I-Team Goes Undercover To Test Military Discount Promises
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 I-TEAM) - It's not uncommon to see retail stores now-a-days, big and small, honor our active military and veterans for their service by offering them a discount. But after a viewer reached out to the CBS 11 I-Team, worried some of these stores weren't living up to their end of the bargain, we sent a crew undercover to find out more.
The I-Team went undercover at thirteen stores around North Texas and ten of them gave us the military discount, no problems. But there were three stores where fine-print problems popped up, serving as a good example of what you need to know before asking for the discount.
We recruited three veterans to help us with this story. Billy Sexton, Navy veteran, David Young, Air Force veteran, and Wirt "Stoney" Jackson, an Army veteran, are are all current employees with CBS 11 that agreed to help. Their mission included visiting a total of thirteen different North Texas stores and restaurants that currently advertise some sort of military discount or might have in the recent past.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's offered up the discount on any items we purchased, promotional or regular priced, as long as we showed them some sort of military ID.
The one Billy Sexton used while shopping isn't even valid anymore; but it was enough to get him the discount.
Undercover Interaction:
Billy Sexton: "Do you give a discount for former active duty?"
Lowe's Clerk: "Yes we do."
Billy Sexton: "Do you need to see my ID card?"
Lowe's Clerk: "Yes, please."
Under Armor and Bass Pro Shop also lived up to their promises, even thanking our veterans for their service.
Undercover Interaction:
Under Armor Clerk: "Yeah, we support you guys 100%."
[Speaking to Wirt "Stoney" Jackson.]
Undercover Interaction:
David Young: "Do you still give the military discount?"
Bass Pro Shop Clerk: "Yes, sir. Absolutely. Thank you for serving."
David Young: "Thank you."
In all we had thirteen success stories that included:
· Home Depot (2 locations)
· Lowe's
· Party City
· Bass Pro Shops
· Nike
· Pep Boys
· Payless Shoe Source
· Boston Market
· Under Armor
"It was nice to know that, you know, people or companies appreciated the sacrifice that veterans made to serve their country; to go out and put their lives on the line for their country," Jackson told us.
But during our shopping trips, our undercover crew ran into some fine print problems at three stores.
Undercover Interaction:
Billy Sexton: "I'm former military. Do you guys give discounts for veterans?"
Foot Locker Clerk: "Yes, sir."
The employees had every intention of giving us a discount; however, because we bought items that were on special, two packages of socks at the price of one (2-for-1), the military discount didn't apply. This kind of policy isn't unheard of at some stores and prevents double-dipping.
We also stopped by a Chick-fil-A, where a manager explained that their particular store didn't participate in the military discount program. At Chick-fil-A there's no corporate policy requiring each store to give a military discount. Instead, the decision is left up to the individual restaurant owners. Some choose to give a discount, others don't, and the amounts may vary.
"The person that waited on us, I don't think knew the policy, but he immediately got a manager," David Young remembered. "And she explained and told us a couple of stores that did offer the discount. They were the ones closer to the Navy base in Fort Worth. And that made sense. They were very cordial about it."
O'Reilly Auto Parts was one of the last stores we visited. Initially, the employee helping us seems unsure of how the discount works.
Undercover Interaction:
Wirt "Stoney" Jackson: "Hey, I heard y'all give military discounts."
O'Reilly Clerk: "Yea, we can give it a try and see if it does anything on this."
While our crew is in the store and near the register, it looks like the employee types something discount-related into the computer. But when he rings us up there seems to be no discount applied.
Undercover Interaction:
O'Reilly Clerk: "It can vary on parts. Maybe like on belts you might get a bigger discount than you do on a starter or alternator."
Wirt "Stoney" Jackson: "Oh, so, it's not like a certain percentage?"
O'Reilly Clerk: "No. No, not a certain percentage."
The clerk suggests visiting O'Reilly's corporate website for more information. But before visiting any of these locations, we made sure to research all of the companies' history with military discounts. On O'Reilly's website they clearly say they give military discounts. But they don't say how much or on which products.
"Based upon those responses, I'm saying to myself, well you're the employer. You know, you work here, you should know these types of things," Jackson said.
