PX program works to ensure community pays lowest price

A recent Army and Air Force Exchange Service survey found that the second most important customer service item for shoppers is price matching. However, the same survey found only 52 percent had ever taken advantage of it at the AAFES PX.

"While the exchange is committed to offering the best possible value, there may be times when a shopper finds a lower price elsewhere," said PX general manager, Rick Mora.

According to Mora, in those cases, AAFES offers help in the form of the "We'll Match It! Program. "'We'll Match It!' is simply a last line of defense in our ongoing effort to deliver the lowest price to troops and their families," he said.

If a shopper spots a price difference of less than $10, he or she can simply notify the cashier and the price will be matched on the spot without the need for a competitor's ad.

For price discrepancies greater than $10, shoppers only need to bring in a current local competitor's ad to receive the reduced price.

In both cases, the competitor's item must be identical to the item in the AAFES store.

"AAFES even offers a 14-day price guarantee on any item originally purchased from the PX," Mora said. "If an item is sold at a lower price by AAFES, or any local competitor, AAFES will match that price up to two weeks after the sale."

However, there are exceptions to the "We'll Match It!" program. Except for the Exchange Catalog and aafes.com, stores cannot accept challenges from any catalog or Web site.

Other exclusions include bonus or free offers, clearance prices, closeout prices, special orders, service contracts, automotive labor or services, special order automotive parts, installation, delivery, or assembly services.

Additional exclusions include mail-in 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.