Do you get better customer service when not in uniform?

2021-03-23T21:21:31-04:00

I often see service members handling personal errands on the way home from work, i.e. getting a car part, buying a car, getting milk from the grocery store. I avoided doing any and all personal business in uniform, except for stopping to pump gas and maybe hitting up the drive thru. I feel people in military communities act more snooty or try to take advantage of service members in uniform. When in regular clothes, the customer service is way better and non-barcoded items seem to cost less. Even on-post, customer service seemed better when shopping in civilian clothes.

I'm curious what other peoples take is on this. If in agreement, why do you think this happens?' Anecdotal evidence is welcomed.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2021 9:44 PM

2021-03-23T21:44:09-04:00

I have never driven home in uniform, hence never stopped at the store in uniform, but the few times a year I have picked up lunch in uniform have all been pleasant.
Both on or near active duty installations, and in a city where the only folks in OCP are a few recruiters and AGRs.
I have found out many times, without asking, that places that already had a police/firefighter discount also extend that to the military when they see them.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 24 at 2021 4:11 AM

2021-03-24T04:11:01-04:00

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 24 at 2021 9:16 AM

2021-03-24T09:16:09-04:00

Just the opposite experience on my part. Usually lived in military friendly communities. Treated equally regardless of uniform. Normally if you treat the customer service person with respect and a smile you’ll get the same back. As a retired SM I get a thank you for your service if someone notices my ID card.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 24 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-03-24T11:26:15-04:00

I always got better service when I wasn't an asshole.

While that seems irrelevant to the question at hand, it really isn't. MOST people I met in the military act differently in uniform than they do in "civvies." SOME of those people become more of an asshole. Some get a sense of entitlement, or a sense of superiority, or just a swagger / bravado. Very few are truly humble.

In general, I have, personally, gotten slightly better service, on average (once factoring in my own attitude) in uniform than not. If you are finding that you (generic you, not necessarily you, SFC Private RallyPoint Member ) are getting worse service in uniform, check yourself. Other people may not be the problem.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 24 at 2021 2:22 PM

2021-03-24T14:22:43-04:00

I think if we convince ourselves there's a difference, and actively look for them, we'll find them. Not necessarily because they exist, but because humans aren't great at causation vs correlation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-03-24T17:19:15-04:00

The only difference I saw in uniform is people obligatory thanking me for my service while I'm in the store. I hate that. It's so awkward and strange.

I rarely go into an off post store in uniform. Unless I am coming back from an appointment for my daughter and need to stop somewhere quick or when I took my car in to get new tires. That was the last time I wore my uniform off post somewhere. I live on base so I do most grocery shopping at the commissary. If I need to go off post, I do it in civilian clothes.

But no one has ever been "snooty" to me while I'm in uniform or tries to take advantage of me. Just the obligatory "thank you for your service."

Places I go in civilian clothes I get good customer service. I have never gotten a discount in civilian clothes unless they asked me if I'm military and I show my ID.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2021 8:50 PM

2021-03-24T20:50:25-04:00

I don’t notice a difference either way. I just don’t like doing things in uniform (unless in a group) because people watch you and I feel like a target. I also can’t get two feet without being thanked for my service (which makes me feel weird since I am just in the reserves) and I just say thank you for your support and move on but if just slows me down and I don’t want to not talk to people or appear rude.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2021 12:29 AM

2021-03-25T00:29:47-04:00

I get better customer service when I am in uniform. I find that people treat me way better when I am in uniform than when I am out of uniform.