Can someone explain CVSing - I dont get it!

[Anjelica]

So I should try it anyway, the worst they can say is, no, right?!

Ok, so I'm off to do my first CVS run today!

Also, is there a link for the new flyer yet, it came in the mail yesterday, I think, and I threw it away.

Good Luck - I gotta do one either tonight or tomorrow for some more dawn, toothbrushes, q-tips and bandages.

 

[Kycha]

Okay...this is my first attempt at CVS'ing.

Trip #1
$1 Chex mix
$1 Chex mix
$1 Malt o meal cereal
$1 Malt o meal cereal
$1 Dawn
$1 Dawn
$1.77 Crest toothpaste
$3.49 Smart Rinse
$6.99 Oral B cross action
$3.99 Colgate total
free Colgate total b1g1 free
$22.24 subtotal

-.20 Dawn coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 chex mix coupon
-$1 chex mix coupon
-$1 crest toothpaste coupon
-$1 smart rinse coupon
-$1.50 colgate total coupon
-$3 off $15

oop total $11.62(inc .08 tax)

ecb's recvd
$1 Dawn
$3.49 smart rinse
$6.99 oral b cross action


Trip #2
$1 chex mix
$1 chex mix
$1 dawn
$1 dawn
$6.99 oral b cross action
$1.99 cvs band aid
$1 malt o meal cereal
$1 malt o meal cereal
.79 milky way
$15.77 subtotal

-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 chex mix coupon
-$1 chex mix coupon
-$3 off $15
-$6.99 ecb

oop total $1.78

ecb's recvd
$1 dawn
$6.99 oral b cross action
$1.99 cvs band aids

I think I'm getting the hang of this. Only $13.40 out of pocket for products that total over $42. Plus, I have 2 more trips planned that shouldn't cost me more than $2 out of pocket for over $35 worth of stuff. And I have already looked at the coming weeks ads and planned an attack.

 

[global_mom]

So I should try it anyway, the worst they can say is, no, right?!

Ok, so I'm off to do my first CVS run today!

Also, is there a link for the new flyer yet, it came in the mail yesterday, I think, and I threw it away.

The link to the new flyer is posted about 10 posts above. Have fun!

 

[girli565]

OK, so I did my first trip!!

1st Transaction:
6 2/$2 Dawn (needed it, our dishwasher broke so we will be washing for a few weeks!)
4 2/$5 Febreze (Love this stuff!!!)

-$3 0ff $15 coupon
Total $13.91 OOP (with 7% tax)
Received $3 & $5 ECBs

2nd Transaction:
3 Charmin 9pk
1 Bounty 8pk

-$4 off $20 coupon
-$3 off $15 coupon
-$8 ECBs from previous purchase
Total 6.36 OOP (with 7% tax)
Received $10 ECB for next week!


When I get my Sunday paper I will be clipping coupons so I can better my savings!!

I got almost $45 of stuff for $20!!! So, how did I do!

 

[global_mom]

OK, so I did my first trip!!

1st Transaction:
6 2/$2 Dawn (needed it, our dishwasher broke so we will be washing for a few weeks!)
4 2/$5 Febreze (Love this stuff!!!)

-$3 0ff $15 coupon
Total $13.91 OOP (with 7% tax)
Received $3 & $8 ECBs

2nd Transaction:
3 Charmin 9pk
1 Bounty 8pk

-$4 off $20 coupon
-$3 off $15 coupon
-$8 ECBs from previous purchase
Total 6.36 OOP (with 7% tax)
Received $10 ECB for next week!


When I get my Sunday paper I will be clipping coupons so I can better my savings!!

I got almost $45 of stuff for $20!!! So, how did I do!

I'm not a pro but it seems like you did a really good job. Great that they took the $4 and $3 coupons in the same transaction!

 

[girli565]

I'm not a pro but it seems like you did a really good job. Great that they took the $4 and $3 coupons in the same transaction!

