Senior discounts

Pupart · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 09:19 AM

Sooner or later all of us will be eligible for that
"senior discount"
Seems many fot the stores in this area have diffetrent ages for what is a senior.
I have seen senior discounts as low as age fifty and some don't offer the discount til you are 65.
I think it may be uncomfortable for some sales clerks to ask if you are a senior.
If I see someone ahead of me get a senior discount I will ask the clerk what the age is.
Recently I was in Kohls and didn't know they had a senior discount so I asked. I was told 62 so I said I was only 59 and would have to wait a few years. To my surprise she said I will give you the discount anyway!

I saved almost $10.00.

That was a nice surprise.

Bonnie

Ima saver · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 09:47 AM

I got it once, when I was going up in a lighthouse. I was 55 at the time. I never think to ask for one, I guess cause I sure don't feel like I am a senior. I do get 5% off at Bi lo's on Wednesdays. I saved 48 cents last wednesday. What I think is funny, is they still check your ID if you buy beer or wine at Ingles, even tho you are a senior.

Pupart · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ima saver

I got it once, when I was going up in a lighthouse. I was 55 at the time. I never think to ask for one, I guess cause I sure don't feel like I am a senior. I do get 5% off at Bi lo's on Wednesdays. I saved 48 cents last wednesday. What I think is funny, is they still check your ID if you buy beer or wine at Ingles, even tho you are a senior.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If they checked my ID for buying beer or wine, I would grab that clerk and kiss them! LOL!

Bonnie

PRICEPLUS · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 09:53 PM

I went to the movies with a friend who is in his early seventies. My friend asked the ticket seller for two tickets. Without batting an eye the kid said, "That'll be 15 dollars for two senior tickets"! I am not yet at 50!

My hair is prematurely grey but come on! My buddy got a big kick out of it though.

I was so embarrassed I didn't say anything. It must be nice to get a senior discount though when you have earned it!

LuxLiving · #5 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 07:02 AM

Hubster qualifies for it by age, but not by looks and is never offered it -- and I keep forgetting to remind him to ask for one!

rob62521 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ima saver

I got it once, when I was going up in a lighthouse. I was 55 at the time. I never think to ask for one, I guess cause I sure don't feel like I am a senior. I do get 5% off at Bi lo's on Wednesdays. I saved 48 cents last wednesday. What I think is funny, is they still check your ID if you buy beer or wine at Ingles, even tho you are a senior.

Maybe, Ima, your store has a policy that they card everyone so they can't be criticized for profiling.

disneysteve · #7 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 07:37 AM

I've read two articles recently discussing how senior discounts are gradually being reduced or eliminated. Seniors are a rapidly growing demographic who, as a group, have a tremendous amount of disposable income. So companies have come to realize they are giving their biggest discounts to their richest customers, which really doesn't make good business sense. Airlines have cut back. Hotels are starting to. Some stores, as well. It seems that particularly the travel industry is realizing that seniors have more money and do more traveling than other groups.

rob62521 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I've read two articles recently discussing how senior discounts are gradually being reduced or eliminated. Seniors are a rapidly growing demographic who, as a group, have a tremendous amount of disposable income. So companies have come to realize they are giving their biggest discounts to their richest customers, which really doesn't make good business sense. Airlines have cut back. Hotels are starting to. Some stores, as well. It seems that particularly the travel industry is realizing that seniors have more money and do more traveling than other groups.

Phooey! You are the bearer of bad news! My dh will be 62 in 20 months and I was looking forward to getting some discounts!

Aleta · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 08:23 AM

There are businesses that will give you discounts if you're 55 or older. There are certain days that you can get senior discounts and they are 10 to 15%. It adds up when you're buying alot at one time.

Ima saver · #10 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 08:37 AM

Yes, Ingles checks everyone's ID. I was with a lady buying beer one time and she had to show hers. She is 81. I know many of the fast food places have senior soft drink prices. Problem is , I only drink water.

nanamom · #11 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 07:57 PM

I used ot work as a cashier at Meijers in Michigan and I once had a women dance in the aisle because I carded her. She then looked at the man behind her and said, Bet she doesn't card you!!! I waited until she left and then carded him too. I carded everybody!!!!It really made some of their days and if they balked I was very careful to card. Once astate police came through and I got an accomodation for carding when needed!
I always ask at hotels for a AARP discount. You only have to be 50 (or married to someone who is) to get that membership and with the travel we do it pays for itself.

disneysteve · #12 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanamom

I always ask at hotels for a AARP discount.

Be very careful with this. I have had numerous occasions when I was researching rates for my mom or MIL and the senior discount was NOT the cheapest option. Seniors often assume that it will be and don't look any farther than that.