Because of my love for those who bleed for us, I want to sell my product at a 50% discount to all military personnel/veterans. However, while it may be the most disgraceful thing to do, I know lots of people are without shame and would gladly pose as a serviceman for cheap product. 100% of my customer base is online so I feel like it makes it even more tempting for people to do so. That being said, is there a way to ask a person to show proof of military service without being offensive? I don't want it to come off as me saying I don't believe them. What should I do?
verifying military personnel for discounts
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I don't think it would be out of line to ask to see their military ID. They should have it with them. I work with several Veterans and they get discounts (10% I think) at Home Depot and Lowes. They have to show their ID's before they are given the discount. I'd make a stipulation, though, that the name on the ID needs to match the name on the order/ form of payment. Either way, I am sure Veterans would have no problems showing proof.
lol I guess that makes sense. I'm taking payment through paypal so I doubt they have one linked to their military email. I guess I can have them email me first and then offer the discount manually but that seems like it will be a royal PITA.
I only have one design right now. Im announcing the release of my first shirt on Monday. I'm just in the beginning stages of the business. My First shirt is just my business name across the chest of the shirt, much like you would see on a quicksilver or volcom shirt. I like simplicity which is why I went with that first but I know my market will enjoy some more complex designs so I forsee some of those coming out in the near future.
No sir. I believe we all need to pay for our freedom. Vets have paid through service, and I am of the opinion that those of us blessed enough to reap the rewards without that sacrifice should have to pay financially. Maybe if our whole country ran that way we wouldn't have any vets in poverty. Are you?
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FPF,
As a Vet, let me say thank you for your kindness and support. As a business owner, I want to help you. 50% is a huge discount on a shirt and I'm not sure you would be leaving yourself any profit. 20% is a much appreciated and motivating discount when it is limited to a smaller group rather than everyone. As far as how to "verify" military status online, that is difficult. You could offer a discount if shipped to an APO or FPO address which are DOD addresses overseas but, shipped from your perspective as a NY or CA address.
Another option would be instead to donate a portion of a sale to a military support charity such as the Wounded Warrior Assiciation or the Special Operations Organization.
As we say in the Navy, May you have fair winds and following seas on your course.
As a Vet, let me say thank you for your kindness and support. As a business owner, I want to help you. 50% is a huge discount on a shirt and I'm not sure you would be leaving yourself any profit. 20% is a much appreciated and motivating discount when it is limited to a smaller group rather than everyone. As far as how to "verify" military status online, that is difficult. You could offer a discount if shipped to an APO or FPO address which are DOD addresses overseas but, shipped from your perspective as a NY or CA address.
Another option would be instead to donate a portion of a sale to a military support charity such as the Wounded Warrior Assiciation or the Special Operations Organization.
As we say in the Navy, May you have fair winds and following seas on your course.
Thanks guys. I agree that 50% is a lot. I'm getting a lot of people (vets included) that tell me to do less. Im thinking I might do 25% as my normal rate, and then I can always give a higher discount if its feasible. I wouldn't mind giving my stuff away at cost to be perfectly honest. But it was brought to my attention that I on this first order of shirts, a 50% discount would mean I would be losing a dollar per shirt.
I just really think if we all lightened the financial load on vets, their outrageously low pay that the government (who's members make well over 150K for life) insists on them making wouldn't be as unmanageable. We have to work around the yahoos running this country.
I just really think if we all lightened the financial load on vets, their outrageously low pay that the government (who's members make well over 150K for life) insists on them making wouldn't be as unmanageable. We have to work around the yahoos running this country.
Thank you for your heartfelt intentions towards current and former members of the military!
I agree with others that 50% is too large of a discount. Verification of active duty status is through the ID card, but that has issues as someone mentioned. Veterans could provide a copy of their DD214 (an abbreviated service record) or a copy of their VA card, if they use VA facilities. The suggestion to offer the discount to members serving overseas (APO/FPO) is excellent.
Here's another thought - on the site I'm building, I have a page for Military/Patriotic shirt designs. I plan to donate a portion of the proceeds to a group such as the Wounded Warriors (researching others as well). I think that would demonstrate your appreciation to our military community without giving individual discounts. Personally, I would give up my discount to see it donated to a worthy group.
- Steve (U.S. Army, '69-'77)
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I commend you for your thoughts and efforts. There are some points omitted from those that answered, maybe due to their time and length of service. First you need to decide if you are taking care of Veterans, Personnel who served, current Service personnel, or all who wore the uniform. The reason that makes a difference is due to what the individual will have to show for their past or present service. As stated, Service personnel cannot send you a copy of their ID card, as you can be a terrorist collecting data or using same to duplicate for subversive reasons. In person verification , ie Lowes - Home Depot, is easy as the service person past or present can present their ID card. A DD214 will articulate a service person status as to veteran or tell you who served. I do think that is more than you need to determine. Based on your statements, you are looking for those who gave some and further show that you are part of a grateful nation. Thus to your end, I think it can only be accomplished in person. The USO and the Wounded Warrior Project are worthwhile organizations but might not be the answer you are seeking. Make the effort to seek local verification, which is easier said than done. IF you still interested, PM me to work through some of the issues.
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