Can someone explain CVSing - I dont get it!

[rbramblett]

What a bummer there are no CVS's any where near me. Does Walgreens do anything like this, because there are a ton of them around here.

 

[Anjelica]

I think I finally have the hang of it now - my first two transactions earlier this week were ok but where I think I went wrong with the first one was when I didn't purchase items that gave back ECB's. I gave it a shot yesterday, this morning and this evening. I paid OOP for yesterday's items but this morning and evening didn't pay much of anything. I left yesterday and this mornings receipts at work but here is what I ended up with tonight:

2 Dawn 11oz - 2.00
1 2-pak Oral B - 6.99
2 40CT CVS Sheer Bandaids - 3.98
1 625 CT CVS Q-Tips - 3.99

Used 3.00 off 15.00 coupon

Used $11.99 in ECB's earned this morning

Total OOP - 2.04

Earned 13.97 ECB's

 

[carmie3377]

I've been tempted to try this for a long time but haven't really wanted to put the time into it. I think I'm going to try now though. With the cost of everything going up, I sure could use some free stuff.

My family calls me the queen of couponing because I'm real good with coupons and sales at regular grocery stores and Target. I've bought over $200 worth of groceries many times and have walked out paying less than $40. I've just never tried it at CVS as it seems to be such a big hassle. However, with a little determination, I think I can do it!

 

[tngramma]

I think I finally have the hang of it now - my first two transactions earlier this week were ok but where I think I went wrong with the first one was when I didn't purchase items that gave back ECB's. I gave it a shot yesterday, this morning and this evening. I paid OOP for yesterday's items but this morning and evening didn't pay much of anything. I left yesterday and this mornings receipts at work but here is what I ended up with tonight:

2 Dawn 11oz - 2.00
1 2-pak Oral B - 6.99
2 40CT CVS Sheer Bandaids - 3.98
1 625 CT CVS Q-Tips - 3.99

Used 3.00 off 15.00 coupon

Used $11.99 in ECB's earned this morning

Total OOP - 2.04

Earned 13.97 ECB's

You do have the hang of it. The main thing is to try and keep your total as close to $15 or $20 depending on the coupon you are using. By buying the products giving more ECBs you are "rolling" your ECBs. This is a hobby for me. You should see my CVS closet (room).

 

[SHAYMARAYSMOM]

You do have the hang of it. The main thing is to try and keep your total as close to $15 or $20 depending on the coupon you are using. By buying the products giving more ECBs you are "rolling" your ECBs. This is a hobby for me. You should see my CVS closet (room).

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

 

[MrMarv]

You ladies are all doing very well, and will undoubtedly save tons of $$$ from now on.

Neither Walgreens nor Rite Aid has a program like this, and I cannot understand why; if there is one thing that all retailers thrive on and unabashedly crave, it's repeat customers!!!!

 

[Anjelica]

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!!!

 

[global_mom]

Thanks. You guys inspired me to try this, I stopped in to my local CVS on Tues. and got an Extra Care card and picked up this weeks sale ad as well as the monthly ECB ad. I read the posts here and carefully studied the ads. I was pleased with my first try. I bought:


Pantene 3 for 10 3 ECB
2 Dawn 2/2 1 ECB
2 Purell 2/3.99 2 ECB
2 Smart Rinse 2@3.49 -$2 coupon 6.98 ECB
1 Oral B 2pk 6.99 6.99 ECB
1 Sting Eze 1 ECB
5 Chex Mix 5/5 - 5 1.00 off Coupons
2 Colgate BOGO 3.59
2 Irish Spring Deo BOGO 2.99
$4 off $20 CVS Coupon -4.00
tax 2.16
OPP Total 38.18
ECB Total 20.97

Purchase #2
Charmin 3@4.99 14.97
Bounty 1@5.99 5.99 10
Oral B 2pk 1 @6.99 6.99 6.99
27.95
tax 1.68
$4 off $20 (reprint) -4.00
ECB's from purchase 1 20.97
Total OOP 4.66
New ECB's for Next Time 16.99

That was Fun!

Welcome to the DIS! You will love it here.

