You know whats kinda sad?

[faeriegodess612]

That the camera I want is still cheaper on Amazon than it is on base at the PX. ( For those of you that wouldnt know,.. the PX is the Post Exchange. It's like tax free department stores as a sort of perk for being military.) It's that same $699.99 that it is everywhere else. BUT,.... if the price of the one I have in my Amazon cart happens to go back up to the normal $700 by the time I'm ready to purchase it, then I'm just goin to the PX for it. I wouldnt have to pay the $56 in sales tax on it at the PX.

It's kinda sad that Wal-Mart is usually cheaper than the PX, or that it kinda balances out. Even though you pay taxes on things off base, at places such as Wal-Mart, it comes out to being about the same if you'd purchased it on base. If the PX is supposed to be a sort of "benefit" to those serving, then why is it cheaper most of the time at Wal-Mart? The only benefit I see mainly, is if the base goes on lock down. Which wouldnt apply to us because we dont live on base. About the best thing on base that is just a BIT cheaper, is gas; and thats not by a whole lot.

Dont get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just find it interesting. There are tons of other programs and things that are offered for free. Like a culinary class, or gyms. I'd much rather prefer that our government put more money and effort into hiring, properly training, and attaining GOOD psychologists to counsel our veterans that come back from war with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) And make sure that the ones they have arent over worked, so we dont end up with another shooting like we did a year ago. About the only thing I go on base for, is to check our mail. And on occasion to fill up my car. Every once in a while we'll check the PX for things, but not often.

Just had a thought, and thought I'd share.

[mk12mod]

what are you looking to buy at the PX? It is hard to compete with Wally World when they have the capacity to buy in rather large quantities as opposed to the AAFES...

Thanks for your service...

On a side note... A D700 at Ft Meade is the more than Adorama is charging and they have free shipping... Sometimes it is best to just bite the bullet and jump on the cheaper of the two...

[faeriegodess612]

A Nikon D3100. Wal-Mart doesnt carry it though, not yet. They have the D3000, but not the 3100.

And that would be a thanks to my husband for serving,... I wouldnt have the patience and tolerance for the military. I'd rather explore my country and the world on my own terms. Camera in hand.

And oh trust me,.... Amazon is probably getting my business when it comes time. I'm hoping to have it by Christmas. My cart's subtotal is usually under $700, and that includes the camera kit, a bag, a memory card, and 3 pack of filters. Thats before taxes and shipping, but half of whats there is under the free shipping thing.

[Jim Bryant]

I served in the NAvy from 73-83 and my wife retired in 97. We found that while living overseas the PX/BX and commissary was normally cheaper than purchasing items on the local market. But, when we returned to the USA, it was cheaper to buy on the outside.
Still you don't have to pay taxes. I don't think we've gone to a PX/BX or commissary a dozen times since she retired. The places are crowded, checkout lines long, parking lots full and the lists could go on and on filled with reasons why not to go only a dependent/active duty or retiree could understand.

[navcom]

The PX/BX is usually run by AAFES (Army and Air Force bases anyhow...the Navy has something similar I believe...correct me if I'm wrong Jim), which is an agency of the DOD but it's goal is kind of two-fold...provide goods at affordable prices to members of the military as well as take some of the profits to support military recreation resources as well as other programs aimed at military personnel. Items are cheap but they can't compete with the likes of Amazon or Walmart which has many times the volume....even more than the military...and AAFES still needs money left over for the programs they support.

[jml79]

In the chili north we have the CanEX. We don't get tax excempt at all and it really doesn't have any better deals than other places. They do have some nice stuff that is not easy to find cheap like bow ties for mess dinners and boot bands. They are usually able to match the price of most other stores. What I go there for is the great 0% interest payment plans they give you. It's like layaway in reverse.

[ZannieGirl49]

I think that part of the problem may be that in the retail world, electronics are known to have a low profit margin compared to other goods. The pricing similarity to Wal-Mart could be just because there's not too much wiggle room. My husband was in the Navy for 6 years (we call it the NEX). Having worked in a past life in a retail electronics department, I knew that we couldn't get the great deals on electronics that we could get on other items at the NEX.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by navcom

The PX/BX is usually run by AAFES (Army and Air Force bases anyhow...the Navy has something similar I believe...correct me if I'm wrong Jim), which is an agency of the DOD but it's goal is kind of two-fold...provide goods at affordable prices to members of the military as well as take some of the profits to support military recreation resources as well as other programs aimed at military personnel. Items are cheap but they can't compete with the likes of Amazon or Walmart which has many times the volume....even more than the military...and AAFES still needs money left over for the programs they support.

True AAFES and Navy Exchange.

[faeriegodess612]

Yeah,..AAFES is everywhere here. The Shoppettes are AAFES as well as a few other places. AAFES has a tax exempt contract with Lowes,.. their maintenance people come into Lowes all the time to get supplies and such.

On another note,...just got back from perusing what I figure is the best pawn shop chain around here. The first store had one sad looking Canon EOS D3 for $500.00. But it said "As Is" and "Needs Work" The second store in the same chain, what I think is the main store, much bigger store, and better selection. Had a few DSLR's. Had a Nikon D40, a Nikon N60, a couple of Canon Rebel's and one more Canon, but I dont remember what it was. They even had a Nikkor 55-200mm lens, VR AF-S with lens hood for $180. As well as a few other lenses, like a Tamron, a Minolta, and a Sigma. I dont recall what they were though, as that wasnt something that interested me at the moment. I think I will keep checking back with that store as I save.

[sk66]

depending on your perspective, it sucks...
CONUS AAFES and all "military" operations have a "non-compete" requirement...they cannot "undercut" the local market.... My AAFES is in an area where the three nearest gas stations are 10c/gallon more than the average and therefore my AAFES cannot sell the fuel at "average/cost"...same with general merchandise in store...
Same reason I can't take a military helicopter and due a "Lifeflight" mission for the civilian community....not if there is a commercial contractor who can do it...
Your tax dolars at work....