CVS -seedlady's wagon train (a guide for newbies.)

[seedlady]

all righty, class, here is today's homework. there is a link at the bottom of the home page to a list of abbreviations. ( i always think it should say "abbrevs"). wander down and spend a happy few minutes learning about oop, faecbs, and so forth.

[seedlady]

Originally Posted by searcher I don't have insurance since I had to quit working due to a disability. I get all but one of our scripts for $4.00. They would cost more than $25.00 each to buy without insurance. It would not really benefit me to transfer the scripts to CVS for the $25 GC since I can not get the scripts for $4 right?

this one i don't know about- but i would call and ask. "hi- i have 3 prescriptions over at walgreens, and i only have to pay 4 dollars for each one because they are on that list.....you know? the list of low cost generics? does cvs have any program like that, or shall i just leave them at the other pharmacy?" and see what they say.


but yes, this is in my list of things to run the numbers both ways, and see what works out best for YOU.

[seedlady]

Originally Posted by asf15 This is fantastic! And yes, I'm having CVS/Coupon dreams too!! OK. My questions are: 1. To get ECB do I have to buy everything in 1 transaction or do they store up? Like if I bought one Colgate today and one tomorrow would I still get my ECB assuming I haven't hit my limit? 2. Do you always buy every free item even if you don't need it?

1. they store up. now, if it is a weekly deal, you do need to go back and finish it within that week.

2. well, yes and no. pretty much, if they will pay me to take it, i WANT one. but some freebies come up so often, that , yes indeed, strange as it sounds, sometimes it's too much bother to go get yet a n o t h e r whatsis.


free colgate, i won't even walk across the street for. free food, usually. free shampoo, depends on the brand.

[seedlady]

Originally Posted by thineownself I think I saw someone who posted the same question, but I've gone to 3 different stores looking for the throat soothers and no luck...do they not restock every morning? Do I have to *gulp* ask for my first raincheck??? **frantically goes to read up on them**

no, cvs restocks once a week. at best. stock problems abound.




ladies and gentlepeople- meet mr. raincheck.



ask at your own store- hey- when is truck day? that will give you a fighting chance.

[Perrin]

I just started CVS'ing last fall, and I try to read the threads for each weekend in advance so I can plan. And plan, and plan.... But then when my store is out it throws the plan out the window, and I either walk away or end up paying more than I'd figured.

I am learning from seedlady (I think) that while she goes in the store with specific goals in mind, she doesn't do the math until she's got the stuff in her basket. THEN she sits and figures out the best way to move forward. I am going to try to be more flexible and while I still might plan ahead potential groupings, I won't let a few out of stock items scupper the entire trip.

[thineownself]

Originally Posted by seedlady no, cvs restocks once a week. at best. stock problems abound. ladies and gentlepeople- meet mr. raincheck. ask at your own store- hey- when is truck day? that will give you a fighting chance.

*gulp* Wow, I get to ask for a raincheck and when the truck comes in?? Time to put on my big girl panties!!

[junebug30523]

Originally Posted by thineownself *gulp* Wow, I get to ask for a raincheck and when the truck comes in?? Time to put on my big girl panties!!

[asf15]

I feel kind of silly asking this question, but here goes:
What should my goal in all this be? Free merchandise? stocking up? lowest oop? most ECB?

I mean, I went shopping twice yesterday and first one was OOP $1.93 for about $15 worth of merchandise and I was psyched, the 2nd was $25 OOP (I needed those razor blades!) saved $40 and earned $24 ECB. To me this is great! I mean I spent $25 to make back $24 on my next, not bad for me. But where do I stop? I feel like I'm scheming all the time now trying to get more.


Sorry for all my obsessing, but I'm new and I think it is amazing that I can get these items for free.

[PennyLyons]

Finding this thread has been so great. I tend to make matters so complicated (math-o-fobic). I've been leaving CVS, going home to rethink my plan and just now the lightbulb has come on! :) yeah!!!!! ECB + MQ = $ to spend, put that much in cart, list ecb earned (if any), check receipt.

[seedlady]

some weeks i look at the coupon preview, and some weeks i don't .

either i get the coupon, or i don't .


different papers have different values.


only you know whether it will make you happy to see what MIGHT come, or mad because of what DIDN'T come.