Yeah, the cashier was cute boy so I batted my eyes and said that it was emailed to me, he just rang it right up!

Thanks!! Now I have TP for at least a full month!

 

[Kycha]

Okay, back at it again.

Trip #3

$1.99 cvs bandaids
$7.99 covergirl makeup
free covergirl makeup b1g1 free
$3.19 cvs cotton swabs
$1 malt o meal cereal
$1 malt o meal cereal
$1 malt o meal cereal
$16.17 subtotal

-$1 covergirl coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$3 off $15
-$6.99 ecb

$2.18 oop total

ecb's recvd
$2 cvs cotton swabs
$1.99 cvs bandaids

Trip #4

$9.99 fusion phenom razor
$1.99 cvs bandaids
$3.19 cvs cotton swabs
$1 malt o meal cereal
$16.17 subtotal

-$4 fusion phenom razor coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$3 off $15
-$1 ecb
-$3.49 ecb

$3.68 oop total

ecb's recvd
$4 fusion phenom razor
$1.99 cvs bandaids
$2 cvs cotton swabs

So, my grand total after 2 days and 4 separate transactions...
I paid $19.26 out of pocket for products totaling over $70 and I still have $14.97 ecb's left to roll over for next week. Thanks guys for all the helpful information! I don't know what took me so long to finally get into this.

 

[Anjelica]

So - I may have hit an off couple of days but the two CVS pharmacies near me have been completely out of stock of several items (i.e. bandaids, etc.). I was lucky enough to get some items last night but when I went by both of them today they were both completely out of the toothbrushes, Q-tips and bandaids - what gives? Am I out of luck - I don't want to always feel like I have to check every day to see if they are in stock - seems like any money I would be saving would be wasted in gas (can you tell I am bummed that I didn't do any transactions today - lol).

Are there normal days of delivery, etc? The one CVS just got their truck in yesterday and they still didn't have any bandaids, Qtips or toothbrushes. Anyone else encounter this problem?

 

[Kycha]

So - I may have hit an off couple of days but the two CVS pharmacies near me have been completely out of stock of several items (i.e. bandaids, etc.). I was lucky enough to get some items last night but when I went by both of them today they were both completely out of the toothbrushes, Q-tips and bandaids - what gives? Am I out of luck - I don't want to always feel like I have to check every day to see if they are in stock - seems like any money I would be saving would be wasted in gas (can you tell I am bummed that I didn't do any transactions today - lol).

Are there normal days of delivery, etc? The one CVS just got their truck in yesterday and they still didn't have any bandaids, Qtips or toothbrushes. Anyone else encounter this problem?

My local CVS seems to stock up pretty regularly. In the 3 trips I made, they restocked toothbrushes and bandaids. But, I did notice when the shelf was bare, there was usually a display somewhere in the store. Usually on an endcap. The only thing my store was out of stock of was the tuna...which I really, really wanted.

 

[newt1912]

I am relatively new to shopping at CVS with the ECB deals so I have not encountered this situation before. I went to my CVS for the $20 of Bounty Paper towels to get the $10 ECBs and then I was going to roll those $10ECBs into other purchases to generate even more ECBs. My CVS is out of the Bounty. I had to ask for a raincheck (RC) - none was offered. I was then told that I could have a RC for the Bounty @ $5.99 but I would not get the $10 ECB offer when the RC was used in the future because their computer system has no way to handle that. That seems totally unfair to me. Their sale circular does not mention how RCs would be handled for ECB items either.

I just called CVS Corp office and was told that when I use by RC for 4 packages of Bounty papertowels next week or whenever they are restocked (won't be this week), I can call them and explain the situation and they will mail me a $10 ECB coupon. That is all well and good but that can be a pain in the neck if this happens often.

How does your CVS handle this type of situation?

