When I was a lad, there was no Internet and very few dining discounts outside of the American Automobile Association (AAA). Occasionally, one could get a discount for mentioning a particular guidebook (Frommer’s $5 A Day series comes to mind), but the practice wasn’t anything like today, except that AAA discounts are less widespread.
When I refer to a third-party discount, I’m talking about on-going discounts (as opposed to one-shot coupons) you receive because you’re a member of a group (voluntarily or otherwise, including active or retired military, over 55 years of age, a Nevada resident, a non-Nevada resident, an active or retired teacher, or a first responder). The best place to find out about these discounts is on a restaurant’s website, or by just being attentive when you are dining there. I found out about the 10% 60+ discount at Einstein Brother’s Bagels when the person in front of me used it.
Discounts might also be available to members of AARP, airline or credit card holders, or donators to charity, or even via a high-school booster organization. Membership to Smith Center for the Performing Arts (for $100-plus donation) includes dining discounts at several downtown restaurants. Club Ride, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada frequent-rider club, includes dining discounts at a dozen restaurants spread throughout the valley. The best place to find out about these discounts is the organization’s website.
While most people have no problem availing themselves of a generic coupon, military discount, or a discount based on residency, I’ve met a few people who are reluctant to ask for any discount based on age. They feel like it’s a handout or that it’s sending a signal to themselves or others that they’re “losing their edge.” I’m 64, run an active business that consumes 60+ hours a week, and do some form of exercise (workout or walking 10,000+ steps) six days a week and I have absolutely no issue taking any discount I’m entitled to based on my age, residence, or whatever.
Businesses that extend 50+ discounts do so not out of charity or political correctness, but because older people have a more steady income, are generally less demanding (though not always), and have fewer strains on their free time (no young kids). Most importantly, my fellow seniors (there, I said it) tend to become loyal customers after a couple of visits, as opposed to folks under 50 who like to regularly check out new experiences.
So, suck it up, Buttercup—and get that discount you’re entitled to!
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My local Wegman’s, a grocery chain in parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, gave me a senior discount a few years back. The only reason I knew about it as I noticed it on the receipt as I was putting the groceries in the car. At first I was insulted as I was only in my mid-40s. But after I got over I accepted the $1.50 discount and would never not accept the discount.
My local (Cinemark in CA/NV) theater chain regularly sells me Senior Citizen tickets even though, at 60, I’m not yet old enough to qualify. I too found this annoying. Then I decided to just take the discount as a “annoyance penalty” fee. 🙂
It used to be 65+, then 60, then lower. Where will it bottom out?
The first recognition of me as a “senior” was as the Hard Rock casino (special players club card for 50+). Too young! (But I’ll take the discount, thank you)