answer 6

I don't think seniors 'expect' a discount, but are just asking to take advantage of it if you do have one. I agree that it would be good if you gave 10% off one day a week. Then you could put up a sign and see how many seniors come in that day, you may realize how it brings business in.

The funny thing is when I lived in FL in the 1980's and worked in retail people got upset when I'd mention the senior discount, though they were definitely seniors. I'm glad people are prouder now days of the years they've lived.

Answer 7

I am not sure who started the discounts for senior citizens - I would venture to say the government. People are living longer these days and the older they get, in order for them to continue to participate in the commercial America, there has to be some concessions to allow their income to be included. I also believe that senior citizens worked in their youth and made contributions to society which have benefited the next generation of citizens. Their life experience, contributions and wisdom EARNS them the right to be treated with respect and care, whether or not they are rich or poor; simply because they have earned the respect of the younger generations, I believe that simple discounts are a small price to pay for the totality of wisdom and work they have done to support future generations. Don't look at it that seniors "expect" discounts -but all across America discounts are offered in many businesses and other organizations to attract and support the seniors of our society. If for some reason a business does 'not' offer a discount, they might have just been surprised.

I am 54 - when I reach the age of senior, I sure hope the discounts are available for me. I know that as a teacher, my retirement income is not going to support me - I have to do other things to help support myself. I don't want to reside in a nursing home, and I pray that I have loved my daughter enough that she will continue to feel compassion toward me and will want to help me should the need arrive.

If you don't offer discounts, just tell them. Then talk to your managers - it might be time that they consider it since you have stated that 'almost everyday' - a senior has visited your shop. It means that they trust you, they are frequenting your business. It might be an effort on your manager's part to consider discounts. Might increase your business....

Answer 8

Senior Citizens do not "expect" a discount. Most buisnesses including restautants offer senior discounts. You should offer senior citizen discounts. Most seniors live on a meager income. They are loyal to the businesses who also help them.
Seniors are dependable spenders. Get on board with 2007, give the discount.

Answer 9

You should know by now that this is just good business and a way to draw in more business.

Advertising such as in the newspaper and yellow pages should note a discount for seniors. 10% or less will not break your company and just think of what it could do in new revenue.

Seniors talk with one another. If they've got a good deal with good customer service and follow-up, others definitely will hear about it. Word of mouth sometimes is better than news print or yellow pages. It's the service that follows, if it's good....well, you know the rest.

Answer 10

Don't know why not, but it's the stores right to refuse to give the discount to anyone other than the senior. Classier to not ask someone to call that type attention to themselves. (worry about your own skivvies -- mine are sanfordized so they don't wad) Think I misunderstood the question: If what's being bought is with a recipiant that's furnishing the funds and is not entitled to the discount, it may/may not be legal, but it's the ultimate in 'CHEAPO' and disgusting.

Answer 11

Seniors don't expect discounts. They are offered discounts because of limited funds.

Even the movie theatres give discounts. Grocery stores give them one day a week.

If you own this company, why not offer a discount. You will get more business.