 

[girli565]

I am relatively new to shopping at CVS with the ECB deals so I have not encountered this situation before. I went to my CVS for the $20 of Bounty Paper towels to get the $10 ECBs and then I was going to roll those $10ECBs into other purchases to generate even more ECBs. My CVS is out of the Bounty. I had to ask for a raincheck (RC) - none was offered. I was then told that I could have a RC for the Bounty @ $5.99 but I would not get the $10 ECB offer when the RC was used in the future because their computer system has no way to handle that. That seems totally unfair to me. Their sale circular does not mention how RCs would be handled for ECB items either.

I just called CVS Corp office and was told that when I use by RC for 4 packages of Bounty papertowels next week or whenever they are restocked (won't be this week), I can call them and explain the situation and they will mail me a $10 ECB coupon. That is all well and good but that can be a pain in the neck if this happens often.

How does your CVS handle this type of situation?

I was wondering the same thing. I didn't have to raincheck anything yesterday but I was wondering the same thing about the ECBs for the rain checked items.

Thanks!

 

[tngramma]

Let me ask everyone a few things about this program - how long has it been around? It seems somewhat like a "loophole" but if you go to CVS and only due the bare minimum to earn ECB's and pay little out of pocket - are they losing money? Seems like a great program for the consumer, as long as you do it "right" but you know what they say about good things. Has anyone ever had an issue with a manager, etc. getting grumpy about repeat customers doing this type of shopping?

Again though - great program and I am taking full advantage of it. I appreciate all the tips and help from everyone!!!

Here is my opinion (which is not worth much ). CVS has marketing personell with degrees in this field to examine this program. If it ever starts costing CVS money instead of making money it will be stopped. As stated before tons of people will be sucked in with the "FREE" ad and never use the ECB that is making the product free.

Oh Diann show them a photo. This is how you got me hooked.

I just deleted those pics from photobucked a few weeks back. Give me a week or so and I will take some more.

I am more and more impressed with all of you CVSers!!

But I don't think CVS is losing money!

With the markup of consumer goods and tons of people that don't bother with the ECB (like me - so far) I'm sure they're still raking it in. Otherwise they wouldn't stay in business.

But please explain one thing ~

While I know consumers (you guys) are gaining, it seems you're only gaining when you use a manufacturers coupon - right? Its the ECB you get back that makes the stuff 'free'.

But to 'make' money -- some of you say they 'pay you to carry it out' -- don't you need coupons - either from cvs or the manufacturer?

(one of these days I may just have to try it myself....)

By all means use manf. coupons (MQ). Sunday's newspaper usually has coupons inserts. You can check this site on Wed. or Thurs. of each week to know what inserts and coupons listed. http://www.taylortownpreview.com/

So - I may have hit an off couple of days but the two CVS pharmacies near me have been completely out of stock of several items (i.e. bandaids, etc.). I was lucky enough to get some items last night but when I went by both of them today they were both completely out of the toothbrushes, Q-tips and bandaids - what gives? Am I out of luck - I don't want to always feel like I have to check every day to see if they are in stock - seems like any money I would be saving would be wasted in gas (can you tell I am bummed that I didn't do any transactions today - lol).

Are there normal days of delivery, etc? The one CVS just got their truck in yesterday and they still didn't have any bandaids, Qtips or toothbrushes. Anyone else encounter this problem?

You should ask what day the store's truck run. In my town the truck runs on Monday and by Tuesday afternoon they have the shelves restocked.

I am relatively new to shopping at CVS with the ECB deals so I have not encountered this situation before. I went to my CVS for the $20 of Bounty Paper towels to get the $10 ECBs and then I was going to roll those $10ECBs into other purchases to generate even more ECBs. My CVS is out of the Bounty. I had to ask for a raincheck (RC) - none was offered. I was then told that I could have a RC for the Bounty @ $5.99 but I would not get the $10 ECB offer when the RC was used in the future because their computer system has no way to handle that. That seems totally unfair to me. Their sale circular does not mention how RCs would be handled for ECB items either.

