CVS ECB Deals ~ Sales for Week 3/1-3/7

[ShiPooOwner]

Where do I get coupons like this?

I received one at CVS on a CRT offering a $25 gc for new or transferred rx about a month ago. Some CVS pharmacies will accept any competitors offer and the last one I remember seeing is the offer from Walgreens which was advertised in their Sunday flyer about a month ago. Sorry I can't be more help. Maybe someone else has a better answer for you.

 

[DVCajun]

I'm a super newby, and I have a question that hasn't been spelled out adequately enough for me (ya *really* have to dumb it down ). Am I understanding correctly that if they are offering $5 ECB's when you purchase 5 of whatever item, that you don't necessarily have to purchase all five in the same transaction? I could purchase 2 and come back tomorrow or go to another CVS and purchase the remaining 3 and I still still get the ECB's?

Just checking. I'm about to dive into CVSing!!!

 

[melsherard]

I went to do the lumene deal last night... i tried to do the suave as a filler... they had 3 of the 2.99 eye creams so I grabbed those... and one more act... when I got to the register, it would only take one lumene coupon, so I had him take out one eye cream... then the suave deal did not work at all! No ecb, and they were not on sale... so this one was kind of a bust for me... I tried one more cvs, and bought the $6.49 makeup remover... they had to do them on 2 transactions, but my ecb didn't print out... I think it was too soon from the other transaction... so will I get them next time? Or are they going to show up online? I'm confused...

 

[puffkin]

I'm a super newby, and I have a question that hasn't been spelled out adequately enough for me (ya *really* have to dumb it down ). Am I understanding correctly that if they are offering $5 ECB's when you purchase 5 of whatever item, that you don't necessarily have to purchase all five in the same transaction? I could purchase 2 and come back tomorrow or go to another CVS and purchase the remaining 3 and I still still get the ECB's?

Just checking. I'm about to dive into CVSing!!!

Yes, that is correct Your receipt will keep a tally at the bottom of what you need yet to qualify for the deal. On the transaction where you buy the last qualifying items you will get the ECB.

 

[maggiew]

Yes, that is correct Your receipt will keep a tally at the bottom of what you need yet to qualify for the deal. On the transaction where you buy the last qualifying items you will get the ECB.

The only exception would be a deal like this week with the Charmin, paper towels, etc. You have to buy the entire amount at once to get the free toilet paper. But these kind of deals are few and far between.

Another example was the Madagascar 2 deal where you had to buy everything in one transaction to get the movie.

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

Can I ask a question of you or anyone else who files the coupon inserts instead of clipping? I went to the hotcouponworld website and found where you can search for coupons. I DIDN'T see where it said which insert it came from. How do I find that? I have been clipping coupons, but would love to just file the inserts. It takes me FOREVER to find coupons my way and sometimes I end up wasting them! TIA

Marsha

After the description of the coupon, it will say something like 1-28-09 SS. That means it was in the Smart Source insert from 1-28-09.

I don't clip coupons either. I just keep inserts. The only problem with this method is that if you come upon a really great clearance deal or something, you will have to flip through inserts or go home and look it up on the computer and then go back to the store. There are many times I wished I had internet capabilities on my phone, so I could do the HCW database search right there at the store. Once in awhile I will call home and have one of the kids look it up!

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

Technically you should have been able to use the coupon. Because CVS does allow 1 manu and 1 cvs coupon per item. But, according to cvs "register logic", you can't have more coupons than items purchases. So, if you had thrown in a small filler item, your deal would have worked just fine. Coupons are defined as manu coupons, crt's, x/xx and cvs coupons. I have never had an ecb count towards my coupon total. The following was found at afullcup.com.

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/679588-post11.html


"CVS Register logic
CVS "register logic", or Understanding how your CVS Register works

Total item count = each unit scanned counts as one to the total item count (items in store, GC, stamps, cigarettes, photo orders, etc.)

So the register logic says that if a customer purchases 8 items the most coupon deductions that can be rung in is 8. 10 items equals 10 deductions max and so on. “Coupon deductions” can be CVS coupons printed from the register or online, CVS $X off of $XX, manufacturer coupons, and possibly ECBs.

