I am rethinking my CVSing strategy lately since things have changed at CVS since I started CVSing and it is about time I changed, too. I used to go in and get $100 to $150 with like $.50 out of pocket, not any more. So I will be posting about that soon. But this affected this week just a bit, as I boldly spent more extra bucks than I received. I still had enough to keep my out of pocket low, tho my sub-total was $.28 instead of negative. Here is what I got and how I paid:
Saved: $ 44.25
Spent: $ 1.71
Extra Bucks used: $ 20.28
Extra Bucks earned: $ 14.49
1--CVS Hand Sanitizer Pen @ $1.99 [used free hand sanitizer pen from signing up at CVS]
1--Neutrogena Split End Product @ $7.49 get $7.49 extra bucks [unadvertised deal]
3--Kleenex @ $.97 each [used a $.50/3 printable]
4--Sobe Life Waters @ $1.59 B1G1 [used a Raincheck for B1G1 and two "free" Sobe coupons I won on the Sobe game]
3--Special K Cereal @ 3/$10 get $5 extra bucks [used a $1/3 insert coupon]
4--Mentos @ $1.79 B1G1 [used two $1/1 insert coupons--I could have used two more coupons if I had them]
2--Quaker Oats @ 2/$5 get $2 extra bucks [used a rain check and two $1/1 coupons]
You can find these deals and more by clicking the tab right above this post with this week's date and look over the weekly ad there, too. Also, read how I have learned (from others) how to "stack" the coupons in the right order to pay less tax here. Some states have to pay tax on extra buck usage and some don't so it may or may not affect your CVS shopping. And if you don't have any, or many, extra bucks check out this post about how to have the least out of pocket cash when beginning or check out this scenario for spending less than $5 out of pocket--a very slow week for this.
How'd you do this week? If you blog about your CVS shopping trips link up here, if not, share your savings in a comment there.
19 Comments:
I'm having a hard time this week as well. Still waiting for something to POP up to make it a good trip, my Rite aid is being nicer to me this week than CVS has the last few weeks! that's a change!
Next week looks even grimmer, Bryana. Maybe they are holding out for the holidays and will spring some great deals on us :-).
I was thinking about getting the Special K, but I could not find the coupon...I need to look again.
I are four different CVS within a six miles radius of my home, and I shop at whichever one I am closest too at the time.
They all have different rules it seems, all give me different issues, and it even depends on the cashier as well.
Yesterday I went to the CVS two miles from my son's school, and this cashier scanned my green tag card, and then she told me that she really wasn't supposed to, if I did not have a Green Tag bag...
Have you heard about this before?
I showed her that the green tag said Any reusable bag, but she kept insisting that CVS was getting stricter with it, and that it had to be a CVS bag...hmmm..
I have also noticed that a lot of the printed coupons only last for a day or two...a bit annoying in my opinion.
I used to love CVS shopping, but they have really come to frustrate me, because it seems like I have to fight to shop there.
No, FrugalMom, this is the first time I have ever heard that one and I read A LOT on couponing boards. I just hate when cashiers seem to make things up as they go. There have been a lot of changes over the past couple of years at CVS. Disappointing and I don't know where it is headed. But my little store knows me so well that is not an issue and I do still save a lot so it is still my favorite place to shop. But I totally understand where you are coming from. I have heard many people getting discouraged with it all.
FrugalMom,
As far as I know we are to scan a green tag back as long as the customer does not take a bag from us. (Unless your buying a reusable one.) So if you are willing to carry everything from the store to your car, catch the bus, ride a bike, hop in your horse & buggy or walk it all the way home you can get your green tag scanned.
You could come in everyday buy something for less than $.25 and have your tag scanned if you don't take a bag! In essence make money doing it that way, but I don't think it's economical for most people and there isn't much you can buy for $.25 or less. That's how it was explained to me because I asked all the questions I could think of for this program when it came out.
I am new at this, only 3rd trip to CVS. I went to my local CVS this evening and had my green tag and bag, the cashier rung everything up and I asked her if she had scanned my green tag on the bag and she stated that she couldn't that she had already finalized the sale. I hadn't paid so I don't understand how it could have been finalized. I asked why she didn't scan and she stated that she "thought it was my purse".
At least the ECB you get at CVS, don't expire for a month...
Thanks, Taika, for in the input. Maybe you can chime in on Donna's comment, too, since you are an employee and know more.
Donna, you will find many frustrations, especially at first. And it is easy to overlook stuff ourselves with all the figuring, etc. involved, and then the cashiers often don't really care or understand our shopping methods.
I am sorry, I know it is disappointing to miss out on it. But it seems we have to be on top of it and ask them to scan it, or so I 've read and experienced. Perhaps ask before you give your coupons or keep one item back and then ask before giving that. I have missed out on it several times--I tend to chat away with the cashiers and we both forget.
Taika, a reader her, is an employee, maybe she can explain if you total the order is it too late.
Yes, CAMom,that is a great plus at CVS!
My CVS didn't have any signs up for the unadvertised Neutrogena ECB deal. If you got the deal at your store, does that automatically mean that all CVS stores will have that deal? I asked the cashier and she said that the only way to tell if there was an ECB deal was to complete the transaction and see if ECBs printed out on the receipt, but I didn't feel like having to void out my transaction if the ECB sale was no good.
Great question, but I am not confident to actually answer. I have not read of anyone not getting it, but I, too, would be leery. I imagine you may be able to call customer service and ask if it is in your area. Is there another CVS nearby you could check for a sign? Almost always all deals are across the country, but I can't guarantee it. sorry.
You did great as usual Cheryl! I keep looking everywhere for the Azo itch cream, but I haven't had any luck darn it, guess I can keep trying as that's a monthly deal right? I'm looking forward to hearing about how your strategies are changing :)
Denise, I heard it is in the feminine hygiene aisle.
My CVS in Augusta, GA has an amazing clearance Section.
They have CVS Generic Tylenol for $1.75 for 120 count box!!
In last weeks CVS ad, it was on SALE for $5.99 for 100 count box. I can only guess they are reducing the number by 20 pills & clearancing out the other boxes.I bought 8 for $1.75 each = $14
Great clearance find, Anon, definitely a time to stock up! And I researched once about meds expiration dates an the US military had done a study and solid pills they tested after 15 years were still okay.
Great blog! I don't go to CVS as often as Rite Aid and WAGS, but I'll be checking back here when I do! Thanks for stopping by my blog and linking up!
Great! Glad to have you :-).
Great! Glad to have you :-).
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