I just called CVS Corp office and was told that when I use by RC for 4 packages of Bounty papertowels next week or whenever they are restocked (won't be this week), I can call them and explain the situation and they will mail me a $10 ECB coupon. That is all well and good but that can be a pain in the neck if this happens often.

How does your CVS handle this type of situation?

My CVS in TN handles it the same way. But one of my CVS's in MD give you a RC that says "FREE". So I can hold onto that RC until the product shows up again. I have brought the free RC from MD to TN and the stores here would honor them. Just remember any time the store is out of a product ask for a RC. You never know when that will be an ECB generating product and you will get the sale price plus the ECB.

 

[mafibisha]

Here is my opinion (which is not worth much ). CVS has marketing personell with degrees in this field to examine this program. If it ever starts costing CVS money instead of making money it will be stopped. As stated before tons of people will be sucked in with the "FREE" ad and never use the ECB that is making the product free.



I just deleted those pics from photobucked a few weeks back. Give me a week or so and I will take some more.



By all means use manf. coupons (MQ). Sunday's newspaper usually has coupons inserts. You can check this site on Wed. or Thurs. of each week to know what inserts and coupons listed. http://www.taylortownpreview.com/



You should ask what day the store's truck run. In my town the truck runs on Monday and by Tuesday afternoon they have the shelves restocked.



My CVS in TN handles it the same way. But one of my CVS's in MD give you a RC that says "FREE". So I can hold onto that RC until the product shows up again. I have brought the free RC from MD to TN and the stores here would honor them. Just remember any time the store is out of a product ask for a RC. You never know when that will be an ECB generating product and you will get the sale price plus the ECB.

GREAT info, thanks!

Now, please tell me how you can "quote" so many people at one time! How do you do it?

 

[jessica52877]

To multi quote hit the button with the quotes and plus for each one, then hit quote on the very last message you want, they will all show up for you to respond to then. Hope that made sense.

Our CVS's around here seem to restock pretty well, but some items if it is a monthly seems like once they are gone, they are gone for the most part, one was softsoap a while back. The limit was 5 and only about 6-8 fit on the shelf. Ours often have displays, but not all of them, and it is just random, I walk around and look.

I have been to 2 this week 2x each, as I was passing by. I wasn't prepared to shop sunday but really wanted the smart rinse. At the first one I bought the last 2, but when I went into the next one they had a display, yesterday the display was still pratically full. The toothbrushes I think will be hard to find, I got them the first day, but first store didn't have a tag or place for them even, 2nd had them in with regular toothbrushes and tagged.

Yes, the items are "free" with your ECB's, so you have to make an initial investment of about $10-15 usually to get started and that can last you a good 6 months if you keep rolling the ECB's.

I will say that CVS makes money on me, because before I NEVER went in CVS and now I go in weekly, I have very little OOP cost usually but not always. I did the toilet paper deal yesterday and gave them money I wouldn't normally. I also bought my DS5 2 pairs of crocs and have bought 2 things of sunscreen (cvs brand) all in the past month. Those things I would normally buy at other stores, but I was in there and the price wasn't bad.

Also, being that I like CVS so much on our recent trip to CA while driving around any day we needed a snack and drink we stopped at CVS. Because it was convenient I also bought a $40 disc for my camera (2GB), I know YIKES to the price, but it wasn't worth looking for somewhere else on vacation.

 

[global_mom]

Okay, back at it again.

Trip #3

$1.99 cvs bandaids
$7.99 covergirl makeup
free covergirl makeup b1g1 free
$3.19 cvs cotton swabs
$1 malt o meal cereal
$1 malt o meal cereal
$1 malt o meal cereal
$16.17 subtotal

-$1 covergirl coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$3 off $15
-$6.99 ecb

$2.18 oop total

ecb's recvd
$2 cvs cotton swabs
$1.99 cvs bandaids

Trip #4

$9.99 fusion phenom razor
$1.99 cvs bandaids
$3.19 cvs cotton swabs
$1 malt o meal cereal
$16.17 subtotal

-$1 malt o meal coupon
-$3 off $15
-$1 ecb
-$3.49 ecb

$3.68 oop total

ecb's recvd
$4 fusion phenom razor
$1.99 cvs bandaids
$2 cvs cotton swabs

So, my grand total after 2 days and 4 separate transactions...
I paid $19.26 out of pocket for products totaling over $70 and I still have $14.97 ecb's left to roll over for next week. Thanks guys for all the helpful information! I don't know what took me so long to finally get into this.