When you head for the register, count the items in your cart. Then I count the coupons you will use. If you have more than the number of items in your cart, you will likely have the register beep because register logic says that you aren't entitled to more deductions than items purchased even though CVS does allow for you to use 2 coupons (one manufacturer plus one CVS) on one item before using ECBs.

Most cashiers will force a coupon through manually when the register complains (aka beeps). You do have to be careful though because CVS does not allow you to get certain items for discounted or free with their ECB program. This includes stamps, cigarettes, and in some areas dairy.

"

I'm not sure this is true based on my personal experience. I think as long as you don't have more manufacturer OR CVS coupons than items, then you are ok. For example, I can have 3 items, 3 manu coupons and 3 CVS coupons. (Note, this changes slightly when you have a coupon that says "off of 2" or something like that. Then that counts for 2 items.) What are other people's experience?

They did start recently limiting the number of $/$$ coupons to one per transaction. And in my area at least, that includes $/$$ for specific items (like $1 off $5 Lumene) and general $/$$ (like $5 off $30 purchase). I wouldn't be able to use both of those in the same transaction, even if I had enough items to count.

The OP for this question should have been able to use all of those coupons. I would take that email and show the cashier and manager who told you no. Point out that first line that says one manufacturer and one CVS per item.

Maggie

 

[RobinFabulous]

I went to do the lumene deal last night... i tried to do the suave as a filler... they had 3 of the 2.99 eye creams so I grabbed those... and one more act... when I got to the register, it would only take one lumene coupon, so I had him take out one eye cream... then the suave deal did not work at all! No ecb, and they were not on sale... so this one was kind of a bust for me... I tried one more cvs, and bought the $6.49 makeup remover... they had to do them on 2 transactions, but my ecb didn't print out... I think it was too soon from the other transaction... so will I get them next time? Or are they going to show up online? I'm confused...

Split it up next time. About the register not catching up I have no clue. It did this to me on Wednesday but I've never had it happen before. I do know you can call 800-SHOP-CVS and give them the info and they will fix it

I've only been able to use one of the Lumene coupons at a time as well. The total is $20 fpr the Lumene deal

 

[RobinFabulous]

Another example was the Madagascar 2 deal where you had to buy everything in one transaction to get the movie.

Maggie

I was SO excited about that movie and my kids have watched it exactly once......

 

[puffkin]

I actually clip all my coupons and then file them alphabetically. Once a month I go through and pull out all the expireds. I know it isn't very efficient, but that way I can have all my coupons with me at the store and it takes up less room.

I am really OCD about cutting coupons too. It is just a mind-numbing task that I enjoy doing. Sick huh I only get 1 or 2 sets of inserts though, so it isn't too bad.

 

[puffkin]

Ok, guys, here it is. This is the list of items that I want to purchase for the article. It is not set in stone that I get these items, but it seemed like a good representation of how a family could CVS and get everyday items they need. My goal is to get about $50 worth of items for about $10 out of pocket for an 80% savings. I want to do no more than 3 transactions. I am assuming no $X/$XX coupons.

For any newbies or lurkers, this is NEXT WEEKS ITEMS. I am only posting here since next weeks thread isn't up yet. Just don't want anyone to get confused

I am having a really hard time splitting up these transactions so that the total OOP stays below $10. Any suggestions or comments are GREATLY appreciated!

- 2 Herbal Essensce $5.76 less $3/2 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Crest Pro Health $2.99 less $1 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Schick Razor $8.99 less $2 q earn $5 ECB
- 1 Aveeno sh. gel $4.99 less $2 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Secret flawless $3.99 less $2 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Maalox $5.49 less $1.50 q earn $3 ECB
- 3 Cereal $10 less $2.90 q earn $5 ECB
- 1 Palmolive $1.49 no q earn $1 ECB
- 1 Renuzit $4.99 less $4 q no ECB

 

[Kycha]

I'm not sure this is true based on my personal experience. I think as long as you don't have more manufacturer OR CVS coupons than items, then you are ok. For example, I can have 3 items, 3 manu coupons and 3 CVS coupons. (Note, this changes slightly when you have a coupon that says "off of 2" or something like that. Then that counts for 2 items.) What are other people's experience?

So, you are able to buy 3 items and use 6 coupons on them(3 cvs, 3 manu)? I have never been able to do that. I always have to purchase one item per coupon. So I'm always looking for filler items(under .25).

