Adventures at the BX
Mar 16 2010
Our most recent transition experience arrived in the form of the need to wash clothes. We had a nice washer and dryer in the RV. Unfortunately, we can’t use them in the new house because we don’t know how the W/D could physically be taken out of the RV. So off Mary Claire went to research the brands, energy efficiency, etc.
There were so many questions with this purchase:
- Do we get top loaders or front loaders?
- Why don’t the front loaders just come with the pedestals vs. charging the consumer another $200 to avoid broken backs? (I’d like to thank manufacturers for looking out for consumers with that development: build a newly designed, energy efficient consumer appliance but make it 10 inches too short and charge $200 for the necessary pedestal.)
- Are the utility savings from the energy-rated units worth the extra cost?
- How does the Base Exchange system stay in business?
I know that last item came out of the blue, but the thought did occur to us as we shopped. As both of my readers know, one factor my wife and I took into account in considering where to settle was to be able to take advantage of base benefits, such as tax-free shopping at the commissary and BX. However, that experience does come at a cost. Frustration.
Mary Claire found good buys on a Whirlpool washer and dryer at the local BX. We traveled there ready to announce: “We want these,” thinking that spending $1,000+ would make us valuable customers. However, we couldn’t find anyone to listen to us. When we did find someone, they did take our money but then informed us that the units were on back order at the manufacturer and delivery was 2 months away.
It was explained that the sales promotions are done 6 months out so they aren’t always sure that the sale items will be in stock when the sale occurs. On top of that, the washer could be delivered sooner than the dryer. But, the manager didn’t want to allow that because the two are “one unit.” We pointed out that a washer could operate without the dryer, so hopefully we’re getting the washer delivered early. We aren’t too sure about this point though, because we can’t get our calls returned.
But, you can’t deny the savings and lack of sales tax, so we’ll be washing our clothes in an energy efficient frontloading washer, and doing our part to help the environment by hanging the washed clothes out to dry until our dryer arrives.
We actually prefer clothes hung to dry anyway.
I just don’t think the BX and commissary are quite the bargains they use to be in the good old days
I think just doing some research you might end up paying a little more but you would have a washer and dryer delivered together! Plus if you go to home depot or Lowe’s they usually will have a good deal. Also one of those stores not sure if it Home Depot or Lowe’s will give you a discount for retired military. So just something to think about because I really do not think the BX is really such a bargain anymore but that is just my opinion!
Pat, we just called Lowes about the dryer that is on back order, and their pricing is the same as the BX. We would save the tax, but we have a 10% off coupon for Lowes, so that evens out.
I still like the BX for their PBX clothing line for the kids. And once in awhile we still find good buys. But, for our new TV, the BX couldn’t compare to Costco, and the BX only carried the higher end lines.
I like the commissary though, especially now that they have sushi carts! Oh, I like the bowling alley as well!
There are some savings but not like the good old days! I think when we were overseas the savings of course were better. Being close to a base does not matter to me because if you shop around you can find good deals. The only reason we go into base is to get meds. I guess if you have children being close to a base would be good.
Anyway I can not wait to come visit but it will have to wait till next year.
I will call MC this weekend.