# AAFES and Military Exchanges to Allow Veterans to Shop Online starting Nov. 11
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [October 17, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155 "2017-10-17T20:58:14Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/1 "2017-10-17T20:58:14Z")
I thought my fellow veterans would find this helpful:
> [@](#):
>
> 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.
>
> Currently, only active duty servicemembers, members of the Guard and Reserves, military retirees, 100-percent disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, and the families of these groups are eligible to shop at AAFES locations, either online or on-base.
>
> Note that this new benefit only includes allowing veterans to shop online, not at the physical stores located on bases. There is no current proposal to allow veterans to shop at on-base locations.
> **[AAFES and Military Exchanges to Allow Veterans to Shop Online - Registration...](https://themilitarywallet.com/aafes-allow-veterans-shop-online/)**
>
> AAFES and other military Exchanges allow military veterans with an honorable discharge shop at their online stores. Register Online.
Lowes is now giving a 10% discount to all veterans, and not just those retired, with service connected disability ratings, etc. Home Depot still doesn’t offer the discount to all veterans.
[https://www.lowes.com/mylowes/register?context=military](https://www.lowes.com/mylowes/register?context=military)
Also, New Federal Veterans ID Card Coming Soon:
> **[How to Get a Veteran ID Card (VIC)](https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-id-card/)**
>
> Learn the essential steps to obtain a veteran ID card (VIC), including eligibility, necessary documents, and the application process.
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### Author:  [@WildBlueYonder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildBlueYonder)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2017, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/2 "2017-10-17T21:03:56Z")
Nice. Hope I will be able to take advantage of the service.
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### Author:  [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/3 "2017-10-18T16:21:46Z")
I can’t imagine how it will benefit anyone. Amazon has much better prices and variety. I’m always amused when AAFES access is lumped together with other “benefits” of service. That might have been true before Wal-Mart, but it certainly isn’t true anymore. And with Amazon… it’s not even a consideration. The only benefit AAFES offers is convenience due to proximity to my house. Plus getting American stuff while visiting or living overseas. AAFES convenience stores are much better than stopping at an S-Oil or ESSO, and that’s not even considering the fact that gas is 1/4 the price.
But for online shopping? I couldn’t imagine ever finding something cheaper at [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) than from amazon.
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/4 "2017-10-18T16:28:55Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#):
>
> But for online shopping? I couldn’t imagine ever finding something cheaper at [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) than from amazon.
Lots of the prices are hidden until you log in, which I can’t do until Nov. 11, so I’ll see then.
AAFES is tax free. Amazon now charges tax in all states, so that could make up the difference in states with high state sales tax, like CA.
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### Author:  [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/5 "2017-10-18T16:28:58Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#):
>
> I can’t imagine how it will benefit anyone. Amazon has much better prices and variety. I’m always amused when AAFES access is lumped together with other “benefits” of service. That might have been true before Wal-Mart, but it certainly isn’t true anymore. And with Amazon… it’s not even a consideration. The only benefit AAFES offers is convenience due to proximity to my house. Plus getting American stuff while visiting or living overseas. AAFES convenience stores are much better than stopping at an S-Oil or ESSO, and that’s not even considering the fact that gas is 1/4 the price.
> But for online shopping? I couldn’t imagine ever finding something cheaper at [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) than from amazon.
There’s also being able to use the Star Card instead of a credit card if you are not using cash.
---
### Author:  [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/6 "2017-10-18T16:59:32Z")
“Veteran”, at least in common use, incorporates a class of former military members that have been able to shop online at AAFES as long as there’s been an “on-line”: retirees.
I was pretty close to “meh” threadshitting until I realized you meant non-retired veterans. :smack: The quote you included was critical in this, since they mention retirees distinctly from “the other kind” of veterans.
Of course, I don’t know if there’s any better way to put it. :dubious: So carry on.
Back on-topic: this decision means that non-retiree veterans get a form of exchange privilege they never had before. Interesting. The “on-line” part is what allows this solution to work, when non-retiree veterans can’t get on-post to do brick-and-mortar shopping at an Exchange. (Nor do they have a DoD ID card, which is another constraint.)
How does AAFES verify non-retiree honorable DD214 status?
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### Author:  [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/7 "2017-10-18T17:03:38Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#):
>
> I can’t imagine how it will benefit anyone. Amazon has much better prices and variety. I’m always amused when AAFES access is lumped together with other “benefits” of service. That might have been true before Wal-Mart, but it certainly isn’t true anymore. And with Amazon… it’s not even a consideration. The only benefit AAFES offers is convenience due to proximity to my house. Plus getting American stuff while visiting or living overseas. AAFES convenience stores are much better than stopping at an S-Oil or ESSO, and that’s not even considering the fact that gas is 1/4 the price.
