Online discounts for the armed forces

Monday, October 8, 2012 - 15:49 by Simon Crisp

A number of major retailers have come together as part of a new scheme called the Defence Discount Service (DDS), which will allow members of the armed forces and those who have previously served to receive cheaper prices on a variety of products and services.

DDS is creating its own website in order to get cut price offers via safe shopping online for this diverse group, which includes currently serving citizens and veterans, as well as members of their families.

Brands like Vodafone, Vision Express and Vue Cinemas have all signed up to the scheme, which is also looking into creating a card system, which will allow users to get their lower prices on sites offering safe shopping online, as well as while they are out and about on the high street.

Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, spoke out about the scheme, explaining that the DDS would be a good way to help show gratitude to members of the armed services, for the work that they have carried out.

Mr Hammond said that while the scheme had got off to a good start, it was still looking for other brands and retailers to get involved and offer their own discounts to servicemen and women, past and present.

DDS will be going live with its e-commerce style site before the end of the year, which should help eligible users to get some of the Christmas shopping out of the way at a lower price.

Of course, non-serving members of the public can also find great deals by shopping online, because e-commerce prices are easily able to outstrip those available on the high street in almost every instance. There are also plenty of deals and offers available from major retailers, which can only be accessed by web users.