It’s a common misconception that the commissary raises prices on payday. For those that shop at the commissary regularly and purchase specific items on a continuous basis, we’ve all come to know the item’s price. When the price jumps up one day, the rumors start among military spouses.
Did the commissary raise the price because it’s payday?
Let’s put that rumor to rest. No, they do not raise prices on payday.
The commissary changes its prices twice a month, which happens to fall on the 1st and 16th of each month. It doesn’t mean they raise their prices on those days. That’s the cycle of sales. Those price changes last for 30 to 45 days, so while it may appear that the price went up, it really could be that you have enjoyed the sale price all month and that sale has now come to an end.
Many grocery stores out in town change their prices weekly or more often. This 30- to 45-day window is simply a longer business model.
At the same time prices are going up, they are also going down; it is usually a 50/50 mix.
Don’t forget that DeCA is required by law to sell all items at cost plus surcharge. They do not make a profit.
The commissary truly can be “worth the drive” as they say. By selling products at cost DeCA is passing on a huge savings to military families. Shopping at the commissary regularly can save you 30% overall on your grocery bill. Some people question this savings saying that they can find a particular item for less at a civilian grocery store. There are many reasons for this.
Their store model is most likely different so their prices might change more often than the commissary. Commercial stores can also buy into deals that manufacturers offer them in order to pass that savings on to consumers. Those types of deals are not necessarily available to the commissary.
These stores may also offer items at a loss to entice patrons into their store in hopes that they will spend more on higher profit earning items. Since the commissary can only sell goods at cost and does not make a profit, they do not engage in this sort of marketing.
There are many wonderful reasons to shop at the commissary and saving money is at the top of the list for many people. DeCA knows this, and that’s why they work so hard to bring the products we all love to commissaries around the world. Now that you know they do not raise their process on payday, shop easy the next time you’re at the commissary knowing you’re getting great products at good prices.
If you want to save even more, pick up a commissary rewards card at the checkout next time you shop. You can also find out when sales start by signing up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter and by visiting MilitaryShoppers anytime.
Why does the commissary carr Parkayin squeeze bottles, 4 sticks box butdoes not carry the tub size? They carried it at one time but has been dropped in the past year. Is there any chance of returning this item. I confess I do go to Walmart and other stores to get ours.
Thank you.
You don’t save as much as they are telling you with having to pay th 5% surcharge & having to tip the baggers! I use coupons & I usually pay more in surcharge than what my coupons I am using. This angers me so much I shop at other stores!!!!
My daughter worked as a bagger & since it is NOT a paid job they still tell you what to wear & what days you WILL work & get upset if you want that day off! They are volunteering as a bagger!
Like many retirees I coupon shop and I do check out the local grocery stores ads for their loss leaders. When I find a great deal or steal as I like to call them, I buy in bulk. The comissary does have the lowest prices on many items but alot of the local grocery stores have items that the comissary does not carry.
My question is; last year there was talk about increasing the prices at the comissary to offset the loss of appropriation money that they comissary would not be getting via congress, has there been any updates. I contacted my congressman & senators about this, but none of them replied back.
I would like to know why the commissary at Travis has stopped carrying Best Foods sandwich spread. I can only find Kraft’s sandwich spread. I detest the taste of Kraft’s and I will not buy it. I buy it at Lucky Foods or Winco Foods at double the price.