ETA: I know there was a recent change in how the registers work. Maybe they changed the # of coupons you can use in one transaction too. I haven't tried to use more coupons than items in over 6 months.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

There is a coupon in the weekly CVS ad for a $25 GC with a transferred RX, do you think they would give me the GC if I present a NEW RX if I ask nicely?

 

[LanaJae]

Our stores take expired manufacturer's coupons? Just Woodbury or all of them? I send most of mine to military families overseas who can use them six months beyond expiration at their commissaries, but I had a couple that expired on 2/28 that I forgot about and would love to use this week.

I went to the Midway store for the first time on Monday after an appt. with the eye dr. I admit I couldn't see too well because my eyes had been dilated, but I wasn't too impressed. Looks like that store could use a makeover!

I made a small purchase at Maplewood yesterday afternoon. Had to hurry as I was on my way to work so didn't have much time to stroll the aisles.

Bought:
Lumeme Vit. C. day cream $2.99- used $4 coupon from the link (thank you, Robin!!)
2 CVS trail mix - 2/$3.00 - used crt for $2 off 2 nut products
2 Hersheys chocolate bars 2/$1 - used BOGOF mfg. q

total oop .49 and didn't have to use any ECB's

Now I just have to find $17.01 more of Lumene to complete that deal. That's a lot of trips at 2.99 each trip.

I wanted to do another Suave deal but I'm afraid to buy them at the regular price if they don't print ECB's. I really don't need more shampoo but I would donate it to the North St. Paul food shelf. I found out they take toilitries in addition to food donations. Between them and the troops, my stockpile will not bury me!

One last question~~~Remember when we filled out crt that asked for our email address? Are they linked to our cards? I got a 3/15 in an email but can't remember if it was DH's card or mine when I filled in the information. Will I or DH get beeped if we use it with the wrong card?

They all take expired, but no one knows how far back they can go. I've been sticking with only those from 2009 now.

Midway is something else, don't ever go there at night! We stopped there a few weeks ago on the way home from my mom's and I found everything I needed, but it was hard because I don't know where anything is there.

I don't know what is going on with that Suave deal, I haven't been to the store since Saturday night. I think it got messed up so badly in the beginning and then they still didn't get all the products entered and now they have done something else to screw it up. I wouldn't even try.

That coupon is supposed to beep for cards it wasn't issued for, but sometimes they beep even if you are supposed to have it, so just explain how you got it, they don't know which card got the CRT.

Ok, guys, here it is. This is the list of items that I want to purchase for the article. It is not set in stone that I get these items, but it seemed like a good representation of how a family could CVS and get everyday items they need. My goal is to get about $50 worth of items for about $10 out of pocket for an 80% savings. I want to do no more than 3 transactions. I am assuming no $X/$XX coupons.

For any newbies or lurkers, this is NEXT WEEKS ITEMS. I am only posting here since next weeks thread isn't up yet. Just don't want anyone to get confused

I am having a really hard time splitting up these transactions so that the total OOP stays below $10. Any suggestions or comments are GREATLY appreciated!

- 2 Herbal Essensce $5.76 less $3/2 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Crest Pro Health $2.99 less $1 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Schick Razor $8.99 less $2 q earn $5 ECB
- 1 Aveeno sh. gel $4.99 less $2 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Secret flawless $3.99 less $2 q earn $2 ECB
- 1 Maalox $5.49 less $1.50 q earn $3 ECB
- 3 Cereal $10 less $2.90 q earn $5 ECB
- 1 Palmolive $1.49 no q earn $1 ECB
- 1 Renuzit $4.99 less $4 q no ECB

If you split it in two transactions to show how you can use the ECBs you earned to pay for your next shopping trip, will that make the OOP lower?

EDIT: duh, that's what you want to do. Sorry, I am not feeling well - I just wish there was some kind of item next week that would give overage to make it come out better.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I was SO excited about that movie and my kids have watched it exactly once......

Same here. It was cute but I don't know that I would want to sit through it more than once either.

There is a coupon in the weekly CVS ad for a $25 GC with a transferred RX, do you think they would give me the GC if I present a NEW RX if I ask nicely?

