How to Play the CVS Drug Store Game.
CVS has a great program called the Extra Care Program. I have taken full advantage of this program and spend very little real money at CVS. I mostly just pays sales tax. Here are some tips I compiled for those of you who are new to playing the CVS drug store game.
Common CVS Abbreviations:
ECB = Extra Care Buck
CRT = Cash Register Tape (Coupons that print at the end of you receipt.)
MQ = Manufacture Coupon
OOP = Out Of Pocket (Real cash money spent.)
YMMY = Your Mileage May Vary (Basically means if your store will allow it.)
Common CVS Questions:
What is the Extra Care Program?
It is CVS’s rewards program. CVS rewards its shoppers for shopping at their store with incentives to keep shopping with Extra Care Bucks. You can view the details here on the CVS website.
How do I get a CVS card?
Apply for a CVS card at the store or online here. I would suggest getting the card at the store so you can start using it right away.
What is a Extra Care Buck or ECB?
ECBs are CVS coupons that print on the bottom of your receipt after you buy a qualifying product. You can use ECBs to buy almost anything at the store except for prescriptions , tobacco, lottery tickets, stamps, alcohol, money orders, or gift cards.
How do I get $/$$ CVS coupons?
Register your card online here with CVS and they will send you a $4/$20 purchase coupon via email. After that they send out $/$$ coupons sporadically. You never know when you will get one but it is a treat when you do. These coupons help pay for things that still cost a little money but they could be free if you have a $/$$ CVS coupon.
How long Do I have to use my ECB?
You have 1 month to use you ECB after the print date.
My friend gave me her ECBs can I use them?
No, ECB are linked to your CVS shoppers card and can only be used by the card holder.
What is Rolling a ECBs?
Taking a ECB you have already earned to buy an item that also earns a ECB. For example: CVS has Crest Tooth paste for $2.49 get $2.49 ECB limit 2. Buy 1 Crest tooth paste for $2.49 earn $2.49 ECB. Now take that $2.49 ECB and buy another Crest tooth paste use the $2.49 ECB from the first transaction pay $0 and earn another $2.49! You just learned how to roll a ECB. If you do this correctly you will never pay more than change in your pocket at CVS.
What do you mean when you say an item is a “Money Maker”?
Many times CVS will offer items that are free after ECB if you can find a manufacture coupon to go along with the sale you have a money maker. For example: You buy an item that is $2.99 and it earns a $2.99 ECB and you have a $1 off coupon. You will pay $1.99 and earn a $2.99 ECB. You just made a $1 overage!
What if my coupon is valued for more than the item costs?
It’s CVS policy to adjust the coupon value down to the price of the item.
Can I use more than 1 coupon on a item?
You can use 1 Manufacture coupon and 1 store coupon on 1 item. Note: ECBs do not count as total number of coupons you are able to use. Use as many ECBs as you want. Your total just can’t be in the negative.
Can I use 2 coupons or a B1G1 coupon on a B1G1 Free sale promotion?
It is CVS policy to allow you to use 2 coupons or B1G1 free even on a B1G1 free sale.
What is the best order to use my coupons at CVS?
- $/$$ coupon
- CVS store coupons
- Extra Care Bucks
- Manufacture Coupons
What Do I do if CVS is out of the product I wanted to buy?
Get a Rain Check! You can still take advantage of any of the great deals listed in their ad even if they are sold out. I never worry about getting to CVS right when they open. I know I will still be able to get the item just not today. CVS rain checks have no expiration date at can be used at any CVS store.
What if I have problems at CVS?
You can call costumer service at 1-800-SHOP-CVS. Note: It is a good idea always to be polite with a cashier or a manger you will get no where if you are rude even if you are in the right.
*Now you know the basics here are the steps you need to take to get you started.
- Apply for a CVS card at the store or online here. (Note: If you want your card right away ask for one at the store.)
- Register your CVS card online here. They will often time send out emails with valuable $/$$ coupons.
- Use ECB to Buy items that also earn ECB
- Stack CVS store coupons with manufacture coupons.
- Use manufacture coupons on items that offer ECB.
- To get the most for your ECB use this coupon order: 1. $/$$ coupon 2. CVS store coupons 3. Extra Care Bucks 4. Manufacture Coupons.
- Tip you will not get if you have an overage. Be sure to always have enough product value for your total coupon value.
I hope this list of common question and answers will help you to come up with your own great deals at CVS.
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I love your website–it is very helpful. Would you please explain why we should give our ECBs BEFORE the manufacturer’s coupons? Thank you.
It is really not that big of deal. You may pay less in tax if you give them before MQ. Do what is easier for you.
Love your site. I am just learning but having a great time doing it by saving a lot if money. When stacking the coupons what does $/$$ coupon mean
Welcome Linda glad you are here. An example would be $5/$20. Means $5 off a$20 purchase.
Cindy, do you have to earn the ECB, then use later it later, or can you use it right away? Just a little confused on the process of it! Thanks
Cindy, can you use target coupons at cvs?? i know some stores allow you to do that, i just wanted to ask if you knew or not!! thanks!
Store coupon or MQ?
What is the limit to the times I can use an ECB to buy something that gets an ECB. For example. Gatorade right now, buy $5 worth get a $5 ECB. Can I just use that ECB to get $5 more worth of Gatorade and get another ECB, and do it again and again? You’re “rolling ECBs” section doesn’t mention limits on it.
I assume there has to be some sort of limit.
The limits on how many are listed in the ad. Sometimes it is only 1 other times it is more.
If I buy multiple items that qualify for ECBs will I get one big ECB or multiple smaller ones? I have a $10 one right now and I’m trying to get some things that will get me smaller ones so it’s easier to roll them from week to week. I can come up with close to $10 worth of items I want that get ECBs back, but if I wind up with another high dollar ECB I’m stuck with the same problem next time.
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