Military Discounts Anyone?

There is one really nice perk about being affiliated with the military and having a husband who is currently serving...the freebies and discounts! I've gone ahead and scoured the internet as well as my own circle of friends, to share some of the discounts we've been privileged to get. Take a look...

Before we get started, not all stores will carry the same discounts across the board. For the most part, national retail chains will honor these discounts, but I have come across some independently owned stores, where they will not honor them, and there are a variety of reasons why they may not be playing....Regardless, follow these tips:

• I make it a point of asking in every new store or restaurant I go to, even if it is a local "mom and pop" store. You just never know, and I've been pleasantly surprised MANY times.
• If it's a store you've never shopped in before, check the customer service desk first. I've made the mistake of loading up a cart and then asking at check-out and being denied. That's embarrassing!
• Ask "Do you have a military discount?" and make sure you have your dependent ID card with you. They may or may not ask to see it at checkout.
• After they ring you up, check your receipt to make sure you got it (sometimes the clerks can get distracted) and always thank them and smile
• Sometimes, stores change whether they will offer a discount or not (case in point, Home Depot and Lowe's). So even if they don't do it one year, they may the next!
  

10% Discount

Best Buy
Circuit City
Marriot Hotels
Home Depot
Lowe's
some movie theaters

20% Discount

Footlocker
Sears Portrait Studio
Franklin Covey

30% Discount

Daytimer military discount use code "182868"

50% Discount

Johnny Rockets Restaurant

Free to Military

San Diego Zoo (active duty free; dependents 10% off)

http://www.herosalute.com/ free entrance to Seaworld/Busch Gardens/Adventure Island/Water Country USA and Sesame Place (1x annually for service member and up to 3 direct dependents)

"Beach Homes for the Brave" complimentary stay and amenities in Palm Island, Florida beach houses for wounded servicemembers

Other Options and Discounts

• Always ask for the goverment military rate at any hotel and compare that price with the other prices being offered
  

• Some places that have varying discounts include Alltel, Bass Pro Shops and Hampton Inn
  

• AT&T/Cingular 19% w/2 year contract in military member's name

Websites and Programs to Check Out

militaryavenue.com

OperationOpenArms.com in South Florida

Military.com's List

4 Military Families

Military Spot.com's Discounts

Free Stuff for Military Families

Have you been able to find some good discounts?