Depends on your pharmacist. If they say no then you can take it to another drug store and then transfer it to CVS but the drug store you take it to will not be happy.

We have 1 store where the head pharmacist is very customer friendly and will allow coupons. He says he would rather take the coupon than lose the business to a competitor. The other local store is horrid about coupons so I avoid them like the plague since they would never accept a transfer coupon for a new script.

 

[sham101505]

SO, can someone tell me if the free CHARMIN deal is good. I have q's for all products on the page plus I use tide and cascade. Also could I use 1$ q for the charmin even tho it is free? I am a newbie to this and enjoy all the pros comments. Thank you!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

SO, can someone tell me if the free CHARMIN deal is good. I have q's for all products on the page plus I use tide and cascade. Also could I use 1$ q for the charmin even tho it is free? I am a newbie to this and enjoy all the pros comments. Thank you!

The sale prices are decent for the items. The coupons on the Cascade seem to be the biggest bargain since you would get each one for $1.99 after the $1 coupon. The Charmin coupon in the P&G saver was $1 off 2 so no that would not work.

I did this deal today and got 2 of the Paper Towels that I thought were a good deal with the $1 off coupon and also got 2 Tides. My store was completely out of all Charmin so I got a raincheck for that.

 

[puffkin]

SO, can someone tell me if the free CHARMIN deal is good. I have q's for all products on the page plus I use tide and cascade. Also could I use 1$ q for the charmin even tho it is free? I am a newbie to this and enjoy all the pros comments. Thank you!

I think the deal was ok....especially if you really need the items. We use all those items and I had some ECB's I needed to use up that were expiring, so I did the deal.

I did two Tide, 1 bounty and 1 cascade. That seemed to be the cheapest combo for me on products we go through pretty quickly here.

 

[puffkin]

You guys are getting so sick of me! But this is the best I could come up with assuming no ECB's or $X/$XX to start with. Hey, maybe it will help someone new to get started though This isn't the best week in terms of getting ahead with ECB's....but I think it is a GREAT week in terms of products that people actually use at really good prices.....I cringe at paying $1 for deoderant, but to many that is a great deal

Anyway, I usually tell people they need about $15-$20 up front to really get going at CVSing, so I guess this is realistic. I really wanted to get it down to about $10 OOP, but I just couldn't figure it out. If anyone has any suggestions, please share!!!!!

Transaction 1
8.99 Razor
10.00 3/10 General Mills
-2.00 Schick disposable coupon
-1.00 Total CRT (I wanted to show how these work)
-0.75 Total manuf. q
-0.60 Nature's Valley q
-0.55 Lucky Charms q
$14.09 OOP get $10 ECB

Transaction 2
5.76 2 Herbal Essence
2.99 Crest
1.49 Palmolive
5.49 Maalox
-3.00 $3/2 Herbal Essence q
-1.00 Crest q
-1.50 Maalox q
-10.00 ECB from Transaction 1
0.23 OOP get $8 ECB

Transaction 3
3.99 Secret
4.99 Aveeno Shave Gel
4.99 Renuzit
-2.00 Secret q
-2.00 Aveeno q
-4.00 Renuzit q
-6.00 ECB from Transaction 2
0.00 OOP get $3 ECB

Total OOP will be $14.32 and I will have $5 ECB left over so net cost of $9.32 for over $50 worth of product or an 80% savings. Would that entice you?

 

[4fosterkids]

I'm not sure this is true based on my personal experience. I think as long as you don't have more manufacturer OR CVS coupons than items, then you are ok. For example, I can have 3 items, 3 manu coupons and 3 CVS coupons. (Note, this changes slightly when you have a coupon that says "off of 2" or something like that. Then that counts for 2 items.) What are other people's experience?

The OP for this question should have been able to use all of those coupons. I would take that email and show the cashier and manager who told you no. Point out that first line that says one manufacturer and one CVS per item.

Maggie

thanks Maggie. I wanted to take the email reply with me to the store, but the wording towards the bottom started getting kind of confusing, so I really wanted to understand it completely first.

I'm kind of past this particular issue now, but really want to be ready for it next time. This is not my regular and/or favorite store, but it is a really large store that I go by at times. They are super anal about coupons and enjoy giving customers grief....sometimes its just not worth the fight.

thanks everybody who gave input