BX program ensures troops pay lowest possible price

Published April 21, 2009
By Lynn Masters
Mountain Home Army & Air Force Exchange Service

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- A recent Army & Air Force Exchange Service, better known as AAFES, survey found that the second most important customer service item for shoppers is price matching. The same survey found that only 52 percent of those surveyed had ever taken advantage of it at the base exchange.

"While the exchange is committed to offering the best possible value, there may be times when a shopper finds a lower price elsewhere," said Dawn Emminger, Mountain Home BX assistant store manager. "'We'll Match It!' is simply a last line of defense in our ongoing effort to deliver the lowest price to troops and their families."

Depending on the price of an item, matching prices at the BX can be done with or without a competitor's ad:

· If a shopper spots a price difference of less than $10, they can simply notify the cashier and the price will be matched on the spot.
· For price discrepancies greater than $10, shoppers need to bring in a current local competitor's ad to receive the reduced price.

In either scenario, the competitor's item must be identical to the item in the AAFES store.

"AAFES even offers a 14-day price guarantee on any item originally purchased from the BX," said Ms. Emminger. "That means if an item is sold at a lower price by AAFES, or any local competitor, AAFES will match the price up to two weeks after the sale."

Since AAFES does have a dual mission to provide quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to supplement Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, there are exceptions to the "We'll Match It!" program.

Except for the Exchange Catalog and aafes.com, stores cannot accept challenges from any catalog or Web site. Other exclusions include bonus or free offers, clearance prices, closeout prices, special orders, service contracts, automotive labor/service, special order automotive parts, installation, delivery or assembly services. Additional items include mail in rebates, store coupons, double and triple coupon offers, flat percentage off items and gasoline. This also includes items advertised as special offers or promotions, free-with-purchase offers, limited quantity offers, bundled promotions and special financing.

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BX program ensures troops pay lowest possible price

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