> But for online shopping? I couldn’t imagine ever finding something cheaper at [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) than from amazon.
I guess this kinda saddens me. I grew up going to PX’s all over the map, from Schofield to Benning to Carlisle Barracks. My mom always shopped there because the prices were always cheaper. I guess that’s not the case anymore unless you’re outside the US and tax exempt.
I remember being stationed at Fliegerhorst Kaserne in 1990 and buying cigarettes for six bucks a carton due to no taxation.
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/8 "2017-10-18T17:18:46Z")
> [@gnoitall](#):
>
> “Veteran”, at least in common use, incorporates a class of former military members that have been able to shop online at AAFES as long as there’s been an “on-line”: retirees.
I copy and pasted the title of the article, which is what I used for the thread title. I changed “Coming in 2017” to “starting Nov. 11.” Of course thread titles can be more specific, but difficult to do in the amount of words able to fit in a title. Try adding “veterans that aren’t members of the Guard and Reserves, military retirees, 100-percent disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, and the families of these groups” in a thread title.
> [@](#):
>
> I was pretty close to “meh” threadshitting until I realized you meant non-retired veterans. :smack: The quote you included was critical in this, since they mention retirees distinctly from “the other kind” of veterans.
Right, I added a quote that explains that very early on in the OP.
Threadshitting? By whom?
> [@](#):
>
> Of course, I don’t know if there’s any better way to put it. :dubious: So carry on.
Well thanks for bringing it up then, and posting a dubious face. Very helpful.
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### Author:  [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/9 "2017-10-18T17:45:42Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#):
>
> I copy and pasted the title of the article, which is what I used for the thread title. I changed “Coming in 2017” to “starting Nov. 11.” Of course thread titles can be more specific, but difficult to do in the amount of words able to fit in a title. Try adding “veterans that aren’t members of the Guard and Reserves, military retirees, 100-percent disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, and the families of these groups” in a thread title.
> Right, I added a quote that explains that very early on in the OP.
>
> Threadshitting? By whom?
> Well thanks for bringing it up then, and posting a dubious face. Very helpful.
Sorry, I’m not expressing myself very well.
My dubious face was at my own self. I nearly threadshit, all because of my overbroad interpretation of “veteran”. No one did anything wrong, except I almost did, and then apparently I did anyway explaining it. :smack:
Some days you just can’t win.
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/10 "2017-10-18T17:50:40Z")
> [@gnoitall](#):
>
> How does AAFES verify non-retiree honorable DD214 status?
See “Update” at the top of the article in the first link in the OP.
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### Author:  [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/11 "2017-10-18T17:58:06Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#):
>
> Lots of the prices are hidden until you log in, which I can’t do until Nov. 11, so I’ll see then.
>
> AAFES is tax free. Amazon now charges tax in all states, so that could make up the difference in states with high state sales tax, like CA.
Admittedly, it would take a lot more data points and a larger sample to make any sort of determinate claim, but I decided to take a quick peak. After logging in, the first thing I went to was shoes. The ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 19 Running Shoes is $128.00 from AAEFES, with free shipping due to being over $59. The same style, size, and model shoe at amazon is $99, with free shipping through Prime. Plus I’d qualify for another 15% off that price due to Amazon Prime’s 15% off your first shoe purchase coupon.
I definitely agree that all Veterans should have access, and I’m surprised they haven’t allowed this since the beginning of [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) online shopping. I’m also glad to see any increase in AAFES business, as they return a percentage back to the military MWR programs. Unfortunately, I don’t think it really benefits the shoppers, though. Granted, I’m sure there are sales or other products that might be cheaper. It’s always good to have another option to find the best price, that’s for sure.
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/12 "2017-10-18T18:40:14Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#):
>
> Admittedly, it would take a lot more data points and a larger sample to make any sort of determinate claim, but I decided to take a quick peak. After logging in, the first thing I went to was shoes. The ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 19 Running Shoes is $128.00 from AAEFES, with free shipping due to being over $59. The same style, size, and model shoe at amazon is $99, with free shipping through Prime. Plus I’d qualify for another 15% off that price due to Amazon Prime’s 15% off your first shoe purchase coupon.
> I definitely agree that all Veterans should have access, and I’m surprised they haven’t allowed this since the beginning of [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) online shopping. I’m also glad to see any increase in AAFES business, as they return a percentage back to the military MWR programs. Unfortunately, I don’t think it really benefits the shoppers, though. Granted, I’m sure there are sales or other products that might be cheaper. It’s always good to have another option to find the best price, that’s for sure.
You picked a clothing item, which usually isn’t taxed, and a special coupon, but even without those, Amazon wins.
