Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Bloggy Giveaway: $10 CVS Gift Card!

I've mentioned Bloggy Giveaways before as one of my favorite websites; they give away great prizes every single day! This week, they've invited the rest of us in the blogosphere to join in on the fun. Click here to see the Mr. Linky filled with new-to-you websites giving away all kinds of cool prizes. Of course, I'm doing it, too:

I'm giving away a $10 Gift Card to CVS!

To enter:

  1. Leave a comment on this post before 3:00pm on Saturday, August 2nd (Eastern Time). Only one comment/entry per household please. U.S. Residents only. Leave your email address so I can contact you, but PLEASE change it to avoid spam. For example, type in username (at) yahoo.com.
  2. Tell me a tip that I can share with newbie CVS shoppers--those who have never tried it or people just getting started with The Drugstore Game.
I'll use Random.org to generate a winner to receive the $10 CVS Gift Card and announce the winner the evening of Saturday, August 2nd. I will email the winner (provided they leave a working email addy) and they will be required to email me back within 5 days. If the winner does NOT respond I will pick someone else. Good luck to all of you!

169 comments:

Becky said...

Wow! I'm the first one! And, I've read your blog before several times!!
I'd say just stick with it! It was hard for me to get the hang of it at first but, it gets easier!
Would Love this! Thanks for the chance!

Alaina said...

Wow! I would recommend signing up for their email. never know what coupons you may get!

Thanks!!

cdziuba said...

Wow, hope I win!!!!!!!!!!!

Lesley said...

I would say just to check out your blog and similar blogs; I've only been doing the CVS game for a month and it really helps to see the scenarios that other people are doing!

Michelle said...

sign up for email and of course always check iheartcvs.com!

Smilingsal said...

Buy the Sunday paper on Saturday night and plot your purchases.
smilingsal55[at]yahoo[dot]com

Katie said...

I recommend scanning your CVS card every time you set foot in the store...you never know what coupons the scanner will spit out! thanks for the giveaway! :)

Ginny said...

Make sure to buy the Sunday paper each week.

When I first started, I read all the blogs with CVS info, to decide on the best ways to buy things for the best deals.

Kathleen @ Katydid and Kid said...

I'm a new CVS game shopper (I've obviously shopped there before but have never gotten the 1 cent stuff with coupons). So I don't have any tips, but would love to read some here!

michelle said...

Well, I would be one of those newbie CVSers, so I don't know if I really have a tip. I tried CVSing once. Got about $15 in ECB's, then had several weeks where there was nothing in the rollover stuff that I wanted, needed, or could give away without a lot of hassle. I ended up just going to the store, spending my $15 ECB's on necessities before they expired, and I haven't played the game since. I have read lots of blogs on it, but I must still not get it. The appeal to get free stuff is there though. Maybe I need someone to take me by the hand and lead me through it a few times. I am a much more visual person. I can't just read about it. My other issue is that the time I went, we visited 2 or 3 stores to get the items I wanted, because the stores were sold out of so many things. It just wasn't worth the time, hassle, or gas. Perhaps a tip for people like me would be to find someone who CVS's successfully and follow them around until you feel confident, so you don't become a flunkie like me.

michelle at northofthe49 dot com

Corrie said...

I would say to try to visit the store as early in the week/month so that the items are in stock, get the Sunday paper for coupons, check out blogs for the deals with coupon matches, and have a plan before you go.

ctermors at hotmail dot com

4657 said...

I'm new at CVS'ing, and would really appreciate clarification on B1G1 and using CVS coupons. For example, last month I tried to use the CVS coupon for B1G1 Evian or Dasani the week Evian was on sale, brought 2 bottles to the register, presented the coupon and the clerk said that I could not use the coupon because I had to "buy" 4 bottles, not 2. What to do? Also, can you use MFRs on a B1G1 (on both bottles?) there were also peelies for each bottle of Evian. What to do?! Thanks!

dailycandy7 at yahoo dot com

hushmouth said...

ohhhhh - be careful of CVS. They can be very deceiving with how they post their "sale" items. I have had a run in with them more than once about where they had a tag posted for a sale item....they kept trying to tell me that "that item" wasn't included in the sale....ugh?
Thank you for the chance
hushmouth[at]verizon[dot]net

jsc123 said...

Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway.
I would LOVE to win !!

Anne said...

As someone new to the CVS, I can say that it is important to get monthly ECB deals at the beginning of the month and not end when there is nothing left. I agree with signing up for the email for coupon offers. The biggest help has been scanning blog posts just like yours to get the scoop on deals!

lovin_singing@yahoo.com

brightleigh said...

Do your homework before you go and have a plan. Have a CVS salespaper with you while you shop so that if you need to refer to it you can.

Sharon said...

Remember to sign up for their emailo and use the coupons on your receipt along with manufactor coupons. Thanks for the contest

Jessica said...

I read your blog blurb and had to say my favorite way to shop without spending a bunch is to go the thrift store. And one of my favorite finds? Yarn! People buy a bunch and never use it, so they donate it and I pick it up for pennies on the dollar. And I actually USE it. :)

Leia said...

I'd love to win to help me get started on CVSing!

I've tried a couple of times to get started, so the tip I'd give to newbies is to make sure you use your ECBs before they expire. I always seem to forget about them.

smdrm said...

Look for clearance and markdowns on seasonal merchandise.

kg4rmt at arrl.net

Jane Marie said...

I;m the one that needs the tips. I've never been in a CVS. They are new to our area and we recently have one close to us. I haven't stopped in yet.
pianananna (at)gmail(dot) com

stalkermom said...

I'm 2 months into this and I swear I've saved tons of money so far!

Holly said...

While it's important to plan out your trip (pull coupons, have a scenario in mind), it's more important to be able to reconfigure your plan when the store is out of items. You also need to learn to get the free items you don't need in order to get the stuff you do need for less (or free). Our local food pantry loves to get personal care items, so I get to shop and share.

I'd love to win the card and see how much I can grow the $10!

Angie(quillysilly) said...

This is the first I've heard of a drugstore game...so I don't have any tips, but you can bet I'll be back to find out more!

Thanks,
Angie

Blakely said...

Go there first thing Sunday Morning by afternoon most of the sales are gone, at least in my area.

Katie said...

I'm new to the 'drugstore game" so I don't have any tips to share... yet!
katiekarr at gmail dot com

Annabelle said...

I don't know anything about how this CVS stuff works, but I've heard you can make $10 stretch a long way...How?

diane d said...

I've haven't been to CVS in years - I'm obviously missing something!

Thanks for the great giveaway! :)

nosmallthing said...

I'd love to enter!

I just got my cvs card and I have not figured it out yet, so I hope I can learn something here within the comments!

dkkwhcs at yahoo dot com

Wehaf said...

My tip to newbies is to plan, not make impulse buys.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Mindy said...

My tip would be to stick with it and keep purchases small. It took me a while for it to click as to why to only have your purchases total $15 (or whatever to make a coupon valid and only spend the ecbs that you had).

Thanks for the chance to win your giveway!

mindysaid (at) gmail (dot) com

Terri said...

Some CVS stores are much better then others. I've had a hard time at some stores but others worked so well!!!

Hope I win.

-Terri

Melissa said...

Take all your coupons, not just the ones you plan to use--you never know what you'll find.

Also, scan the shelves for "try it free" or similar stickers on items.

Thanks for the opportunity. melchristopher (at) gmail.com

Amanda said...

I don't know the drugstore game but am trying to figure it out so maybe this gift card could help me get started?? That is... if I win.

Charity said...

You must get a CVS rewards card. It will save you lots of money.

Thanks for the giveway

email in profile

Rini said...

Read, read, read! If you read every blog and every scenario you can find, your plan can only get better!

Lady_MSnow said...

I have no tips because I am a newbie to CVSing, but this would get me started. :D

sadie-kate-08 said...

wow! i love cvs and live just around the corner from one, so this would be great!
sarah
sadiekate2001 AT yahoo.com

Jessica said...

My tip is to find a CVS friend. You can shop together and scour the shelves at different CVS' together. It makes it so much more fun! :) I'm also giving away a $10 CVS card. Check out my giveaway too!

Meg said...

read the blogs and just jump right in.

I started by reading everything I could, made a scenario before going and haven't looked back.

Its sad how much I really do love cvs.

mommagurl32 said...

Be super friendly to the cashier and managers, they will be much more helpful!

elliekarhan said...

I am an RSS feed subscriber and have found my CVSing to be vastly improved by seeing people's weekly deals written out. Sometimes my husband will ask about something, and I just respond, "well, my bloggy friends say..." even though I've never met any of you! I read about 5 blogs religiously and get the deals 'in my head'. I check out the circulars and the coupons, and then make up my own deals for what I have. TIP: always be flexible about what you will buy. It may seem ludicrous, but buying a $10 blood glucose monitoring kit you don't remotely need (for example) may boost your balance enough to use a $4/20 coupon, which, in essence, gives you $4 to spend on whatever you like (assuming you are rolling over ECB's). There are tons of people who can use your excess and will appreciate it. So think outside the box! (Also, get an email address just for stuff like this, and signing up for giveaways and free samples- you won't be more grateful when you start receiving 100+ emails a day). mccamanpublic*at*(yahoo)dot-com

kagey10 said...

make sure they know that CVS matches other stores RX prices, so know your local walmart and low cost RX # before you go! and you get double Extra Care Bucks on Scripts!

cpullum said...

The extra bucks have become away of life for me!! Love CVS!!!

HeatherC said...

Find that coupon machine.... it prints out great coupons, often for upcoming sales!
heatherc313 (at) verizon (dot) net

semtaylor said...

Love CVS..Can't wait each week for their Sunday ad to come out.

redfantum said...

I am a newbie that needs to know your tips. I haven't yet gotten in to CVS. A new one opened by me so I need to be ready!

Jawan said...

My biggest tip would be to NOT get overwhelmed. Take your time and go at it slowly. Also, don't chase after every deal!

Tanya said...

I don't have any tips to save at CVS - I haven't really shopped there. I will have to check out the websites that other commenters have talked about.

pam said...

I'm a newbie myself, but appreciate all the tips I get on the frugal blogs. Thanks.

queenoftheclick said...

Since I play the CVS game, I could make that $10 last forever. I use Centsible Sawyer and A Full Cups Forum to get all of the deals each week. Do you use them?

Sandra said...

I had never even hear of CVS until now... so I apologize for not having any types. I would love to learn more and definately have some reading to do here.

owatz (AT) telus (DOT) net

Kristy said...

Always have them scan your card first so your ExtraBucks are credited correctly. Great giveaway.

mishmish said...

Make sure you note when your ECB expire. I've lost a few that way

Preppy Mommy said...

I'm so intrigued by this. I'll have to investigate. Thanks for the chance to win. Visit mine at www.mypreppypurse.blogspot.com

windycindy said...

Hi, I do a lot of shopping at CVS and we buy our prescriptions from their pharmacy! One should have a CVS card and then every quarter your receive money back for what you have purchased. That is a wonderful perk. Please sign me up for your gift card. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Kyle and Melissa said...

I read your blog almost daily so I was excited to see this CVS card giveaway. You always have great advice.

Reeva said...

make a list and only get the stuff you need, otherwise you'll end up with a lot of stuff u probably cant use :)

Kristie said...

One tip is to make sure you know the CVS brands. It might not say CVS brand on it for example Essence of Beauty or Playskool are also CVS brands. It really helps on those $2/10 coupons!
kristie dot cliff at gmail dot com

Carissa said...

I recommend if you need a filler item to try to buy something that will earn you ECB's if not now, eventually. Like if they have a candy deal going on..... carissasblog at sbcglobal dot net

Diana said...

Always check the various CVS stores you shop at to see if they'll accept expired CVS coupons--I had one in a town in NH accept one that was five weeks expired from another town's store ($5 off $15).
dbombach at gmail.com

Teresa said...

