CVS 101
Starting Out: To begin saving immediately, go to your CVS store and sign up for the ExtraCare Program. Each time you go to CVS, scan your ExtraCare card at the price scanner, usually located near the entrance. This machine will print CRT coupons that you can use immediately or save. If the scanner is being very nice to you you’ll get a $2/$10, $5/$25 or $10/$50 coupon to multiply your savings. While at the store, pick up the current week’s sale flyer and the monthly ExtraCare booklet.
At Home: When you get home go to cvs.com and register your ExtraCare card with your current e-mail and snail-mail addresses. The e-mail address is very important because you will receive an e-mail every Thursday, often containing exclusive in-store coupons. Now begin collecting manufacturer’s coupons (MQs). Organize them however you choose. Check my website to find out which sale items have coupon matches. You can also access and search my coupon database by clicking on the “coupons” tab at the top of this page.
Rolling ECBs: Start out with multiple small transactions. To roll your ECBs, choose an inexpensive “free after ECB” item to purchase then collect your ECBs from the bottom of your receipt and use them to purchase the next item. You can use MQs to turn these items into “Money Makers.”
Money Makers: Let’s say toothpaste is normally $3, but pays $3 in ECBs. You have a coupon for $1.50 off that you clipped from the Sunday paper. Purchase one tube of toothpaste, using your MQ, and pay $1.50 in cash. Now you take the $3 EBC you just earned and purchase two tubes of toothpaste, using two coupons. This time you will pay nothing out of pocket, but will receive $6 in ECBs. You just paid a total of $1.50 for three tubes of toothpaste (see my post Toothpaste is Like Zucchini) while receiving $6 in ECBs that you can spend on anything in the store (actually, there are a few exceptions, like prescriptions)! Repeat this process until you’re reached the allowable limit.
How to Pay: When you pay for your purchases, the order in which you present your coupons is very important for maximizing your savings. Always present them in the following order: (1) any $/$$ coupon, (2) MQs, CRTs, or store coupons (3) ECBs. Don’t forget to scan your ExtraCare card before you start! Also, CVS allows one MQ and one store coupon or CRT per item even if that item is free! If you are making a B1G1 free purchase, be sure to use two coupons to double your savings. Always check the bottom of your receipt for ECBs and additional CRTs.
Bonus Savings: Most CVS stores will accept CRTs and CVS e-mail coupons for one week past their expiration. Often there is a one or two day overlap between the last date you can use them and the start of a new sale on that item. If you stay on your toes you can get some really good deals this way (especially if you also have MQs to use and/or $/$$ coupons). CVS will often accept competitor’s coupons as well, so if you have a $/$$ coupon, a gift card with prescription coupon, or any other competitor coupons give them a try; it doesn’t hurt to ask. I recently scored a $30 gift card this way.