That all looks really good, espcailly for your first try. I am still learning but these boards ( and this thread in particular) and guiding me thru it. We will all be CVS pros in no time at all!

 

[MrMarv]

The entire pont of the program is to get tons of merchandise, for free or for a miniscule amount of cash OOP.

One you've stocked your garage/pantry/laundry room with all of that free stuff and become a steady CVS/ECB junkie, you will frequently find some very nice coupons in your e-mail from CVS, such as a recent coupon which knocks $10.00 off my bill and includes free shipping if I spend $50.00.

As an example, I've seen next week's ad (6-8/6-14), and among the deals is a flat $7.00 off any men's cologne valued at $19.99 or more.

Between that offer, and some ECBs I have 'll be able to get a $35.00 bottle of cologne for $13.00 (or thereabouts) plus tax.

Try doing that at Macy's or Nordstrom!!!

 

[global_mom]

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!!!

I have thought about this. Without a doubt, CS knows that their system can be worked this way. If they were acutally loosing money then I am sure that they would close the hole. They have zillions of customers who dont work the ECBs.

2 days ago I bumped into a good friend at our local CVS. She was buying tons of stuff that is always cheaper at Walmart (cleaning supplies, etc.). We talked brielfy about the sales and the ECBs and she said that she only goes to CVS b/c it is close to her home and that there is no way she would have the time to fool with coupons/ECBs etc. I think that many people function this way and until very recently I functioned exactly the same way.

For every customer who plays the "CVS game" there are probably 10,000 customers who dont. Plus, if I am at CVS and I notice something that I need, then I will most likely go ahead and get it b/c I am already a captive audience. We also are sending plenty of new business in their direction.

Seems like it all works out for everyone and if they wanted to fill the loophole they could do so. Lets hope that never happens (especially since I just learned how to go CVSing)!

 

[global_mom]

The entire pont of the program is to get tons of merchandise, for free or for a miniscule amount of cash OOP.

One you've stocked your garage/pantry/laundry room with all of that free stuff and become a steady CVS/ECB junkie, you will frequently find some very nice coupons in your e-mail from CVS, such as a recent coupon which knocks $10.00 off my bill and includes free shipping if I spend $50.00.

As an example, I've seen next week's ad (6-8/6-14), and among the deals is a flat $7.00 off any men's cologne valued at $19.99 or more.

Between that offer, and some ECBs I have 'll be able to get a $35.00 bottle of cologne for $13.00 (or thereabouts) plus tax.

Try doing that at Macy's or Nordstrom!!!

Where do you find the ads ahead of time? Thanks!

 

[MrMarv]

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/cvs/

 

[mafibisha]

I have thought about this. Without a doubt, CS knows that their system can be worked this way. If they were acutally loosing money then I am sure that they would close the hole. They have zillions of customers who dont work the ECBs.

2 days ago I bumped into a good friend at our local CVS. She was buying tons of stuff that is always cheaper at Walmart (cleaning supplies, etc.). We talked brielfy about the sales and the ECBs and she said that she only goes to CVS b/c it is close to her home and that there is no way she would have the time to fool with coupons/ECBs etc. I think that many people function this way and until very recently I functioned exactly the same way.

For every customer who plays the "CVS game" there are probably 10,000 customers who dont. Plus, if I am at CVS and I notice something that I need, then I will most likely go ahead and get it b/c I am already a captive audience. We also are sending plenty of new business in their direction.

Seems like it all works out for everyone and if they wanted to fill the loophole they could do so. Lets hope that never happens (especially since I just learned how to go CVSing)!

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....)

 

[JustMickey]

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!!!

Also, something I didn't realize at first--CVS gets reimbursed for the ECB deals. This is a great opportunity for CVS because they are taken care of by the manufacturer, and it creates loyal shoppers. For example, I was about to go to CVS to buy milk, since we're out. Next week, I'll stock up on cereal there, since there's a great ECB sale. Whereas I started out with getting only personal care items for free (such as toothpaste, body wash), now I can get pretty much anything in the store for free. It makes so much more sense for me to buy things like that at CVS now that I have almost $100 in ECBs to roll from month to month. No reason to pay real money for it at the grocery store!

