Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials are trying to resolve a huge pricing glitch after an unknown number of military exchange shoppers ordered furniture from the ShopMyExchange website over New Year’s weekend, some of whom thought they were getting savings of upward of 80 percent.
"There were some inaccurate prices and we're working on a solution," AAFES spokesman Chris Ward said.
Some customers have been notified that their orders were canceled. But information was not readily available on how many people ordered the items, or whether AAFES will honor the cut-rate prices offered, some of which were picked up by other websites that promote deals for shoppers.
Some examples of furniture with incorrect prices:
- An Ashley Signature Design Darcy two-piece sectional was listed for $199; the regular price is $939.
- A Hillsdale Monaco five-piece dining set was listed for $149.97; it regularly sells for $899.
- A Home Styles China Hutch and Buffet was listed for $199.97; it usually goes for $1,099.99, according to the Raining Hot Coupons website.
The ShopMyExchange website carries a disclaimer stating that although AAFES strives to provide accurate information on the site, typographical or omission errors occasionally may occur in pricing, disclaimers, special offers, product information or images.
"Such errors are subject to correction at any time," the disclaimer states.
A similar glitch in 2011 on the AAFES websites resulted in some customers ordering laptop computers valued at about $1,000 for only $25. Those orders were canceled, and the purchases were not honored.
The ShopMyExchange website has had other problems in the past. After the site was quietly relaunched more than 15 months ago in September 2014, customers reported a wide range of issues, including credit cards charged but items not shipped; inability to place orders; and rejection of all forms of payment.
Officials reported they have worked out those glitches.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