CBS 11 I-Team Reporter Mireya Villarreal spoke with an O'Reilly Auto Parts corporate spokesperson, Mark Merz, who tried to clarify their discount program. Turns out, the company does offer a discount. But they don't offer a discount on every product line; and it can literally vary from one brand to the next. The company tells us it will base its discounts on profit. If an item has a larger profit margin, a veteran would likely get a bigger discount. But if that margin is small, or doesn't exist at all, then they might not get anything.
Undercover Interaction:
Wirt "Stoney" Jackson: "Wow. So, it's more like a guessing game?"
O'Reilly Clerk: [Shrugs and makes funny face.] "It's a computer thing I guess."
Jeanette Kopko with the Dallas Better Business Bureau weighed in on our story.
"It is absolutely essential that they make sure they are following the terms of their discount offer," Kopko noted.
Kopko says using the word "discount" is a powerful way to get people in the door, but it also comes with some big responsibilities.
"It should be communicated to all their employees so if someone asks for it, they're seeking that discount, they have no problem getting it or they understand what the limitations and conditions are," Kopko added.
So, bottom line, if you think you're entitled to a military discount, ask for it. But be advised the policy might not be offered at all stores and, if it is, it could be just on full price items.
O'Reilly Auto Parts apologized and said they do plan to retrain the employees at that Dallas store on how the discount works. But they wanted to clarify, even though the worker helping us wasn't clear on the discount and neither was our receipt, we did receive a small discount on a bottle of Tuff Stuff where we paid $4.27. The discount was 5% which equaled out to $.22. However, that same product is now on sale for $3.99.
A spokesperson for Chick-fil-A also wanted to let customers know they'll be hosting a Military Appreciation Night on May 21, 2014 and all their DFW-based stores will be participating.
The table below lists more than 150 companies that offer military discounts:
COMPANY | REQUIREMENTS | DISCOUNT | |
24 Hour Fitness | Military ID | Pay No Initiation Fee | |
1st in Flowers | Use code USMilitary | 15% off for Military & Families | |
ACE Rent A Car | Military ID | 15% off | |
AC Lens | Military ID | 10% off any transaction | |
Alamo Car Rental | Military or Govt ID | Amount of discount not listed / Use Code | |
Alfred Angelo | Military ID | 15% off Bridal Gown | |
American Airlines Cargo | Military ID, Discharge Papers, Tan Uniform Services Dept ID | 50% off published rates for shipping pets | |
American Car Craft | Code HERO-20 | 20% off order | |
American Family Insurance | If had insurance lapse, insurance given as if had continuous coverage | ||
Amtrak | Valid active-duty ID card | 10% off train fares | |
Anna's Linens | Call Customer Service for online purchase or Military ID in store | 10% off entire purchase | |
Antique Jewelry Mall | Proof of active or reserve duty | 5% discount and free shipping | |
Applebee's | Show proof by Military ID, provide photograph or wear uniform | Free entrée on Veterans Day | |
Armed Forces Eyewear | Up to 50% off retail | ||
Armed Forces Vacation Club | Vacations for military families of $349 per week | ||
A Story Before Bed | Free recording to parents in US Military | ||
AT&T Wireless | DD Form 214 or Veteran's ID | 15% discount on qualified monthly wireless plans | |
Audi USA | US Military serving overseas or Department of Defense ID card holder | 100% price protection, 100% money-back guarantee, and special military pricing | |
AXO | Sheer ID verification | Special discounted prices | |
AVIS | Free Collision, No Additional or Underage Driver Fees, Free Unlimited Mileage, Competitive Rate | ||
Bass Pro Shops | Military ID | 10% discount at checkout | |
Beaches by Sandals | Military ID or discharge certificate | 10% off current promotions | |
Berklee Online | Approved tuition assistance voucher | 20% discount | |
Best Bully Sticks | Military email address | 15% discount with promo code | |
Best Buy's Geek Squad | 50% off In-Home Technology Consultation and 50% off Remote Desktop Support | ||
Best Western | Military ID or work orders | Low discount hotel rates | |
Blade Buddy | Enter code at checkout | 25% discount | |
