CVS Extra Bucks
Hear's my simplified explanation of how the CVS Extra Care Bucks system works.
First, get an Extra Care Card for free. Anytime you make a purchase, have them scan your card.
Each week, there are certain items at CVS that have an Extra Care Buck or ECB deal on them. How this works is you pay the full price, or the sale price on the product, but then you will receive the ECB amount back. They will print out at the bottom of your receipt. Then, you can use that ECB on your next transaction at CVS. You will also get ECB on a quarterly basis for buying CVS brand items. If you sign up for the emails from CVS.com, you'll get some coupons every couple of weeks like $5 off your next $25 purchase.
For example:
If you purchase an item that is $4.99 and it earns $4.99 in ECB and have a $1.00/1 coupon for that item, you would pay $3.99 +tax, but will earn $4.99 ECB back. This is a money-making scenario.
If the limit on a deal is more than one and you purchase multiple products in one transaction, you will get one large combined ECB amount. If you did the example above, and the limit was 2, you would receive one $9.98 ECB ($4.99 Times Two). I find that having multiple smaller ECB is easier to manage and roll than one large ECB.
Once you have made a couple purchases, you can begin to build your ECB up and roll them (use old ECB from previous deals on the new ECB deals) on the following weeks deals to spend very little out of pocket. By rolling the ECB, you get more products, for little out of pocket.
If they are out of an advertised product that offers an ECB, ask for a raincheck. CVS will them be able to print your ECB even after the deal has ended.
Make sure that you use your ECB before they expire.
First, get an Extra Care Card for free. Anytime you make a purchase, have them scan your card.
Each week, there are certain items at CVS that have an Extra Care Buck or ECB deal on them. How this works is you pay the full price, or the sale price on the product, but then you will receive the ECB amount back. They will print out at the bottom of your receipt. Then, you can use that ECB on your next transaction at CVS. You will also get ECB on a quarterly basis for buying CVS brand items. If you sign up for the emails from CVS.com, you'll get some coupons every couple of weeks like $5 off your next $25 purchase.
For example:
If you purchase an item that is $4.99 and it earns $4.99 in ECB and have a $1.00/1 coupon for that item, you would pay $3.99 +tax, but will earn $4.99 ECB back. This is a money-making scenario.
If the limit on a deal is more than one and you purchase multiple products in one transaction, you will get one large combined ECB amount. If you did the example above, and the limit was 2, you would receive one $9.98 ECB ($4.99 Times Two). I find that having multiple smaller ECB is easier to manage and roll than one large ECB.
Once you have made a couple purchases, you can begin to build your ECB up and roll them (use old ECB from previous deals on the new ECB deals) on the following weeks deals to spend very little out of pocket. By rolling the ECB, you get more products, for little out of pocket.
If they are out of an advertised product that offers an ECB, ask for a raincheck. CVS will them be able to print your ECB even after the deal has ended.
Make sure that you use your ECB before they expire.
Most CVS's also have a red machine somewhere in the store. Scan you Extra Care Card everytime you shop, and you'll get a few more coupons. Keep scanning your card until it says there are no more coupons available. Even if you don't plan on using them, save them in you coupon box for later, as there may be a sale later on. You may even be able to use them at Publix or another store that accepts CVS coupons as a competitor. CVS allows you to stack manufacture coupons with CVS coupons to increase your savings.
It may also be a good idea to invest in a green bag tag. These are usually sold at the register, and cost $1. Then, everytime you bring your own reusable bag and shop, have them scan your green tag. For every 4th scan (it will only allow 1 use per day), you will receive $1 ECB. This tag will pay for itself fast, and you are also helping the environment.