We went to Home Depot to buy 250 feet of  3 conductor #6 copper for the main run.  They were out of #6 but called their competitors and found someone who had it -- which was a surprise in itself.  But, to make things better, they suggested an alternative (#2 aluminum, higher capacity) at less than half the cost ... which was impossible to decline.

Then, when I got to the checkout counter, the clerk asked if I was a vet.  When I replied yes (there's a life-member DAV pin on my hat), I was informed that I'd receive an additional (unadvertised) 10% off ... because it was Veteran's Day.

For some reason, the thought was almost as welcome as the discount.