Written by Angela Caban,

We didn’t always shop at the commissary, especially since we live off post. But a few years ago I told my husband that I wanted to check out the prices, and compare it to our local supermarket. I was shocked, I could not believe how much we saved and we didn’t even have any coupons. But there were also things I didn’t know about the commissary that can make your trip worthwhile. Whether you are a new military spouse or one that has been around many commissaries, this guide can help you make your shopping trip more enjoyable and stress free. Hey you can even save more money!

First things first…..
When you are married and are issued an official military ID, you will have the privilege to shop at the commissary. The commissary is like a civilian supermarket, but only Active, Reserve, Guard, Veteran and dependents of military personnel may shop in. Remember that if you are new to the area, and especially have not shopped there before, you will require a military ID. Without this, you will not be able to purchase anything. We shop there twice a month; therefore the staff recognizes us and knows that we are military. But every now and then, they do ask us for ID.

Military Comes First
After shopping at the commissary for a few months I picked up on the “preferred shopper” privileges. This would be in regards to all military personnel. If you are waiting in line with a cart full of groceries and two screaming kids, military is still preferred. There are usually times set in place when military personnel have priority shopping privileges, and it may vary per store. Lunch time is usually the time that this would be set. In any case regardless of time, I always allow a soldier ahead of me in line. It is just another way you can show your respect and thanks to our soldiers.

Stay Away Dates
Always remember when payday is, and schedule your shopping trip around these dates. Military personnel will usually be paid on the 1st and the 15th of the month. So unless you feel like being in the commissary for hours and waiting in lines, stay away on payday. I have also noticed that the weekends can be a very difficult time to shop, especially when you have kids. So if you can go during the week during the slow times, do it!

Tax Free Shopping, but…..
Even though the commissary offers tax-free shopping, there is still a surcharge for purchasing your groceries. The rate is 5% of your total purchase, regardless if your state is tax-free or not. The purpose of this surcharge is for the overall costs of the commissary. In other words this money is put towards repairs, upgrades and any expansions made to the commissary. Either way, it is such a small amount to pay for great prices and no taxes. A smart move is to calculate the 5% before you go shopping, this way there will be no overspending or surprises while being rung up.
 

Coupons and More!
We have always had a great experience shopping at the commissary. On average we save about a total of $285 a month. And this is buying the same exact products and brands we buy at the regular supermarket. The price of groceries has always been lower and we end up with such great deals and more groceries for less money. And in case you forgot your coupons, the commissary always has the “tower of coupons” that you may browse through and take what you need. On our last trip, we forgot the coupons and I just so happened to find a few coupons that I could use. We saved an unexpected $7, I call that a wonderful surprise. And last but not least, do not forget to check on the Case Lot Sales. What is this you may ask? The commissary case lot sale happens each year in May and September. They offer a sale on bulk quantities at an extra savings of 50% from canned goods, beverages, cleaning or laundry products, and in some cases, fresh chicken, pork, beef and produce. Who can’t use a little extra cash in their pocket?
The sale is just around the corner. To find the nearest case lot sale to you, visit the commissary case lot sale page.

Baggers
What most people do not know the first time they shop at the commissary, is that the baggers work strictly for tips. They are not employees of DeCa (Defense Commissary Agency). The baggers are there to make your trip easier and more enjoyable, by bagging and taking your groceries to your car. They even help you load the groceries into your car. I find this so helpful with my shoulder and back problems as well as the chaos of shopping with a four year old. Depending on just how many bags you have, this can determine the amount. I normally tip $5-7 which is average for the amount of bags we normally have. Any little bit helps and there is no mandatory amount to give. If you do not have any cash on you or decline the services, tell the cashier before the bagger begins their work.

Shopping at the commissary does not need to be stressful; as long as you are aware of some of the guidelines you will have a pleasant experience.

To find a commissary near you, visit the DeCa website.
For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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