Usually when we know people who work at certain companies that usually means they can get discounts on products such as working in retail stores and getting generous staff discounts. In a lot of cases, people usually love to share these perks with friends and family members as well. But then there is another train of thought on how it may be inappropriate to ask people to buy you stuff with their perks. Essentially, it comes down to the impression that you are simply using people which is not welcomed.
I guess for me it really depends as usually I love to help people save money when I can. For example, if I have a membership that offers discounts at a place of business, I would love to help others save money if possible. The only times where I thought it would lean towards being inappropriate is if the person asking me to help them is not someone I frequently communicated with and they just happened to find out I have these benefits where they now want it. That scenario to me is virtually no different than the guy who only shows up when they need a “favor” that involves say getting money from you. That’s a pretty universal scenario on when you probably shouldn’t ask.
If you didn’t invest in the relationship and could in a sense care less what happens in their life once you get what you want then you kind of need to think of it where you have to offer something of value for the person too. Otherwise, it kind of is just using the person. Would you love it where once people found out you won the lottery then all of a sudden certain people pop up in your life asking for money as an example?