Something wrong...

[Sierra Tango]

I just got a price quote from the service station on base for 5 tires, and the mounted price is over $400 more than my local discount tire. Things aren't what they used to be. Is it just me, or is the exchange pretty much not worth a shit any more?

[Sr. Beaver]

Nailed it, walmart beats AAFES almost every time

[CutterN55]

They should price match...least I think so... I know they used to. Is the service station affiliated with the exchange?

[miljeep]

When I wrote the corporate HQ about the pricing, this is the reply I got:

Basically, they told me that some stuff is discounted, some stuff is not and that they have to jack up the prices to fulfill their financial obligation to MWR. So remember that when you see all those signs saying they donated X number of dollars to MWR. They donated because they have an "obligation" to do so, not necessarily because after giving us great deals they had some extra money in the bank that could be donated.

AAFES is worthless and having even one other competitor on post would help open their eyes. I would love to see some land opened up on post for a walmart.

-----------------------

SFC XXXXX,

On behalf of the AAFES Commander, I would like to thank you for your
comment and allowing me this opportunity to respond. I apologize that
our cashier did not honor the AAFES We'll Match It Program Policy.

Our goal is to offer merchandise to our customers at an average
"overall" savings of 20 percent when compared to outside retail prices.
This does not mean we have the lowest price on everything in our stores,
everyday of the year, although we try hard to do so. We also have a
financial commitment to support MWR with our earnings.

Outside retailing has changed dramatically. AAFES faces increasingly
stiff competition, and there are many ways outside retailers can
undersell us on items. For example: Outside retailers feature "loss
leaders" to draw customer's into their stores with hope of making up the
loss on other higher priced items. For this reason we implemented a
price matching program. We empower every associate with the authority
to adjust any price challenge less than $10, hassle free.

Again I apologize your challenge was not honored and for the poor
service you received at one of our Shoppettes. We continually emphasize
helpful and courteous service in our training. Our Retail Business
Manager has recently been doing one on one training at all our
Shoppettes on the We'll Match It Program. To assist us could you please
identify which Shoppette you were shopping at?

I appreciate this opportunity to respond to your comment. If you ever
encounter an indifferent associate or one that does not honor the We'll
Match It Program, please notify the manager on duty immediately.



Sincerely,



XXXXX X. XXXXXXX

[jeepdreamer]

The biggest flaw is that they have the manopoly on post. And some places (like Ft Bliss or Hood) are so big that it becomes a matter of gas savings and convienence over price. How many young Joe's living in the "B's" will head to the over priced shoppette instead of going shopping off post? The just want a poweraid or something and end up spending 30 bucks to keep from having to make the trip. The system is set up to suck the money out of the soldiers already think pockets. I would think that since AAFFES is on post, likely not paying for the building, the utilities, taxes, and are supposed to be non-profit ( I think?)...why can't they just sell at cost? I'm one that lives in the "B's"...it takes me about 10 minutes to drive to the closest shoppette for a gallon of milk. That jug is about 5-6 bucks! If I go off post I am guarenteed a 45 min adventure at best and the extra gas for the distance. But the closest grocery store usually has milk for about 1.99-2.50 a gallon. And the whole price match thing is far more hassle than they let on. You are the one that has to research it. You are the one that has to proove it is the same item. And it is YOU that are slowing up the line of people trying to check out while looking like Scrooge...That I don't care for at all!

[Cole]

We empower every associate with the authority
to adjust any price challenge less than $10, hassle free.

within ten dollars? that's useless. I just think it's absurd that a for profit company has sanction to be on post without competition. Stupid. even the ten BKs on every post have to compete with Taco Johns and whatever other BS places they have.

[CJ_Tiz]

The only thing I buy on base is Vegetables and Meat from the Commissary. They are by far the best price in Jacksonville and better quality than the grocery stores that are local. I also buy my Beer and Liquor at the NEX (for you other guys its the navy's BX/PX) you can't beat 13$ cases and the last time I went they had handles of Crown for 32$. I stay far far away from everything else.

[Cole]

as far as I know, the commisary and the class 6 are subsidized and not part of aafes. They do usually have good prices on booze. I also buy a lot of meat at the commisary.

[jeepdreamer]

X2. Meat is about it at the Com. And that more so because I don't know if I trust the "meat" in the El Paso area not to be the remains of some illegal... But I even will usually buy my Guinness off post at a big beer depo/beer barn place. even with tax its a couple cents cheaper and I have no love for the AFFES system.

[JeepinSoldier]

Tire rack - usually the best prices I can find except for sales. They ship them right to your door. Then take em to the auto craft shop on post and have them mounted and balanced for $10 each.

http://www.tirerack.com/index_w.jsp