AAFES Deceptive trade practices, Suppose to match prices on sales of other stores in the area ripoff Fort Worth Texas

Sir,

I assure you that there are reasons as to why or why not a store would be considered a ligitimate source. I am going to post the actual and most up to date policy that I have that, I hope, will help you.

Also, please do not use the phrase concerning your "tax dollars." Less than 5% total AAFES expenses and costs are funded by the government. Revenues make up the remaining 95% of operational costs. This information can be found at www.yahoo.com in the Finance section.

PURPOSE: Provide Updated Guidance on Price Matching Local Competitors



APPLICABILITY: Worldwide Retail Facilities

Exchange Catalog

Exchange Online Store aafes.com



QUESTIONS/COMMENTS TO:

Kim Cannady, cannady@aafes.com for BX/PX Retail

Janean Baker, bakerz@aafes.com for Exchange Catalog and

WE'LL MATCH IT! Update

As most of you are aware, this policy was last updated in January, yet I have discovered on my trips that not all our associates are aware of the recent changes. We have two new changes and I ask that all associates be made aware of these changes and the policy in its entirety.

The We'll Match It! Program is a part of the AAFES VALUE Story and is used to focus on customer satisfaction and the value of shopping with AAFES. Listed below are the features of the program. These program improvements will help us achieve the critical success factors identified on our balanced scorecard Enhancing the Shopping Experience which promotes Lifelong Value and Service.

UPDATES to Policy

1. Under BX/PX Retail Program: AAFES retail stores worldwide have a 14-Day Price Guarantee on any item originally purchased from AAFES and subsequently sold at a lower price by AAFES, or any local competitor.

2. Under Program Exceptions: Alcohol price challenges will only be accepted from within the state or district of the exchange.

BX/PX Retail Program

1. AAFES retail stores will match a local competitor's current price on any identical stock assortment item for the customer who makes the price challenge. "Identical" is defined as: same brand, same manufacturer, and same model number. For softlines, an identical item has to be the same size, color, brand and style. Though advertised most heavily in main stores, it is important to remember that our We'll Match It! policy applies to all AAFES retail stores, to include Shoppettes, Class Six, Car Care, and troop stores. This applies to all normally carried items whether they are in stock or not. An example of this would be tires that are line priced on the contract; we realize space is an issue and that most tires are ordered. These types of orders would not be considered special orders.

2. AAFES retail stores worldwide will accept oral price challenges (based on the customer's word) on identical stock assortment items from local competitors. Price differences up to $10 will be honored on the spot. A local competitor is defined as a retailer doing business in the community where the exchange is located. This includes Navy and Marine exchanges.

3. AAFES retail stores worldwide have a 14-Day Price Guarantee on any item originally purchased from AAFES and subsequently sold at a lower price by AAFES, or any local competitor.

4. AAFES retail stores worldwide will not accept price match challenges from any outside retail catalog or outside internet site.

5. AAFES retail stores worldwide will match pricing on identical items found in the Exchange Catalog or aafes.com. with the exception of the following categories: fine jewelry, collectible giftware, crystal and closeouts. In addition, Special Orders and Exchange Mall are excluded.

There are two types of price challenges:

1. Regular - To get a reduced price, a customer must bring in a current competitor's ad. If the customer making the challenge does not have such an ad, verify the price by getting the ad or calling the competitor. A "local competitor's current ad" is defined as an ad which clearly shows inclusive current dates and is sponsored by a retailer doing business in the community where the exchange is located. This includes Navy and Marine exchanges, plus other AAFES exchanges which may have developed their own local promotion fliers.

2. Oral - A customer may tell us they know our price is higher than a competitor's. We will accept their word and charge the lower price up to a difference of $10. This will be approved immediately by the cashier-checker or sales associate. No competitor's ad or any other proof is required. Price challenges under $10 do not require supervisor or managerial approval. Price challenges over $10 should have such approval before being given.

WHEN TO GIVE A PRICE BREAK: To get the price break, the competitor's item must be identical to the item in the AAFES store. "Identical" is defined as: same brand, same manufacturer, and same model number. For softlines, an identical item has to be the same size, color, brand and style.

IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT AN ITEM IS IDENTICAL, USE COMMON SENSE. GIVE THE CUSTOMER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, ENSURING THE CREDIBILITY OF THE PROGRAM.

EXCHANGE CATALOG and aafes.com

1. The Exchange Catalog and aafes.com will match a lower price (including shipping and handling) on any identical stock assortment item currently available for sale and delivery in the customer's area from a local retail store's online site. "Identical" is defined as: same brand, same manufacturer, and same model number. For softlines, an identical item has to be the same size, color, brand and style. A local competitor is defined as a retailer doing business in the community where the customer is located. This includes Navy and Marine exchanges. Fine jewelry, collectible giftware, crystal, special orders and Exchange Mall concession sites are excluded.

2. The Exchange Catalog and aafes.com will match AAFES retail stores pricing on identical items found in the customer's local Exchange. Normal shipping and handling charges will apply. Fine jewelry, collectible giftware, crystal and special orders are excluded.

3. To receive the reduced price, the customer must email the price match information to catalog@aafes.com or contact us at 1-800-527-2345.

4. The We'll Match It! Program does not apply to Exchange Mall concession sites.

PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS (PX/BX Retail, Exchange Catalog and aafes.com)

1. AAFES BX/PX Retail, Exchange Catalog and aafes.com will not match prices on refurbished goods, gray market items and unauthorized dealers.

2. AAFES BX/PX Retail, Exchange Catalog and aafes.com will not match Commissary, BXMart, PXMart, or CXMart prices.

3. Other exclusions include: bonus or free offers, clearance prices, and closeout prices. Exclusions also include special orders service contracts, automotive labor and services, special order automotive parts, installation, delivery, or assembly services. Other items include mail in rebates, instant In-store 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.

4. In MCSS stores, official military clothing and accessories are excluded.

5. Any store selling tobacco cannot accept price challenges for sell prices that are below the cost to the exchange.

6. Alcohol price challenges will only be accepted from within the state or district of the exchange.

Together we can make this a successful and meaningful program for our customers!

Michael P. Howard

Chief Operating Officer