Blinds Chalet | Military email address | Discount on blinds, shades and shutters | |
Brides Across America | Military ID or deployment papers | Pre Register for free Wedding Dresses in event city near you | |
|
Get free banner or jumbo card for troops returning home | ||
Budget Rent A Car | Military ID | 25% off car rentals for Veterans Advantage members | |
California Southern University | 10% tuition discount for military service members including spouses and children in certain online degree programs | ||
Chevys Fresh Mex | Military ID or in uniform | 20% discount | |
Choice Hotels | Military ID | Competitive Govt Rates | |
Chrysler | Overseas Military Personnel exclusive rebates and affordable financing | ||
Clipper Vacations | Military ID | Special rates | |
Costco Wholesale | Sheer ID verification | Join as a new member and receive over $50 in savings | |
Cube Smart | Military ID | 20% off storage | |
DELL | Military email address | 10% off select PC's | |
Delta Vacations | Military email address | Save $50 to $200 on vacation package; discounted flights; bonus mileage points | |
DOLLAR Rent A Car | Veterans Advantage members | 5% discount plus fee waivers for additional driver | |
Door to Door Storage | Military Relocation discounts | ||
Dream Stone | Discount Code USTROOPS | Discount on all orders | |
Earth Fare Supermarket | 10% discount on food | ||
eders.com | Register for membership | Free yearly membership and 4-45% savings | |
Fandango | Military ID | Participating theaters | |
Ford | Overseas Military Members receive great deals to lease or purchase Ford and Lincoln vehicles | ||
Geico Insurance | Emergency Deployment Discounts and insurance discounts to members of certain Military related organizations | ||
General Motors | Discounts on eligible vehicles combined with current incentives | ||
Gift Express | CODE: USA | 20% savings on minimum purchase of $39.95 | |
Gold's Gym | Current Military pay stub | 20% off dues at Gold's Gym | |
Great Wolf Lodge | Military ID | 10% discount | |
Greyhound | Military ID | 10% discount off walk-up fares; travel for a maximum fare of $259 round trip anywhere | |
Guide to Military Travel.com | Discounts on selected travel destinations | ||
Harley Davidson | Military Advantage Program | Exclusive motorcycle buying program for military deployed oversees | |
Helzberg Diamonds | Verifiable active military | 10% discount | |
Hertz Car Rental | Discounted rates and unlimited mileage | ||
Hewlett Packard | Sign up for program | Up to 10% off computers | |
Hickory Farms | Free shipping to APO/FPO addresses | Military Gifts | |
Homewood Mountain Resort | Valid Common Access Card | Free non-holiday lift tickets | |
Howard Johnson | Proper ID at check-in | Offers rates within the allowable per diem | |
Hypnosis.org | Call to register | Military interested in a career in hypnosis receive 20% off certification course | |
Infiniti | Provide proof of service | Exclusive, pre-set new vehicle pricing | |
Jelly Bean Quilts | Contact for details | Special rates on memory quilts | |
Jellystone Park Camp Resorts | Military ID | 10% - 15% off campsites depending on location | |
JJ's House | Link to military discounts for wedding dresses and accessories | ||
Kaplan University | Military Education Benefits | ||
Keystone School | Active duty Military ID | 10% off tuition | |
Kinder Care Learning Centers | Reduced tuition rates | ||
Foot Locker | Veterans Advantage members | 20% off purchase | |
La Quinta Inn & Suites | Gov't ID | Special Rates | |
Larson Jewelers | Military email address or ID | 5% discount | |
LegoLand California | Military Credentials | 10% off one-day admission | |
LegoLand Florida | Military ID | Free Admission plus additional family member discounts | |
Lone Star Steakhouse | 20% discount every Monday; 10% off every other day | ||
Lowe's | Military ID | 10% discount | |
Man Crates | Military ID | 10% discount | |
Marriott | Valid Military form | Per diem rates | |
Massage Envy | Join Massage Envy to receive $60 yearly discount | ||
Meineke | Discount on select services; search store for details | ||
Microsoft Office 365 | Savings of 30% | ||
|
Online tax filing service at no cost | ||
Modern Furniture for Home | Military ID | 10% discount | |
Moissanite Bridal | Military email address | 5% discount on engagement rings | |
Motel 6 | Military ID | 10% discount | |
National Car Rental | Military ID | Discounted rates | |
