CVS Q & A: Part 1

To assist those of you reading who are learning the CVS system, I have compiled a list of questions sent in by readers. I will do my best to answer them. If you need further clarification on anything, please ask!

Q: "Do you know if CVS sends out regular coupons via email? I have received one coupon in an email and it was the $4/$20 one. I haven't seen any since then. I wondered if they regularly do this or if it's a rare thing."

A: Yes! CVS does regularly send out coupons. The more you shop, the more you will receive. It does take a few weeks of shopping before you start seeing them regularly. The $4/$20 coupon is your "welcome" coupon for registering your email address on CVS.com. Look for more coupons from CVS on Thursdays in your inbox. Occasionally, CVS will snail mail you coupons as well, so make sure they have your correct address on file.

Q: "When do you shop? It seems like I get to CVS after everything is gone."

A: I start my week at CVS on Sundays to grab the best deals before they are gone. Since there is a CVS on every corner around here, I also stop by once or twice during the week, and wrap up my deals on Saturday if I missed anything. CVS does indeed restock, but the truck only comes once a week. Ask your cashier what day they receive deliveries.

Q: "When you make multiple transactions, do you go to a different CVS location, or just do more shopping in the same store once your first transaction is done?"

A: Most CVS cashiers will gladly allow you to do multiple transactions in one stop. I usually assess how friendly they are, and how crowded the store is, before attempting another one. The best strategy is to treat them kindly, and get to know your favorites. There are times I stick with one transaction, only because they are out of items on my list.

Q: "Are there advantages of using ECB's on each transaction, vs. holding them all until the end and using them all on 1 bigger transaction?"

A: Absolutely! Using ECB's on each transaction (what we call rolling) will reduce your total out of pocket to very little. By sticking with several small transactions, and using ECB's from one to pay for the next, you will stretch your dollars even more. This is really a matter of time vs. money. Planning out small multiple transactions will save you money, but takes careful research and legwork at home. After a while, it will become second nature.

More to come, keep sending those questions!

For some previous posts on CVS strategies, go here or here, or here.

"...let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance..." Proverbs 1:5