Regular price surveys help Belvoir families save money

With a mission to provide military shoppers with quality goods and services at competitively low prices, the PX has to work double-time to deliver savings troops have come to expect.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's assault on high prices actually begins with Yolander River, a market price coordinator, whose main duty is to compare the prices of top sellers in key categories with the local competition at least once a month.

"Yolander is our eyes and ears outside the gate," said Rick Mora, general manager, Fort Belvoir Exchange. "From gas to gum, she ensures the PX's prices are comparable, if not lower, than the competition."

As price coordinator, River conducts periodic checks at local convenience, liquor and big box stores, comparing prices on items in each department. The results are sent to the Sales Directorate Pricing Team at AAFES headquarters in Dallas. From there, pre-tax shelf prices are set to be comparable to the competition. Shelf prices are of primary concern because all products available at the PX, except for gasoline, are not subject to sales tax.

In addition to regular, local price surveys, AAFES offers a "We'll Match It!" program that acts as a last line of defense to ensure exchange shoppers always receive the lowest price possible. If a shopper sees a price differential of less than $10 they can simply tell the cashier who will match it on the spot. Anyone who
reports a price difference of $10 or more need only bring a current local competitor's ad to receive the reduced price.

"AAFES is committed to having low prices," Mora said. "From our market price coordinator to the 'We'll Match It!' program, Belvoir families can shop comfortably
knowing this command is dedicated to saving them money every day."