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass | Military ID | Entrance to most state and federal parks | |
Navy Federal Credit Union | 1/4% APR for select loans | ||
Dr. Michael Pasquale Aloha Plastic Surgery | 5% discount for military and spouses | ||
Nickelodeon Suites Resort | Military ID | 15% off accommodations; 10% off food & drinks | |
Nike | Military ID | 10% off at Nike Stores | |
Nissan | Provide proof of service | Exclusive Vehicle Savings | |
Norwegian Cruise Line | Military ID | 10% savings | |
Oakley | Military email address | Discount available through website after registration | |
Olan Mills | Free 8x10 with $3.99 traditional portrait sheets | ||
Old Navy | Military ID | Military Monday receive 10% off purchase | |
Operation: Love United | Free professional photography sessions | ||
O'Reilly Auto Parts | Military ID | Discount in store | |
Outback Steakhouse | Identification | 10% discount | |
Overstock.com | Verification through Troop ID | Free Club O membership to 5% rewards & free shipping | |
Pacific Science Center | Valid ID | Discounted admission rates | |
Payless Shoe Source | Military ID | 10% off entire purchase | |
Park Ride Fly USA | Military or Veterans ID | Discount Airport Parking | |
Penske Truck Rental | Military ID | Book rental only for 10% off and additional 10% off when truck is picked up | |
Pep Boys | Military or Veterans ID | 10% discount every Tues, Wed and Thurs | |
PODS | Discounted storage rates | ||
Portrait Innovations | 10% savings on all purchases | ||
ProFlowers | Up to 20% savings | ||
Pro Fox Racing | Military Discount Form | 10% discount | |
Red Roof Inn | Discounted Room Rates | ||
Regent University | Apply for Military Discount | Discounted Tuition Rate | |
Royal Caribbean International | Special Rates on Selected Sailings | ||
Saint Joseph's University | Military ID | Tuition Discount | |
Sally Beauty Supply | Military ID | Membership Fee Waived | |
Sam's Club | Military ID | Receive $15 gift card after joining or renewing Sam's Club membership | |
Sandals Resorts | Military ID | 10% savings | |
Scorpyd Crossbow | Call to verify | 10% discount | |
Scion | Active duty Military ID | $500 rebate | |
Shari's Berries | Verify Military status | 25% discount | |
Sea World Parks & Entertainment | Military ID | Complimentary Admission | |
Ship Any Car | Discounts for car transport | ||
Shoney's Restaurants | Must be in uniform | 15% off | |
Showcase Cinemas | Active Service ID | $7 for general admission and $5 for matinee and children | |
Sitter City | Free Membership to help find sitter for family | ||
Since1910.com | 5% discount for engagement rings | ||
Snowshoe Mountain Resort | Military ID | 50% off midweek and value season lift tickets | |
Smith & Wesson | Copy of Leave & Earnings Statement | Up to $100 rebate on selected firearms | |
Survival Optics Sunglasses | Coupon Code | 25% off Sunglasses | |
Sport Clips Haircuts | Military ID | Special Pricing on services | |
Stanton Home | 3% discount on any new home and discounts on additional services | ||
Starwood Hotels | Provide appropriate ID | Special rates | |
Target Portrait Studios | Military ID | Coupon to receive 50% off portrait collections, one free 8x10 and free sitting fees | |
Thrifty.com | Car Rental Discounts | ||
Tough Mudder | Troop ID Verification | $10 rebate off registration price | |
Toyota | Verifiable proof of military status | $500 rebate toward any new Toyota vehicle | |
Trident University | Tuition Discount | ||
Tutor.com | Free online tutoring | ||
Under Armour | Troop ID Verification | 10% discount for veterans and service members | |
United States Post Office | Military Care Kit | ||
Veterans Advantage | Enroll | Provides access to discounts | |
Veterans Tickets Foundation | Enroll | Provides event tickets to veterans | |
Verizon Wireless | Military Email address; ID card; paystub | Discount on monthly plans | |
Victory Motors | Discount on Victory Models | ||
Volkswagen | Volkswagen Credit offers unique incentives | ||
Volvo | Vehicle offers | ||
Wedding Rings Depot | Military ID | 10% discount | |
White Flash Diamonds | Military ID | 1% discount | |
Wilsons Leather | Military ID | 10% discount | |
Yankee Candle | Military ID | 10% discount | |
YMCA | Contact Military OneSource or Military ID | Free and discounted memberships | |
Zoara Engaging Diamonds & Jewelry | Military email | 5% discount |