CVS 101

Adapted from an original post on my blog.

There are usually multiple ways to save at any store; you just need to know what savings or rewards programs your store offers.  This is a brief overview of the savings programs available at CVS.

Here is a brief overview of the CVS Coupon Policy:

For each item you purchase, CVS will accept the following coupons/ promotions:

• MRF Q and CVS store Q
• MRF Q and EBR

Note: Q’s cannot be doubled at CVS.

In order to work the savings programs at CVS, you will need to have an Extra Care Reward card.  You can register for one here. The ECR program at CVS provides a fabulous opportunity to stock up on items while paying very little OOP. EBR’s print on your CRT and can be used like cash on your next transaction.

Deal Scenario Example

(At the time of this writing, CVS is running a special P&G promotion that we will use: Spend $30 on select P&G products, get $10 EBR’s.)

 

Transaction #1:

Puffs tissues 60 to 108 ct., $1

Qualifies for $10 Extra Bucks with $30 P&G items

$0.50/2 2-27PG (use 2 coupons)

Final cost: $3 ($0.75 ea)–buy 4 even if you only have one coupon

Pantene Pro V shampoo, conditioner or styler, $3.49

$1/1 2-27 PG

Final cost: $2.49

Charmin bath tissue: Basic, Ultra Strong or Ultra Soft 9-12 ct., $4.99

$0.25 2-27 PG

Final cost: $4.74

Cover Girl mascara, assorted types, $5.89

$1/1 2-27 PG

Final cost: $4.89

Tide laundry detergent assorted types 20 to 40 loads, $5.94

Qualifies for $10 Extra Bucks with $30 P&G items

$0.35 2-27 PG

OR $1/1  P&G Savings booklet mailer from two weeks ago

Final cost: $4.94

Bounty Basic paper towels 8 pack, $5.99

Qualifies for $10 Extra Bucks with $30 P&G items

$1/1 P&G Savings booklet mailer

Final cost: $4.99

 

So, our total would be $30.30+ tax with just the sale prices.  But then we use our Q’s and that brings the total OOP to $25.05. And we now have $10 in EBR to use on our next transaction.

Transaction #2:

Crest premium toothpastes 4 to 8.4 oz., $3.29

$3.29 EBR (limit 2 Crest/Oral B rewards)

$1/1 02-27 PG

OOP: $2.29

Final cost: FREE and $1 profit

Oral B Satin Floss 55 yards, $3.29

$3.29 EBR (limit 2 Crest/Oral B rewards)

$0.75/1 02-27 PG

OOP: $2.54

Final cost: FREE and 75 cent profit

 

Oral B CrossAction power toothbrush 1 ct. or brush heads 2 pack, $6, limit 2

$3 EBR (limit 2 Crest/Oral B rewards)

$3 02-27 PG

OOP: $3

Final cost: FREE after EBR

General Mills, Kellogg’s or Kashi, 2/$6
$2 EBR on 2
$1/1 Kashi Berry Blossoms Cereal
$0.75/1 Fiber One Cereal
$1/1 2-6 RP (Kellogg’s)
OOP: 2/$4
Final cost: 2/$2 ($1 each!)

So, our total would be $18.58 with just the sale prices.  Then we use our Q’s and that brings our total OOP to $11.83. (Always present your MFR Q’s first, then your EBR’s.) And then we use our $10 in EBR, bringing our total OOP to: $1.83.  Plus, we have $11.58 in EBR to use on another transaction.

 

So, after the two transactions, here’s where we stand:

Merdandise value with sale prices: $48.88

Total OOP: $26.88 (plus tax)

Final cost with left-over $11.58 in EBR: $15.30

Use the $11.58 to get some other things you need!

 

Always try to keep your OOP total to a minimum and keep rolling your EBR’s over from transaction to transaction. Often times the EBR’s that CVS offers for a particular item make it essentially free. When you combine these offers with a MFR Q, you “make” money in the sense that you are spending less OOP than you are getting back in EBR’s.  In the world of couponing, we call these items money makers.

Look for other CVS Q’s that print at the bottom of your CRT.  You may occasionally find some $4 off $20 or $3 off $15 Q’s that can sweeten your savings even more.

Note: Regarding the $3 off $15 Q’s, you count your total prior to using any MFR Q’s or EBR’s.

You can also print MFR Q’s on the CVS website here. (Note: these coupons are MFR coupons that can also be found at Coupons.com. You can only print two of each Q, regardless of whether you print it from the CVS website or the Coupons.com website.)

 

Read more about the CVS Extra Credit Reward Program here.