There was also a Fusion razor manu coupon for $4 off in last weeks paper. I used it to buy mine and still got the $4 ECB. Too late for this tranasaction but if you can find the coupon online then it would be good to go back and get another one for use in the future!

 

[Kycha]

Here is my opinion (which is not worth much ). CVS has marketing personell with degrees in this field to examine this program. If it ever starts costing CVS money instead of making money it will be stopped. As stated before tons of people will be sucked in with the "FREE" ad and never use the ECB that is making the product free.

Honestly, I don't think many people utilize their ecb's. Of the 20 or 30 customers I saw at the registers with me over 4 trips, I only saw one other person using ecb's too. I think people find it too much of a hassle. I don't think they will be doing away with the program anytime soon.

There was also a Fusion razor manu coupon for $4 off in last weeks paper. I used it to buy mine and still got the $4 ECB. Too late for this tranasaction but if you can find the coupon online then it would be good to go back and get another one for use in the future!

Thanks global mom! I actually did use the manu coupon. I just forgot to include it in my breakdown.

In case anyone is interested, the Fusion razor will be in next weeks circular again. Looks like the same deal except it also includes the Fusion Power, Phenom or Phantom manual or power razors. Price with card 9.99, ecb's 4.00.

 

[MrMarv]

As long as it gets customers into their stores and their stores doesn't get overrun by CVS experts, this program isn't going anywhere.

With a softening economy, I wouldn't be surprised if their ads become even more loaded with stellar buys, such as this week's $20.00/$10.00 promotion for Bounty, Charmin & Duracell batteries.

And another promotion for Duracell batteries (Buy $20.00 worth of 'em and get another $10.00 ECB) starts this Sunday!!!

How does that grab ya?

 

[tngramma]

As long as it gets customers into their stores and their stores doesn't get overrun by CVS experts, this program isn't going anywhere.

With a softening economy, I wouldn't be surprised if their ads become even more loaded with stellar buys, such as this week's $20.00/$10.00 promotion for Bounty, Charmin & Duracell batteries.

And another promotion for Duracell batteries (Buy $20.00 worth of 'em and get another $10.00 ECB) starts this Sunday!!!

How does that grab ya?

Actually the deals have just gone back to the 10/20 as they have been in the past.

 

[Anjelica]

Anyone know for the this Sunday's new promo's if the buy $20.00 get 10ECB on General Mills Cereal is exactly 20.00? They have buy 3 for 9.00 so I am wondering if it will be similar to the Charmin/Bounty deal where it ended up being 19.80.

Speaking of the Charmin/Bounty Deal I ended up in my original transaction getting one to many charmins as I thought I had to be at least at the 20.00 to get the deal. Then I see on the receipt, etc. and through here it only had to be 19.80. I went in today for just a couple of items (wanted to finish out my dawn deals) and decided to return one of the charmins as I obviously didn't need it. Now on my receipt from a purchase today it no longer says limit reached but that "Amount needed to earn this reward: 19.80". I'm not going to get anymore, etc. so its not like I will double dip but my worry is that somehow they will not "give" me future ECB's totally the 10.00 because it was a return - any ideas on how they handle that stuff?

 

[Kycha]

Anyone know for the this Sunday's new promo's if the buy $20.00 get 10ECB on General Mills Cereal is exactly 20.00? They have buy 3 for 9.00 so I am wondering if it will be similar to the Charmin/Bounty deal where it ended up being 19.80.

Hmmm. The ad I have seen shows the deal as 3/$10 for General Mills Cereal.