One of the occupational hazards of my job is becoming some sort of consumer know-it-all. One of the antidotes is reading others’ great consumer articles. In the October issue of Consumer Reports, my consumer colleagues surprised and delighted me with something I didn’t know: many retailers offer special discounts just for students. Then, when I searched around for, like, two minutes, I found other listings, like this one from Brad’s Deals.
Sure, I knew about student discounts on computers and books, but did you know about the deals on clothing, restaurants and travel? I bet lots of college students do —but their parents don’t— so here’s a primer. First of all, a company called UNiDAYS has created a clearinghouse that helps retailers know whether students really are students, so that’s one place to check for evolving discounts. Meanwhile, here are several to get you started:
APPAREL
Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft: 15% Discount
Banana Republic: 15% Discount
J. Crew/Madewell: 15% Discount
FOOD
Dairy Queen: Participating locations offer a discount or a “Student Meal Deal.”
IHOP: Participating restaurants offer student discounts on a local basis.
Pizza Hut: 10-20% Discount, depending on location.
TRAVEL:
Amtrak: Save 10% with the Student Advantage Discount Card, which costs $22.50 a year and contains many student offers.
Greyhound: 20% discount with the same student discount card.
General Motors: Discounts on Buicks, Chevys and GMCs through the GM College Discount Program.
Have you heard of other great student discounts? Better yet, have you tested them out and scored a success? Then, by all means, “share with the class” via my Facebook page.