It's Okay to Wine About It

Did you know that some vendors give discounts to those who work in the service industry? I'm a preacher's kid and remember back in the day when local retailers would give dad a break on our purchases because he couldn't have otherwise afforded them. Well, most clergy discounts are now considered tabu because of religious views, but now retailers are offering other discounts. All you have to do is ask.

I was in a local wine shop yesterday, walking the aisles as I waited for M to finish a phone call. A college student came in, grabbed a merlot, and headed for the cash register. She lamented over the fact that she couldn't afford as many as she would like. The cashier quickly explained that on Wednesdays, they offer 20% case discounts, and on Thursdays anyone in the service industry (including medical field) and current college students can ask for a 10% discount on any purchase. I flashed back to a fading memory of Ponderosa giving us a discount one day when M was wearing his ID. I had forgotten that.

After the girl left, I approached the counter and asked how they verified such status. She laughed and said that if they were dressed in scrubs, it was a given. If not, she would ask them a silly question just for fun and give the discount.

My point is... don't be shy. Ask retailers if they give any special discounts to physicians, service industry, military... whatever you qualify for. The most they can do is say "no."