I second iheartcvs.com!

gilmoregirlsandboys@gmail.com

Donielle said...

I'd say start small.

Thanks!

Adelle said...

My tip(s) would be to do your research online before going, make sure you have your list and coupons in order, ensure you have time while doing your shopping, and if at all possible, try to leave the little ones at home :)

Kristen said...

Don't rely on the store to have all of the best deals marked correctly with shelf tags. Carry a CVS ad circular with you and write a detailed shopping list (not just "2 bags LifeSavers" but "2 LifeSavers, 5.3 oz, B1G1, 2 $1.50 coupons"). That saved me a number of times when the sale product wasn't marked or when I looked at the high price and couldn't remember how the amazing deal came together.

Hope said...

try to get a $25 CVS GC from a prescription and then use that to start the game!

Megan said...

DONT PAY FULL PRICE FOR ANYTHING! Dont pay thier huge prices evenif you need it, that how they make thier money. Only use thier ads with coupons.

Debbie said...

OK. I have not gotten the nerve to jump into the CVS thing so I guess I'm the newbie you refer to. I just need help feeling confident to start the thing. I am afraid I will mess up from the beginning. And I keep reading about credits getting messed up, etc. So, we just need encouragement to start!

Allison said...

Awesome Prize! I would say just don't give up and try to get a friend to join in with you for support!

ohhollyf said...

I shop on my Mom's behalf w/ her card. She used to have to go to the food pantry, but not any more, now she has more than enough and gives to the pantry. I've been CVSing for 5 months, so even a newbie can work deals out for others in need. I'm there anyways !

Betsy said...

I have never done the CVS thing before, so I don't know what tip to share.

Brett said...

Ask the store when they get deliveries during the week and show up that day. The stores near us sell out on the best stuff in no time.

Amy T said...

I am really new to the CVS game - 1 trip/4 transactions in! It's great to read the tips that have been left. My tip is to pay attention to the prices - I was one penny short because I misread a price, and ended up having to buy a $3+ item to get my $10 ECBs. One other thing - be SUPER nice to the cashier - mine was friendly and helpful, even though I got a bit rattled!
I would seriously love to win this!! Thanks!

Momala said...

My tip is to ask a CVS employee if they take expired Extra Bucks. My CVS will take them up to a month past the expiration date! When I found this out I had to go home and dig through the garbage to find the $13 in EBs that I had thrown out because they were expired. Hey, $13 is $13 dollars!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Mindy

TXsunlover said...

ALWAYS shop for the ECB freebies as early in the morning on Sunday as you can or you will miss out! CVS is not very good at keeping those deals in stock after they sell out on the first day of the sale. Otherwise, I love shopping at CVS!! Thanks for the chance to win your great giveaway!

proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com

Mama Koala said...

I Love my CVSing--been doing it since May and am addicted. My advice? Buy things you need, but not necessarily something you need now. It is OK to buy 3 tubes of toothpaste--so you can start a stockpile.

Nancy said...

I have a CVS right near my house. Also, I have 7 kids and it's a great place to pick up needed items. Enter me in your contest!

buzzd said...

I would tell them to sign up for CVS emails and read over the blogs that give tips on CVS to see how other people manage it. Thanks for the contest!

PamelaKRose said...

A lot of people say to have a plan, however when I first started it caused me to get flusterd when the store was out of one (or more) of the items I had planned to buy - throwing off my transaction plan completely.

I would say - have your coupons ready, have a good idea of what deals you want but work out your transactions in the store.

amyd29 said...

love it,I have a cvs within walking distance!
ahdrad2932(at)msn(dot)com

FromThe Creek said...

Hello...I LOVE CVS!

One tip that I just learned is that they let you stack manufacturer's coupons with a CVS coupon! This would have saved me some more money...had I known it sooner...but better late than never!

Fiddle D. Dee said...

I love CVS!! I would say stick with it for several trips! I know it can be frustrating whe they are out of things but eventually you'll get the hang of when to shop! Don;t forget your coupons!!

PS said...

I fall into the NEWBIE category. I need a full explaination of what ECB's are and what you do with them!

