CVS: Meter Question

[sel999]

I went into my local store to buy one of the advertised Bayer meters ($5 ECB back) and had somewhat of a moral dilemma.

Honestly, I saw the ECB (and my coupon making it free) and thought I could sell the meter at a yard sale, then thought I could give it to a friend who is diabetic.

The store was out of meters. The manager, who was VERY nice, called a few stores and they were also out, so he wrote me a raincheck.

He made a comment about how people run in to buy the meters just because they're such a good deal. He said he worries that the people who really need them won't be able to buy them. I did mention that people who buy them on sale could donate them and he agreed that was a good idea, but there was still a lingering thought in the back of my mind. I was starting to feel bad about wanting to buy the thing (I usually only buy what I need and use).

So, my question is, what do you do with your meters? Do you need them? Do you have 50 of them in a room? Do you donate them? Is our desire to coupon getting out of control?

[abbiejunesmom]

I am currently giving all the meters I get, to my friend who has gestational diabetes. I want to be a good steward of the items I have received, so I am always looking for someone to give them to. Sometimes they go to our local health departmen (who are VERY happy for the donation.) When I take them to the health department, I know that the people who REALLY can not afford them, and need them...are getting them for free! :)

[gctattoo]

I have gotten many, many meters over my couponing career. I don't feel bad about buying them even though I don't personally need them. I donate them all so I know they're being put to good use.

There's an urgent care clinic just a few miles from my home that's gotten the last 30 or so I've acquired. They love it! They're so used to seeing me that they were surprised to see my DH the last time. He said they told him how much they appreciate the meters.

[sandygirl]

I take all mine in every so often when I see my endocrinologist for thyroid issues - they LOVE getting the meters & strips as well as many of their patients are uninsured or on medicaid which doesn't cover enough strips to test as often as needed.

[GreatFun]

Anybody who wants a free meter can easily get one by calling the company. Believe me, they charge SO MUCH MONEY for the strips that they will do ANYTHING to get their meter in your hands because then you are locked in at buying their strips at rip-off prices. So don't worry or feel guilty. Now, on the other hand, if you were clearing the shelves of strips it would be a different story. But notice how the strips almost NEVER go on sale -- and they are certainly never free or Money-makers.

[pokey]

I get them but, but I never sell them.
I donate them to 2 Group Homes that have Dev Delayed people who have limited funds.
The nurses are always very happy to get them for their patients.


You are already making money on them, so it is nice to donate them.

[faeryedark]

I divy mine up between friends and pantries and sometimes put them out in my yardsales with a FREE sign.
That usually starts people talking LOL! Most can't believe you'd just give them a away.

[sel999]

Wow. Thanks guys.

I felt guilty just going in there and, even though the manager was nice, I felt bad since I didn't need it. I do plan to donate or give them to my friend.

Maybe he uses that line with other couponers just to stir the pot?

[BEAVERDOG]

I just started "collecting" meters earlier this year. I plan to donate them to an organization that can use them. (Anybody know of a place in Houston?).

About a month ago I was excited to give one to a friend who'd just been diagnosed as a gestational diabetic.

[hholder]

I donate the meters to the St. Vincent Health mobile, which gives people free health screening at our local church. They always need meters for the needy. I also donate them to our local area food banks, which give food and needed meters to people who need them. There is always a place for the meters, and the donations are very appreciated, as some people would not otherwise be able to get them:shrug7: