Commissaries provide a military benefit and save customers: Thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products sold by commercial retailers. Nearly 24% on average when compared with commercial grocery store prices* Even more through the Defense Commissary Agency’s YES!
Is it cheaper to buy from the commissary?
Items sold at the commissary are tax-free and priced at cost, plus a 5% surcharge. According to DeCa, the low-cost products sold at the commissary can save military families an average of 30% or more on their purchases when shopping regularly at the commissary.
Why is the commissary cheaper?
Service members and their families will soon see a 3-5% decrease in pricing on most grocery items in their commissaries as part of a Defense Department initiative to bolster the economic security and stability of the military community.
What is the surcharge at the commissary?
Surcharge is applied to the total value of each commissary purchase because the Congress has mandated collection of surcharge (currently 5 percent) to pay for commissary construction, equipment and maintenance.
Can civilians shop at commissary?
Am I eligible to shop in the commissary? Authorized commissary patrons as defined by Department of Defense Instruction 1330.17, Dod Commissary Program , include active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, 100 percent disabled veterans, and their authorized family members.
Is military commissary cheaper than grocery store?
While not every family lives close to a military commissary, those who do should definitely assess whether it might make sense to shop there at least some of the time. The Defense Commissary Agency (DECA) says that it can save patrons, depending on the region, an average of 20-42 percent off their grocery bill.
How much should you tip at the commissary?
between $3 and $5 per trip
According to the research I’ve done through Military.com over the years, the average tip seems to settle somewhere between $3 and $5 per trip, with less if you let them bag but don’t have them help you out, and more if you purchase a large amount or you are shopping around the holidays.
Is Walmart cheaper than commissary?
Here’s the inside scoop on the making the most of this military benefit. Generally, consumers save 30% when they shop at the commissary compared to civilian stores-assuming they shopped like the average shopper. But on occasion you’ll find the same items cheaper at civilian stores.
What is the best day to shop at the commissary?
Shop on Wednesdays (that is the least busy day of most commissaries) Shop mid day not early morning and not after 5pm – these are the busiest times. Organize your shopping list with the flow of the store, your time spent in the store will be less.
What can you buy at a military commissary?
Commissaries are basically your neighborhood grocery store, located on military installations worldwide. The commissary sells food and household items at prices that are often below other grocery stores.
How does the commissary food system work?
Commissary food systems, also known as centralized food systems, are when central kitchens create a large amount of food that is transported for service to other, smaller kitchens. This type of food system is most effective on a large scale, as food can be purchased for less money in bulk.
Does the commissary double coupons?
Do commissaries ever have “double coupon” or “triple coupon” promotions like those offered by commercial stores? No. The “double” or “triple” coupon promotions offered by commercial stores involve doubling, tripling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.
Can you use coupons at the commissary?
Once you’ve registered, you can find and download hundreds of digital coupons to your card and redeem them at the commissary or PX/BX, where your receipt will reflect all the money you’ve saved.
Can civilians buy gas on base?
In order to buy gas on base, you must hold a valid military ID; meaning active duty and Reserve military and their dependants and retirees and their dependants are the only ones eligible to use the station, no matter the means of payment.
Can I use the commissary being a veteran?
Obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and ensure it reflects eligibility through one of the required designations: SERVICE CONNECTED, MEDAL OF HONOR, PURPLE HEART or FORMER POW. The card and designation will be required during the commissary check-out process.
Is there a dress code for commissary?
Wear Appropriate Clothes
Because it’s on-base, the Commissary has a dress code. The dress codes may differ between bases, but usually things like short-shorts, PJs, and yoga pants are all outlawed. Enforcement of dress codes varies too– what worked on one base may not be accepted at another.
Is gas on military bases cheaper?
The reason gas is cheaper on military bases has three primary reasons which are 1) the government buys gasoline in bulk at a lesser rate than the average reseller can.
Do you have to pay for your own food in the military?
Food. The Army provides meals at dining facilities for enlisted Soldiers, at no cost. The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a stipend of more than $250 per month provided to commissioned Officers, and to enlisted Soldiers who don’t have access to Army dining facilities, to pay for food off base.
Is the base exchange cheaper?
Prices at the Exchange are generally cheaper than anywhere else and the convenience of centralized shopping makes getting everything you need for any occasion a breeze. There is no sales tax which ensures that you are paying for quality with your money, not all of the extra tax associated with the items you’re wanting.
Why do commissary baggers work for tips?
Baggers are not government or commissary employees, and are paid solely by the tips that commissary patrons offer in exchange for bagging/carryout services. Baggers are self-employed, and work under a license agreement with an installation commander.
Why do military commissaries have baggers?
Each bagger is engaged in the commercial solicitation of commissary customers. Upon solicitation of the customer, the bagger is voluntarily “hired” by the customer to bag and carry out the customer’s groceries in return for a tip. Just as with the caddy, baggers work for no one other than the customer who “hires” them.