The commissary system is required by law to resell items at their purchase price. ... "However, because commissaries are required by law to sell items at cost -- neither higher, nor lower -- we can't offer 'loss leaders' or match our prices to items that may be priced lower at commercial stores off base."

Is the commissary really cheaper?

Does the commissary save you more money than civilian stores? The answer is yes… and no. ... 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.

Are commissary prices the same everywhere?

Commissary prices are the same regardless of region; regional savings may rise or fall depending on an area's cost of living or other factors that could affect pricing. Savings calculations include applicable sales taxes on commercial grocery store purchases and the 5 percent surcharge on commissary purchases.

How does the commissary work?

The commissary is required by law to deliver a savings to shoppers over average prices found off base. While a regular grocery store may put items on sale to get you into the store and eat the loss themselves, nothing is discounted by the commissary. Instead, the manufacturers decide what goes on sale.

Can civilians shop at the commissary?

The expansion will allow all DOD and Coast Guard civilian employees to shop in exchange stores in the United States and the U.S. territories and possessions. ... To learn more about military exchange access, visit the commissaries and exchanges webpage on the Military OneSource website.

Does the Army Exchange have the best prices

25 related questions found

Can all veterans use the commissary?

Yes. Veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) documented service-connected disability rating are eligible to shop the commissary.

How much should I tip the commissary baggers?

Talking to some commissary regular customers it appears that, in general, people tip between $2 and $5, depending on the number of bags and the quality of service. The key thing to remember when deciding what to tip is that the commissary does not pay the baggers.

Does the commissary take EBT?

Commissaries accept cash, personal checks, travelers checks, money orders, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA credit cards, debit cards, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) EBT cash assistance, Food Stamps, either as coupons or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC ...

What is the difference between commissary and PX?

What they are: Commissaries are on-base stores that sell discounted groceries to authorized customers. Exchanges are on-base stores (with an online component) that sell a variety of items ranging from clothing and shoes to toys, furniture, home appliances and electronics.

What is the biggest commissary?

San Diego Naval Base NAVSTA Commissary, SAN DIEGO, CA

The NAVSTA Commissary project is 163,000-square-foot facility that is the largest commissary in the world, as well as the first new “Store of the Future” for the Defense Commissary Agency.

What veterans are eligible for commissary?

Commissary and exchange privileges for Veterans

• Have a service-connected disability rating and were honorably discharged, or.
• Are retired from military service, or.
• Are a former prisoner of war, or.
• Are a member of the Reserves, or.
• Have received a Purple Heart or the Medal of Honor.

Can you use coupons at military commissary?

Yes. Commissaries accept most types of coupons as part of purchase transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions stated on a coupon. Commissaries CANNOT accept "in-house" coupons issued by commercial grocery stores or supermarkets.

How do I get coupons for the commissary?

Find Military Commissary Coupons at MyMilitarySavings.com

1. Pick up a Rewards Card at the commissary or other locations behind the gates.
2. Visit MyMilitarySavings.com and become a member – it's free and easy!
3. Go to the Coupons page and find the link to register your Rewards Card online.

Are Cigarettes Cheaper on base?

There was no significant difference between prices for cigarettes on military installations and the lowest average community comparison, and in some locations the prices violated DoD policy.

What is user fee at commissary?

Newly eligible customers who shop in commissaries will pay a fee of 1.9 percent of their transaction if they pay with a commercial credit card, and 0.5 percent if they use a debit card. ... The fees only apply to newly eligible patrons.

Does the commissary sell alcohol?

As commissaries have started selling beer and wine, they were implementing measures that promote the responsible use of alcohol. ... Commissary prices for beer and wine are comparable to the prices in military exchanges, which also have bigger selections.

Is alcohol cheaper on military bases?

DOD policy, Bollinger points out, is that the shelf price on military bases for spirits brands should be 5 percent below the everyday shelf price of Walmart, Total Wine, and similar off-base competitors. “The military patrons are brand loyal and look for value when shopping on base,” he says.

Are military exchanges 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.

Can honorably discharged veterans shop at the PX?

Actually, you can. Starting in 2017 all honorably discharged veterans could shop at the Exchange online, but not on base. And starting January 1, 2020, the Department of Defense expanded those shopping privileges to in-store military exchanges, the commissary and MWR resale facilities.

Does the commissary make cakes?

Deli/Bakery

We offer a variety of customer cakes for a birthday, anniversary or other celebration.

Can I shop at the commissary online?

Say hello to Commissary CLICK2GO, your online shopping and curbside pickup service you can access from your desktop or mobile devices. Visit the How Commissary CLICK2GO Works page for additional information such as payment details, accepted coupons, etc.

Who can shop at Deca?

Commissary use has long been available to Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve Soldiers, to Retirees, to 100% disabled Veterans, Medal of Honor recipients and to qualified Family members. Authorized shoppers are required to possess and show a Uniformed Services' Identification Card (ID).

Are you supposed to tip at commissary?

No. The decision to tip is completely up to you. And baggers cannot demand a tip, either -- although they may give you the stink eye if you allow them to carry your groceries to your car without paying them for their service.

Do baggers at the commissary get paid?

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?

They are a military benefit to help you save money on your groceries. Because of this, things are done a little bit differently. The only money the baggers make is what they get from tips. If a commissary bagger brings your groceries to your car, please tip them.