AAFES dot com overcharging? (Navy, uniform, overseas, sales tax)

[VegasGrace]

Use the dot com to shop especially when overseas...their 'online mall' would ship to remote locations when other stores would not.

But over the past 2 years I've noticed they cost more than when you buy the same item somewhere else. They have the price match guarantee- which I always use. Don't think I've made a purchase in the past year or so without emailing them with the lower priced ad.

Then today my daughter wants something from Hot Topic...some hair ties and a belt. I go to hottopic and before I check out...I remember I can shop there through aafes...through their mall. Without sales tax! So I headed over to their site but you wouldn't believe what I found-

all their prices were HIGHER through aafes.

Their vacation club through aafes costs more than booking directly with Carnival or whereever.

Has anyone else noticed this? The increased prices on their website?

[Submariner]

It would not surprise me.

I log-on AAFES from time to time, but never buy anything, as I never find a good price.

I have gone onto the NavyExchange site and ordered replacement uniform items, but ouch the prices are high.

[Balad1]

I believe the sites and prices you are looking at are part of the "Exchange Mall". These are approved private businesses endorsed by AAFES, which AAFES gets a percentage on. I would complain to AAFES HQ in Dallas if the companies are jacking up the price; I don't believe that's AAFES intent.

[ladybug07]

Its just like if you go into the actal AAFES store. Some things are a bit higher than the same thing woud cost at say Target. I've always noticed they are higher than other places. I dont even go in there anymore for anything.
FYI- Hot Topic does a military discount!

[joey2000]

That site is a complete POS, IMO. Shouldn't surprise anyone familiar w/them.