Offer a Military Discount? Did this become a negotiation?

[ajs_coins_and_alchemy]

I feel like this is a very sensitive subject, and I'm hesitant to open this door with this question, but I'm very unsure of how to deal/think/respond to this... I don't know how to respond to the buyer, but I don't know how to respond internally within myself...

Back story: I'm selling a military themed coin. I just dropped my price from a premium price to a fair/competitive price. It's a standard Buy It Now (No Offers Enabled). I'm not flexible on this price.

What Happened: I just got a message today. It went from some nice pleasantries, to asking if we offer a military discount. Then told me the item is a gift for someone, then asked me if I would take $XX for the item.

My issue: This is where I get a bit uneasy about this... I receive messages requesting discounts followed by offer prices all the time. I'm not sure how others see this... but I don't feel it's right to ask if we offer a military discount, and then follow up with their own price they want to pay. I'm going to try to be careful with my words here, but that doesn't sit right with me... My uncle is USN Retiree, 26 yrs of service. He gets military discounts when we go out. This isn't a foreign concept to me. I just feel this individual turned a gesture done for "honorable" reasons, into a negotiating tactic... and it feels really dirty/icky...

That argument above I feel stands on it's own and I feel that way no matter what... but let me add this... Reading this message I was fully ready to offer 10% off as a military discount (I'm NOT already flexible on price, this 10% off was solely going to be as a military discount.) I'm priced fairly and competitively. Also, nearly everywhere and every establishment I see my uncle getting a Military Discount, it always seems to be 10% so that seems like a very reasonable amount. This persons price they offered was over 22% off....

I mean, yes the requested discount was over double what I was originally thinking of giving, but forget the money aspect, it just doesn't feel right that someone inquired about a military discount offer and set their own price in the same breath... 

Not responding to this person feels awful. Responding and saying no feels awful and goes against what I wanted to do initially (give 10%). Offering 10% feels like a negotiation and that feels like it ruins the fundamental basis/purpose/concept of a military discount. Giving the item at the price requested feels wrong on all levels (not including the financial side of things).

I could keep babbling because I feel like I have to keep justifying how I feel... I'm hoping someone understands? Am I crazy? Am I wrong? Does anyone agree? Am I missing something or over thinking this?

[reallynicestamps]

Well you could if you like. I'd want a copy of his current ID badge/card.

With picture and ID number and the base he is working from and date of birth.

And to send to an APO address.

But I suspect that this is equally likely to be a 'stolen valour' situation, since most of the veterans and serving troops I have met are offered the discount, they do not demand it.

[quiltgeek]

Just refuse to give a discount.  You set the price where you want it to be.

AND----You have NO PROOF that the buyer is in any way tied to a military background.

[carolynnq]

I would just say something like, "Thank you for your offer but I'm afraid we cannot offer a discount on this item."

[ajs_coins_and_alchemy]

I was so afraid to read the responses and now I'm so relieved. Thank you guys. It just totally didn't feel right...

I know a seller I've bought from who puts in his listings that "If you're a vet, let me know, I would like to offer you free shipping as a thank you for your service". 

But you're right, to demand a discount doesn't feel right. I didn't even go the step of thinking stolen valor. I think the "it's a gift" pulled at my heart strings a bit more too.

[ajs_coins_and_alchemy]

That's along the lines of my standard canned response to general offers on items I'm not flexible on. I send that daily.

The reason I didn't go that route is the invocation of military discount. Wanting to give one, but not wanting to go this route with this person. That made this into a can of worms for me.

[fab_finds4u]

Tacky and entitled. 

Go with the advice on message 4.

To counter with 10% just reinforces they should always ask for a discount because they'll get something off!

[a_c_green]

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@ajs_coins_and_alchemy wrote:

My issue: This is where I get a bit uneasy about this... I receive messages requesting discounts followed by offer prices all the time. I'm not sure how others see this... but I don't feel it's right to ask if we offer a military discount, and then follow up with their own price they want to pay.

---

Agreed; this is similar to those stories about wanting a discount because they're on a fixed income, or elderly, or can't afford the full price, or are missing key limbs. None of this is remotely provable via unsolicited messaging, but I would say that none of it is relevant, either.

I would decide your answer on the basis of how much you would discount your on-line sale (if any) regardless of reason, and ignore the rest of the shaggy-dog story. While I assume you would be okay with a military discount for a face-to-face buyer where you would be satisfied that he's the genuine article... um... how does that New Yorker cartoon go? "On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog." Anyone can claim anything about themselves on-line and there's no way to quickly verify it, so I just wouldn't get into the whole military-discount thing in the first place.

[pennysdream]

Hay, 

I would decline the offer.  I tell folks.. Thank you, However, I do not mess with offers.  Have a great day.  (Stuff like this is why.)  

Second, there is no way to prove they are or are not military.  

In my little brain, I think it sounds like a REALLY BAD idea for me to scan my ID card and send it to you. Beyond it being a big hassle.  (And the really ugly photo).  

[biggymoe]

Seems like the easiest, cleanest response would be to offer a 10% discount, as you stated you would be comfortable with.  Done deal.

[inhawaii]

I am so pro-military BUT a no discount policy is a no discount policy.

Don't feel bad about sticking to your guns.

[monica-sells]

Now that you brought that up....

I have always wondered why ebay ignores that potential market.....as an individual seller, I am unable to offer a discount to military, first responders, etc.... (and advertise/market it as such)

Speaking as a former web developer/designer, I would think it would not be terribly difficult for the platform (or to allow the individual seller) to subscribe to a site such as https://shop.id.me/military that "pre-screens" members that qualify for various discounts.

It would take both the platform (ebay) and the participants (sellers) to participate to make a discount feasible.

(like ebay conceding a percentage in FVF and the seller offering a percentage off the selling price)

I don't know...just thinking out loud....

[epowerbargains]

You are a compassionate person. My 2 cents - my family is proudly past and present military - active duty and veterans. Never once have I ever seen any family member ask for a military discount. Sometimes people just offer it on a bill without them even asking ( when they are in uniform) which is a surprise and much appreciated gesture. I don’t speak for all military people but just sharing my observation.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

I didn't need to read the complete post after I seen this involved a coin. To ask for a military discount is pretty ballsy. The buyer just wants the coin for as cheap as they can get it. 

Everybody wants something for nothing these days.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

Reminds me of the current issue of fast-food places who think that the customer needs to tip at the counter. NO WAY!

Those employees are getting an hourly wage.  Only waiters and waitresses deserve a tip at a sit-down restaurant. Their hourly wage is less, and the tip helps with the difference.  They are providing a real service.