I just looked up the same shoes on Amazon in my size in the default color, and I got a price of $119.94.
I went to the AAFES website and picked a taxable item pretty nilly willy, with a high price tag:
> **[Vitamix 5200 Blender | Atg Archive | Shop The Exchange](https://www.shopmyexchange.com/vitamix-5200-blender/6494295)**
>
> Shop Vitamix 5200 Blender and other name brand ATG Archive at The Exchange. You've earned the right to shop tax free and enjoy FREE shipping!
It says the list price is $449.99. I’m assuming if logged in the actual price is better than the list price.
On Amazon the same blender in black is the same price as AAFES list.
> **[Amazon.com: Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade, Container, Self-Cleaning...](https://www.amazon.com/Vitamix-Blender-Professional-Grade-Container-Black/dp/B008H4SLV6)**
>
> Online Shopping for Kitchen Small Appliances from a great selection of Coffee Machines, Blenders, Juicers, Ovens, Specialty Appliances, & more at everyday low prices
And in my state, I would have to pay an additional $30.93 for a total of $480.88.
BTW, that was the very first item I compared, and it seems AAFES wins.
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### Author:  [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/13 "2017-10-18T18:46:38Z")
The logged-in price is $399.99
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### Author:  [@Zetetic\_Skeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zetetic_Skeptic)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/14 "2017-10-18T18:48:20Z")
This is really good information. I’m constantly trying to figure out how to prove that I’m a veteran to get benefits by lots of companies. Much appreciated!!!
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### Author:  [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/15 "2017-10-18T18:53:44Z")
Thank you for posting all of this **x-ray vision**. I’m not sure the how much the Exchange site will help but Vet ID card will be handy.
Hopefully one of us bumps this November 1st.
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/16 "2017-10-18T19:07:48Z")
> [@Slash1972](#):
>
> The logged-in price is $399.99
Thank you.
So for this item, that’s an $80 savings on a blender (in NJ, more savings in states with higher state sales tax). Also, this:
> [@](#):
>
> \> RECEIVE A FREE VITAMIX WET (7009929) OR DRY (3737196) CONTAINER W/ YOUR VITAMIX 5200 PURCHASE (1 MARCH - 31 DECEMBER; LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER; BOTH ITEMS MUST BE ADDED TO CART)
>
> \> RECEIVE A $50 EXCHANGE GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE! (13 OCTOBER - 3 DECEMBER; GIFT CARD MAILED SEPARATELY)
Basically a $130 savings, plus a free container.
You’re very welcome, Zetetic Skeptic and What Exit?. If no one beats me to it or it isn’t near the top of the first page, I’ll be sure to bump it on Nov. 11 and when the website I linked to has more info on how to obtain the ID.
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### Author:  [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2017, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/17 "2017-10-18T19:58:15Z")
I signed up early for the online shopping and they put me in the beta program.
I haven’t got around to actually shopping yet…
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### Author:  [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/18 "2017-10-19T00:48:25Z")
Lowes? Cool! I can finally use the newly-added “veteran” designation on my license. Although the link seems to indicate that I have to “sign up” for something. Probably worth it for big ticket items, and even so, worth going to Lowes when Home Depot is so close. I wonder if it stacks with coupons?
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#):
>
> I remember being stationed at Fliegerhorst Kaserne in 1990 and buying cigarettes for six bucks a carton due to no taxation.
This comment piques my interest, as I’ve never seen anyone refer to Fliegerhorst Kaserne online before. You were stationed there, or you were there with your parents? I was stationed there from about June 1992 to June 1994. That big GCA radar under the radome belonged to me. (Given the number of people who’ve cycled through Fliegerhorst versus the number of welding engineers in the world, I run into the latter all the time, and never the former).
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/19 "2017-10-19T01:37:57Z")
> [@Balthisar](#):
>
> I wonder if it stacks with coupons?
It doesn’t.
> [@](#):
>
> It **cannot** be used with any other offer, coupon, promotion, discount, Lowe’s Low Price Guarantee, special price programs such as Lowe’s volume or special discount programs or on [LowesForPros.com](http://LowesForPros.com) purchases.
> **[Lowe's Store Services Help Make Home Projects Easy](https://www.lowes.com/l/about/store-services)**
>
> Lowe's offers store services designed to make your projects easier, including Buy Online, Store Pickup plus professional installation and more.
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### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2017, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/20 "2017-10-19T02:44:06Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#):
>
> It says the list price is $449.99. I’m assuming if logged in the actual price is better than the list price.
>
> On Amazon the same blender in black is the same price as AAFES list.
Was someone at Amazon reading this thread? The price just went down to $357.46. :eek:
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