 

[JustMickey]

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....)

Yes, "moneymakers" as we like to call them can only be found using manu. coupons or CVS coupons. For example there was a $5 of a $15 purchase CVS coupon out last week. I used it to buy some of the June freebies, like this:

Oral B 2 pack 6.99
2 Listerine Smart Rinse 3.49 each
CVS Bandages 1.99
Total: 15.96
-5 coupon (5 off $15 purchase)
-1 Listerine coupon in newspaper a few weeks ago

Total: 9.96
I paid with some of my ECBs that I already had from previous weeks--usually I'll pay with a higher ECB because I don't mind losing a few cents on it. For example, here I would pay with a $10 ECB. I would lose 4 cents, but at least I wouldn't have to pay anything OOP.

I would receive 6.99 ECB from Oral B, 6.98 ECB from Listerine, and 1.99 ECB from CVS bandages. That's 15.96 ECBs total. So, I "earned" almost $6 in ECBs on this transaction.

 

[mafibisha]

Yes, "moneymakers" as we like to call them can only be found using manu. coupons or CVS coupons. For example there was a $5 of a $15 purchase CVS coupon out last week. I used it to buy some of the June freebies, for example:

Oral B 2 pack 6.99
2 Listerine Smart Rinse 3.49 each
CVS Bandages 1.99
Total: 15.96
-5 coupon (5 off $15 purchase)
-1 Listerine coupon in newspaper a few weeks ago

Total: 9.96
I paid with some of my ECBs that I already had from previous weeks--usually I'll pay with a higher ECB because I don't mind losing a few cents on it. For example, here I would pay with a $10 ECB. I would lose 4 cents, but at least I wouldn't have to pay anything OOP.

I would receive 6.99 ECB from Oral B, 6.98 ECB from Listerine, and 1.99 ECB from CVS bandages. That's 15.96 ECBs total. So, I "earned" $5 in ECBs on this transaction.

So when you say, "I paid with some of my ECBs that I already had from previous weeks" -- that means you can hold onto them for how long?

And on your previous post, you said you had about $100 ECB to 'rollover' .... it sounds like you can hold onto them for quite awhile?

But what would be the strategy in doing that? This is really intriguing and I'm really trying to understand this!!

On another note (LOLOL)

As I had started the 'hate buying necessities" thread, I would STILL LOVE TO TRADE with someone! Like for toothpaste, which I hate buying, and so many of you seem to have tons of it! Between family members I have tons of consumer goods and samples and really good coupons to trade, too! (not for teeth LOL) Someone PM me if you're interested!

 

[JustMickey]

So when you say, "I paid with some of my ECBs that I already had from previous weeks" -- that means you can hold onto them for how long?

And on your previous post, you said you had about $100 ECB to 'rollover' .... it sounds like you can hold onto them for quite awhile?

But what would be the strategy in doing that? This is really intriguing and I'm really trying to understand this!!

The ECBs will expire 4 weeks from the day you get them. It takes a lot of commitment to have that many ECBs though, you have to always be looking for deals to use the ECBs before they expire. I was a little worried in May, because I got all of the May Monthly freebies on one day--May 2nd. I made about $70 in ECBs on that one day, and it occurred to me later that I might not be able to use them all before they expired on June 1st. I had to keep track of every week's deals and jump on all the ECB deals in order to be able to roll them all. Sure enough, I had rolled them all about a week before they expired. But like I said, it takes commitment!

 

[girli565]

Ok, so I have a question... if I use the $3 off $15, can I use the $4 off $20 too?

 

[JustMickey]

Ok, so I have a question... if I use the $3 off $15, can I use the $4 off $20 too?

People used to try to get away with this, but CVS recently cracked down on it. Now they only accept 1 $/$$ coupon per order, with the exception of $/$$ CVS brand products. I'm always able to use a 3/10 CVS brand along with a 5/15 or 3/15 with no problems.

 

[girli565]

People used to try to get away with this, but CVS recently cracked down on it. Now they only accept 1 $/$$ coupon per order, with the exception of $/$$ CVS brand products. I'm always able to use a 3/10 CVS brand along with a 5/15 or 3/15 with no problems.

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.