Posted on 07/26/2017 8:19:10 AM PDT by Pilgrim's Progress
FROM THE ARTICLE:
Would you like to be able to shop on the online military exchanges and enjoy tax free shopping, military discount pricing, and other benefits? Then read on. Your wish is about to come true!
Like all retailers, the Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) and the Navy Exchange (NEX) are looking for ways to improve their business model. But unlike many other retailers, better business for AAFES and NEX means better quality of life for military members, as some of the profits are distributed back to the military community—to the tune of around $300 million annually.
Due to the changing environment and force reductions, the Defense Department’s Executive Resale Board voted to allow online access to honorably-discharged military veterans. This is scheduled to go live on Veterans Day 2017 and could return upwards of an additional $100 million to the military communities.
If the prices are better than Amazon, I’ll sign up.
Welcome to the 21st Century, AAFES...................
Just received my OKAY letter:
Thank You!
You can begin shopping on November 11, 2017.
Thank you for applying to participate in the Veterans online shopping benefit. Congratulations! You have been verified and can begin shopping when this benefit launches on November 11, 2017. The exchanges will keep you updated with important developments.
Share the good news with your friends!
(uh, FReepers are my friends!)
Veteran’s Day!.............(And the day after the Marine Corps Birthday!)...............
Just signed up!....................
Maybe I slipped in under the fence, but I’ve been shopping on-line ever since I retired (28 years) in 2007.
As a retiree you are authorized on-base exchange and commissary shopping as well. It’s part of your package. Not so for veterans, until now.
Great link!
Retirees have always been able to shop online at AAFES. Now with sales down they needed to do something to get them up so DOD will let any honorably discharged vet use the AAFES online website. I’m retired also and the only savings in AAFES is the tax savings. The prices are about the same as off-base, with WalMart being cheaper. Amazon prices are also cheaper.
None-retirees can’t shop on base in the BX or Commissary. But they can now use the online AAFES site.
Bfl
In my experience, the prices and deals at AAFES are simply not competitive with WalMart, Amazon, or other venues. The only advantage is taxes.
Tax Free to be compared w Amazon’s free shipping.
I tried this earlier in the year and received an error code - tried it again today and received the same codes EVS-6033 and 1022.
If any of you get this do not call the number on the page which is the main number for Veterans Affairs. Instead call the Support number (You’ll be transferred there if you call the main number) - 800-983-0937.
I spoke with a Gabriel who opened a ticket and was told I’ll be contacted in a few days.
I figure the states will figure out how to recoup their own losses - is this declarable? do you think?
My memories from the 1970’s is that the quality of the purchases from the exchange were far superior than anything I found at Wal-Mart. Has that changed?
Of course, I’m talking about a day when the stereo components weren’t all wrapped up in a single plastic box.
I recall buying wedding rings for around $500.00 that was easily around $1000 off base.
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