Senior Discounts

From wikiSenior

Is there a Senior Discount?

To get a senior discount, the most important thing you can do is to ask the question. Store or service clerks may not offer the information because they might fear the risk of offending someone. If you ask, however, you might be surprised at what you find.

Senior discounts are never required, but they can make good business sense for many merchants. Seniors can be the most reliable customers, they may shop during slack periods, and their wealth of experience can make them easier to service. In short, it can be a win-win opportunity for any merchant or service provider.

Make certain you carry some sort of verification with you in case you are challenged. (Don’t you love to be carded?) Also, be aware that the age threshold may vary, e.g. 50, 55, 60, 62, or 65, by location. Each organization can set its own rules. For example, Kroger offers seniors a 5% discount on Wednesdays in some locations.

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Don’t be embarrassed to ask the question everywhere, e.g. hair stylist, barber, cleaners, theaters, travel services, grocers, tire shops, etc. Even if they don’t currently have a discount, they may decide to offer it to you just because you asked.
Sometimes it is called an AARP discount rather than Senior. Don’t let semantics get in your way.
Do your homework, especially for any major purchase. A higher priced location may actually offer a better deal for you once the discount is applied.
Some operations may only offer discounts on certain days or on certain lines of merchandise.
Don’t forget to include your local government and utilities. Some offer discounts to seniors or at least will freeze rates.