Norrin2 said...

Marry someone who's an expert at the CVS and Never Ever say "Do we really need all these razors?"

Kristin said...

This is great -- we actually have a CVS in our small town!

Kim and Ken Carlile said...

kimisslim (at) hotmail (dot) com

I would suggest you tell them to always be friendly with their cashiers. Ask them how their day is going and just chat with them...they are more willing to be friendly and helpful with you if you are with them!

Anissa said...

Hmm my tip is don't be brand loyal. Try new brands when they are on sale or offer CVS bucks. It will pay off and they are often very similar:)

Deena said...

I would say to plan ahead. Don't go into the store without the stuff you want already written down and the coupons to go with them. If you just go in there without an idea of what to buy that's going to to give you the best deal you will be overwhelmed and give up. deena(dot)clarke(at)gmail(dot)com.

ByTheBay said...

Never assume that the only good deals are on things listed in the circular. Take a look around the store for items that have a little tag on the shelf indicating they are on Clearance or will be Discontinued or "Get it While It Lasts". They are often discounted by as much as 75%. Periodically they will go through one department of the store and mark a bunch of items to be discontinued - When this happens you'll find lots of great deals, because if you combine a coupon with a 75% discount, chances are you'll get stuff for free or for pennies on the dollar.

2silverwings at gmail.com

Ames said...

Thanks! My CVS tip is don't give up - some weeks the circular has nothing you need/want... That's okay - your ECBs last a few weeks so just wait, something will come up :) And if it doesn't, milk always seems to be cheapest at CVS!

M's Mommy said...

We are new to CVSing, but getting addicted fast. We learned about it through blogs like yours. My tips - always go in and scan your card to get any free coupons initially. Also, I would say shop early in the week - Sunday, when the new circular comes out. Sometimes our CVS has run out of items featured in the deals by the end of the week. Thanks!

jamic61 said...

I would love to win this!
My best advise is ALWAYS look thru the clearance section. Last summer I found webkinz on mark down and paid $1.99 each. I took all 28 of them. Needless to say my daughter's party favors were LOVED by all!
JamiC61(at)aol(dot)com

sphinx63 said...

1. Leaving a comment, thank you!
2. Make sure the first thing to do is get a CVS card. I have actually seen people buy stuff there and they didn't have one! Missing out on ECB's!

Mrs. Nichole Jordan said...

Start Slow, Dont try to do it all at once! It happens over time! :-)
And ANYONE CAN DO IT!
Thanks
Nichole
http://blog.handmadebycole.com/

Jami said...

My advice for newbies: Since I live in a small town, I don't always get the good coupons (or any listed at all), so I check some of the sites that list the ads several weeks in advance and find out if there are any coupons I should try and buy on ebay or other sites...especially when they have diapers going on sale or something I need.

Elizabeth said...

I am not sure what tip to share... I am somewhat of a newbie myself... I say take it one step at a time because if not you will get overwhelmed and not want to do any of it...

Thanks for this opportunity,
Elizabeth
zizziecards@gmail.com

Lisa P said...

Well im no expert, but just watch the sales and coupons, you will get the hang of getting the best deals really quickly!

Trista said...

Not much else besides watch coupons, sales, and extra bucks! Thanks for the chance to win

CrystalGB said...

Sign up for CVS email, match coupons to sales and buy items that generate the most ECBs.

Boy & Girl said...

Sign up for their savings card. I always get great coupons and deals with CVS. Thanks for such a great giveaway!

toohotforturtle said...

Best CVS tip? Make sure you have plenty of room for all the free toothpaste you will accumulate...lol

I heart CVS

Becky @ BoysRuleMyLife said...

Don't be afraid to do multiple transactions (if you have the time). Plan out your trip before you go and know what you are going to buy and what your approximate OOP will be. Planning is key! :)

Kimberly said...

Thanks for the great giveaway. I love CVS and I'm in the need for some make up so this works perfectly.

ymmat83 said...

Actually, I was hoping to get CVS shopping tips from you! I've heard people get really good deals there & I want to find out how. Thanks for the contest.

