I tried the CVS/ECB shopping a while ago, but got frustrated and gave up. The store nearest me never seemed to have the sale items in stock. One week I went back three times because they said that a truck was bringing more, but the items were not on the shelves until the sale was over. What good is it to try to collect ECBs when all the items are out of stock?
Two things happened to make me want to try again. Last month the CVS moved into a brand new building, and I received a $5 certificate for filling out a survey. So, I checked Money Saving Mom’s list of deals, printed some coupons and headed off. I bought 3 different products. Here’s the breakdown:
- 1 24 count of Zantac priced at $9.99 on sale for $8.99, subtract a $5 coupon to make it $3.99, and get $3.oo in ECBs to equal $.99.
- 1 4.2 oz Crest Pro Toothpaste priced at $3.89 on sale for $2.99, subtract a $1 coupon to make it $1.99, and get $2.00 in ECBs to equal free.
- 2 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats that would total $9.58 but they were buy1get1free that made them $4.79, minus a $2.00 coupon to equal $2.79.
While typing this up I realized that she did not use one of my coupons. But she did take it. Oh man. I really stink at this. I should not have had to pay her $8.79 since I used my $5.00 certificate.
I have $5.00 in Extra Care Bucks for next time. What do you seasoned CVSers think? Did I do bad? good? or just okay? Any tips for next time? Besides making sure she scans all my coupons? Yoy!
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Sounds like you did good to me, even though one of your coupons got missed.
Here are a few tips I can offer:
*If you find that the store is out of something, be sure to get a raincheck.
*Some cashiers will adjust the ECB’s down if you don’t use the full amount, others won’t. I find it easier to make sure my subtotal (before tax) is equal to or less than the ECBs I’ll be using. To do this, you may have to add a small filler (e.g. a piece of candy).
*Get to the store a soon as you can after the sales start. You’ll be more likely to get things before they run out.
*Hand your coupons to the cashier as follows: $/$$ coupons ($4/$20, etc), any CVS store coupons, ECBs, manufacturer coupons.
*Plan a couple of different scenarios before you leave the house, so if they’re out of something you’ve got on your list. I’ve had to do this before and it was a relief to just go with Plan B or C instead of totally trying to re-figure from scratch right there in the middle of the store. I especially do this when there are really hot (or free) items on sale that may not be there by they time I get to the store.
These are just a few things I’ve learned since starting CVSing. I hope this stuff makes since to you. Good luck!!
.-= Amanda @ Mommy’s Idea Book´s last blog ..I’m Taking Care of My Little Man =-.
Sounds like it wasn’t too bad for your first trip!
Let me stress what Amanda said above me…get the rain check. Especially if it is an ECB item because you get the item for the price AFTER ECBs (example: toothpaste is 2.99 with 2.99 ECB…the raincheck is for that toothpaste FREE the next time they have it in stock and you’re there).
I stopped doing CVS for a while because the deals were not to my liking, but I’m back in the game now. You can follow my progress in you’d like. =)
Keep it up. Unfortunately, it takes practice like everything else.
.-= Kaye´s last blog ..It’s Like BOGO – Halloween Style! =-.