Consumer Watch: Even among exchanges, it pays to shop around - Military Money, Air Force Money, air force pay, pay charts - Air Force Times

Consumer Watch: Even among exchanges, it pays to shop around

What do diapers and motorcycle safety gear have in common?

For those shopping at Marine Corps exchanges, it’s that you can get these and other essential items at cost — which means no markup.

Marine Corps exchanges offer certain essential, brand-name items at cost to help every family afford the basics, said Cindy Whitman Lacy, chief operating officer of the Marine Corps Exchange.

This means that when you buy milk, bread, baby food, baby formula and diapers at these stores, you’re paying what it cost the exchange to buy that item from the manufacturer or distributor.

Marine Corps exchanges also sell motorcycle safety gear at cost to Marines who complete a safety class, to encourage proper gear on motorcycles.

The exchanges have varying markups on their items, and if you’re in an area with several bases, such as the Washington, D.C., area, San Antonio or Hampton Roads, Va., it pays to compare.

Milk, bread and baby items are sold in commissaries, too, so compare those prices as well. By law, commissaries sell everything at cost, but they must tack on a 5 percent surcharge at the register on purchases. So you might get the exact same item cheaper at the Marine Corps exchange.

While you’re looking for the best price, do some comparison shopping among the military stores.

Need a new computer?

If you need new eyeglasses or a new computer, here’s an option to consider at your Navy Exchange as you conduct your comparison shopping: You may be able to spread out the payments for a year without paying interest, if you use your exchange credit card.

Just do it carefully to ensure you’re getting the best deal:

• By using your Military Star Card at a Navy exchange, you can purchase any computer, TV or home theater system valued at $699 or more with no down payment, no interest and no payments for 360 days. That offer is good Aug. 17-28.

• By using your Military Star Card at a Navy Exchange Optical Shop, you can buy any complete prescription eyewear package (including contact lenses) of $199 or more with no down payment, no interest and no payments for one year. That offer is good through Sept. 30.

You still have time to comparison shop on both of those deals before you buy. And if it works out that the Navy exchange is your best option, make sure you have enough money to pay it off within that year. If not, you’ll have to pay interest on the credit card balance after the free period ends — meaning the eyewear or computer will cost you more.

Borders gift cards

Borders stores are going out of business and having their fire sales now. If you have a Borders gift card, use it as soon as possible — they will be honored through the liquidation sales, officials say. It’s hard to say how long these sales will last in each area, but one thing is certain: As time goes on, there will be less to choose from, because stores will not be restocking their shelves. You can also use the gift card online.