My First CVS Experience

CVS opened it’s doors in St. Louis this past January. Despite all of the excitement in the blogging world, I stayed away for 4 months. Why? I think I was scared of the unknown. I was unsure of the CVS system and Extra Care Bucks (ECBs). I felt like a new couponer all over again, even though I’ve been couponing for 2 years. I thought it might be nice to share my “first” experience with you, so you all know that I understand how you may feel.

This past week I got over my fears and made a CVS list. I was excited about the magic coupon machine. What is that, you ask? Well, CVS has a scanner near the front of the store. Each time you go there, scan your Extra Care card, and the magic coupon machine just might give you coupons. You never know what goodies you might get. So, I signed up for my card and skipped walked over to the magic coupon machine. No luck. The machine told me to try again tomorrow. Bummer.

So, I grabbed the items on my list and proceeded to the check out. This is where I decided to get fancy and try to roll my ECBs. Rolling involves using your ECBs from your first transaction to pay for your second transaction. I should have kept it simple, because somehow I managed to screw it up. Long story short, a manager had to be called, and I had to buy a pack of gum to increase my total. Luckily, they were very patient with me. I walked out of the store feeling slightly defeated, but that didn’t stop me from going back. My second trip was much easier. Trust me, you will get better with time J

1. Always have a plan & keep it simple until you’re comfortable with the store.

2. Write down your plan and do the math ahead of time so you don't get flustered in the store.

3. ECBs are attached to the bottom of your receipt. They are not separate catalinas like Walgreens.

4. Smile. It helps to keep the cashier calm while they try to fix your screw ups.

5. You don't need filler items at CVS. At Walgreens, you cannot have more manufacturer coupons than items. At CVS, the ECBs do not count as manufacturer coupons.

6. You don't always win big at the magic coupon machine.

7. CVS has limits on the number of times you can receive ECBs for each product per week. For example, I purchased Huggies diapers and received $2 ECB. If I purchase Huggies diapers again during the same week, I will not receive ECB because there is a limit of 1 offer per card.

Check out Hip2Save’s CVS Store Guide for more info on the Extra Care Bucks program.