Getting Started at CVS
CVS is one of my favorite places to shop. Once you get the hang of it...it's super easy!!
This is what you need to get started:
Extra Care Card:
The Extra Care Card is the first item on your list to secure at CVS. This is the best kept secret around. Although, the secret is getting out. There is no charge for the extra card, ask the CVS associate for one at the register, or register on-line. You must use this care with each purchase at CVS in order to receive the Extra Care Bucks in conjunction with advertised promotions.
Extra Care Bucks:
Extra Care Bucks (AKA: ECB or ECBs) = CVS money. ECBs are spent exactly like the currency in your purse. ECBs are earned in several ways:
- For every 2 prescriptions filled, earn 1 ECB
- Green Tag, scan once per day (with purchase). Every four purchases will be rewarded with 1 ECB. A Green tag is a green leaf shaped scanable tag that costs $0.99. This is tied to your Extra Care account.
- Shop the circular where ECBs are offered. We'll get to the specifics of this in a bit.
- Earn 2% of what you spend in ECBs. Once you know how to ROLL ECBs, this will be minimal.
Magic Machine:
All stores in my area have a machine near the entrance where you scan your Extra Care card. VALUABLE coupons come out of this machine. Be sure to scan your card EVERY time you walk into the store. These coupons are CVS coupons and can be STACKED with manufacturer coupons to maximize your savings. Coupons from the Magic Machine are tied to your ExtraCare account and cannot be shared.
Never throw your expired ECBs away...ask your favorite store if they accepts expired coupons--some stores will and some want--if they don't then that's fine too. This is critical for your amazing savings. Not to be confused with manufacturer coupons, CVS will NOT accept expired manufacturer coupons.
E-Mail Notifications:
CVS periodically sends out coupons for $5 off $15 purchase, $4 off $20, and many other variations. You want as many of these as possible. Signing up for these e-mail notifications is essential!
CVS Advisory Panel:
Would you like to participate in CVS polls, questionaires, and other cool programs CVS would like your opinion on? The CVS Advisory Panel may want an opinion on a bag design, an ad layout, and all kinds of things we don't think of, but are well thought out before implementation. I've received as much as $15 ECBs for completing a survey, and as small as $2 ECB for answering a couple of questions. The requests from CVS are few and far between, but well worth your time to enroll and participate.
What does STACKING coupons mean?
Stacking is when you use a CVS ECB with a CVS coupon AND a manufacturer coupon on the same item. Stacking will bring the price of an item down. If used in conjuction with ECB earnings on an item, this is were you can make money on items.
Example Transaction**this is an old deal.
2- Right Guard Total Defense- $2.99; get $2 EBC
-use 2- $1.50/1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Printables
Total Out of Pocket-$2.98+tax ($3.20)
Extra Bucks Earned-$4.00
$2.98 for two deodorants and you get $4 back, makes for .80 money maker.
When STACKING coupons in this manner, the resulting savings can be quite large. Although these savings may seem out of reach, YOU CAN DO THIS!
Prescriptions:
You can make money on prescriptions because CVS WILL accept competitor coupons for the pharmacy. Competitors in my area are considered K-Mart, Target, and Walgreens. These competitors will publish coupons in the Sunday circulars, or publish them on their respective websites. SAVE these. You never know when you or a family member will need a prescription. Be cognizant of the expiration date on the coupons, as CVS will not take expired coupons (unless you're lucky). Sometimes these coupons are for new prescriptions, some may be for transfers, and some may be for both. Read the coupons carefully. I try to post available prescription coupons.
It helps to be nice!
Most CVS employees know how the system works, but periodically, you will encounter some who do not and will need to be "schooled." NEVER take an associates word on anything, ALWAYS ask for a manager. Nothing here is "illegal or in anyway coupon fraud!" I have been accused of both by employees of another store, but never CVS. If you encounter difficulties with a transaction you are trying to purchase, do not be afraid to walk away. **Most of the CVS employees that I have encountered will even help you make the most of your transactions!
Call CVS customer service and ask the question.
Call 1-800-SHOP-CVS begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-SHOP-CVS end_of_the_skype_highlighting (1-800-746-7287 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-746-7287 end_of_the_skype_highlighting):
For issues regarding CVS/pharmacy stores, call Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 8:00PM EST.
For ExtraCare issues, call Monday - Saturday, 8:00AM - 8:00PM EST.
**Some of these tips were taken from The Tight-Fisted Penny.
