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opinion on Mil/Leo discounts

44K views 20 replies 16 participants last post by  x_HAWAII RT 
#1 ·
What is everyones opinions on asking for mil/leo discounts?

When I was active way back when, I had no problem asking because I only made $1500 a month...and then later on when I became a cop I felt sheepish because I made decent money once you added in all the mandatory overtime.

I appreciated it when it was openly advertised, because I understood some companies wanted to say thanks which ever way they could because they understood and valued the risks. But I didn't ask outright or demand it (ive seen some jerks do this)

Now that I am medically retired, my pay cut by 66%...I find myself hoping someone does offer the discount and will extend it to us "retired". Even still I feel sheepish looking for it and very hesitant to ask. (not my wife though, she basically pulls my ID out and asks for me at the stores LOL!)

Am I wrong for asking? I'm not very mobile anymore due to the repair work, and cars are my joy, I spend all my saved up Vaca time money on them... but its a limited and shrinking account...

And finding a job with a disability and your only skill sets are hunting people hasn't been super successful...not seeing any additional income anytime soon!! lol!

Should I shelve the sheepishness and ask if the vendors cuts breaks for current and former sheepdogs?
 
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#6 · (Edited)
Y'all served and should get every benefit available, this is not a case of don't ask don't tell. go for it and thanks for protecting me and my family.

by the way there are too many folks out there who did nothing or little in their lives and are ripping off the system every time they get a chance.

Go for it Heros.
 
#7 ·
My honest opinion. For what you did for our country and the risk all mil personnel take with very little compensation. I don't think the little discount that some ppl give is enough. I think every US business should have some sort of program for everyone that served. It's the least that we can do. I wouldn't think twice about giving you the jacket off my back if I thought you had a slight chill. We could never re pay you all for putting your lives at risk for our freedom.
God bless.
 
#8 ·
I too was/am hesitant to ask about LE discounts. However, several years ago at an O'reilly auto parts I was asked if I was military, I responded "no, I'm LE" the guy said "just as good, you get a discount". Now, if I'm buying a relatively inexpensive item I don't bring it up. But for more expensive, I will.
As far as senior discounts, heck yeah I do. Retired is about half pay for me. I need all the help I can get.
 
#9 ·
Well at airports when traveling i ask Mil's if they would like lunch or a beer. most times i only get to buy they a soft drink or sweet tea. you all are great Americans. thx.
 
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#11 ·
Even just the offering is a nice gesture even if sometimes they don't take it. Thanks for the kindness to us military people. It is much appreciated!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#10 ·
I'm also a retired LEO... on a medical disability... and I'm also reluctant to ask for discounts, I certainly don't assume I'll be offered one. As an LEO, it comes from not wanting there to be even so much as an appearance of receiving gratuities.

Fortunately, even with my disability retirement, my income is well above what the "average" American's income is... and for that, I am grateful. Of course, in California, that "well above" income doesn't go all that far (lol)
 
#12 ·
I own restaurants and we give it to any who ID themselves, assuming you are not in uniform. If you are in uniform, it's automatic, no need to ask.

We have learned not publicize it because you'd be surprised at the amount people who then want a discount for their group, be it seniors/muni workers/teachers/union/etc...

We know you guys talk amongst one another as to who offers a discount, so we stopped making it "public knowledge". Shame it has to be that way, but it's a choice we had to make to avoid conflict with others.

My opinion if I was you, asking doesn't hurt assuming you are prepared to pay full price if the answer is "no".
 
#13 ·
i think there's a bit of conflict of interest (or perception thereof) for LE to ask while serving. However, once they're retired, I think they should ask without concern. Just ask casually and they either do or they don't. It's a very honorable profession and retirement pay isn't always all that great.
 
#15 ·
My dad was in the Pacific in WW2, and was one of the first Americans to land in Hiroshima after the bomb. He won't even go to the VA. I guess he feels lucky to have made it back alive. He even thinks having a special "Veteran" plate is being too much in your face. I guess I'm kinda like him, except, I do go to the VA.
 
#16 ·
Interesting conversation. As a firefighter we suffer so much scrutiny in the public it's tough to even grab groceries or a coffee without someone snarling at us.

We are often presented deals, whether cell phone plans, insurance, , sports stores, gym memberships and of course restaurants. When it is advertised (they send promotional material to the halls) it's obviously no problem to take them up on it, especially since it's REALLY just a business scheme and it's done out of uniform.

But when on duty, grabbing food for example, not only is it officially frowned upon but it can be downright uncomfortable.

Trying to refuse the discount often results in more attention on the subject, sort of a damned if you do situation. We had one coffee shop that had been giving us discounts for months without telling us. It wasn't until I went in off duty that I discovered it. I asked about the price difference and they responded that they knew we weren't allowed to accept discounts so they kept it quiet. I thought that was pretty classy.
 
#18 ·
I wont go out of my way to ask, but ill take a discount if its offered.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Well, I look at it that LE/Mil/ or any other first responders should be able to receive some type of discount. No everyone wants those professions and you've answered the call. However, I do not think any of those professions should accept free items because it's a perception issue. Honestly, it would not bother me but you never know who it will bother. Also, most discounts are about 10% which covers mostly taxes. Most businesses generally have information on their site about the discounts.
 
#20 ·
Scary that sales tax is +/- 10% now. I remember about 15 years ago doing a Paper in college about cost of living amounts of mil, police, fire and also public administrative in comparison to yesteryears, taking into consideration inflation, cost of staples as well as luxury goods and tax rates etc.
First responders made about the same with the exception of some outlier departments where police and fire made rediculously low wages of $29k a year, and E-5 and below making less considering on base services having become decimated. But public admin population and salary having skyrocketed during the years and taking a huge jump during Clinton, Nixon and Johnson.
But the tax rates have risen in a completely incongruent manner. Basically meaning we are charging society more and giving them less.

I digress.

im swallowing my pride as I struggle with the realization that finding a job with the limited skill sets of big game hunting, yet not having the physical capability, will cause me to no longer afford the toys that I MUST HAVE!!!

So, I shall ask for those discounts. Worst case scenario is they say no and give me some lecture about how I'm no better than anyone else. (Yet I'll have a much cooler obituary!)
 
#21 · (Edited)
Scary that sales tax is +/- 10% now. I remember about 15 years ago doing a Paper in college about cost of living amounts of mil, police, fire and also public administrative in comparison to yesteryears, taking into consideration inflation, cost of staples as well as luxury goods and tax rates etc.
First responders made about the same with the exception of some outlier departments where police and fire made rediculously low wages of $29k a year, and E-5 and below making less considering on base services having become decimated. But public admin population and salary having skyrocketed during the years and taking a huge jump during Clinton, Nixon and Johnson.
But the tax rates have risen in a completely incongruent manner. Basically meaning we are charging society more and giving them less.

I digress.

im swallowing my pride as I struggle with the realization that finding a job with the limited skill sets of big game hunting, yet not having the physical capability, will cause me to no longer afford the toys that I MUST HAVE!!!

So, I shall ask for those discounts. Worst case scenario is they say no and give me some lecture about how I'm no better than anyone else. (Yet I'll have a much cooler obituary!)
Go for it, brother. I've asked about mil discounts. If the business doesnt provide it, I almost everytime get the "I'm sorry, we don't" answer. Which is fine. So far its never been a rude response or lecture. My response is usually, okay, I thought I'd ask. By that time, Im already ready to try and price match or checking their website for coupons. Its not that I'm cheap, I'm trying to stretch my money a little bit more.
 
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