Grace said...

you really have to use the rewards! and only buy items that have the bucks rewards. recycle your bucks and you might never have to pay another cent.

Lori said...

My comment would be to know when to walk away. There have too many times that all of my deals/scenarios keep falling through because the items are just not avail. I usually end up spending more money than I ever mean to simply because I don't just walk away and try again later.

Thanks!

Someone Being Me said...

My advice is to have several deals worked out before you go in so you can change things up if they don't have something in stock.

Mindi said...

My tip is to check out i heart cvs dot com for future circulars. Then collect your mannies to combine with ECB deals that are coming up. It's so nice when you can use coupons, deals and ECB to walk out with bags of stuff you need or you plan to donate!!

Pheobie said...

My tip is to two plans (a backup) in case one doesn't work out. And don't stress out! Enjoy it and be friendly to the cashiers.

Bates said...

Thank you for entering my Bloggy GiveAway Carnival :) I'm stopping by to enter yours, too.

CVS tip: I've been getting my drugs at CVS for about 7 years. The best advice is to work up a rapport with ONE store and the pharmacy employees - then they will get to know your particular needs. I still drive to my "old" CVS (closer to where I used to live) simply because I know everyone there and I don't get any run-arounds. This is especially important to me because I had a kidney transplant last summer and I'm picky about certain drugs (that I want in original packaging).

Hope that helps!

Good luck and have fun! I always love the carnivals...

Krissi

April said...

What a fun giveaway! I don't know that I will be saying anything new since I didn't read all of the comments. :)
My tip would be to start small. It can be easy to get overwhelmed. Also, take a friend. That way, she can help you when you are unsure of something.

Katrina said...

I would love to win! Thanks!

Suzie G. said...

Know your stores policies. Some stores will let you use expired ECB! I know mine does, which is great because then I'm not "wasting" them at the last minute so they don't expire.

Cristina said...

Cool. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. Have a good weekend!

Mama Hill said...

Check out the makeup, sometimes they have random 50% off sales!

Barbara said...

My tip is to always bring all of your coupons, you never know when you will find something on clearance, and check the stores in other areas, not just the one in your hometown.


bdarling1963(at)aol(dot)com

Heidi @ GGIP said...

Smile at your cashier, it'll go a long way!

Thanks!

Mrs. Sprinkles said...

Buy the Sunday paper! Thanks for holding this!

Deb said...

I always make a list and pull my coupons before I even get to the store....otherwise I'm in the store for hours! Thanks for the great giveaway

ShaunJoy said...

Make sure you always have your card along!

shaunjoy(at)juno(dot)com

LadyVampire2u said...

I wish I had a suggestion to add but the truth is I am new to CVS. They just built one down the street me however so I'll take everyone's tips to heart.

family said...

Ohhh, well there are so many things to know about CVS. One thing is that if you let your ECBs expire (horror), they will give you another one (one time, I'm told) the next time you go to the store and it will print out for you. Just call their customer service number and they'll take care of it. Kathy
bigfamily8(at) yahoo (dot) com

Mel, A Dramatic Mommy said...

I'm a newbie. I read other posts about CVS, but honestly, it seems a bit of a hassle. Perhaps I need to look into it more. Thank you!

Meg said...

Hey! Im one of the ones in need of the tips. I don't know the 1st thing about this, except that people buy a ton of stuff for next to nothing. Would love to learn. Thanks!
gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com

Kristan said...

i am definitely not a cvs shopping pro...i'm just getting into the SAHM-ness with my 1 yr old twins. does it get easier when they reach 2?
andrewandkristan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Boyer Family said...

boyermom(at)gmail(dot)com

Always check the clearance baskets for name brands that you have coupon's for. You can get a lot of stuff for free without using any Extra Care Bucks!

Crazy Daisy said...

This is a great giveaway - as it would really help me get started with CVS. I just got my rewards card in the mail last week and have been reading up on all the ways to save! I will be reading all the comments here to get a great start!

Sarah Berry said...

CVS is awesome 10 dollars can go a long way. Thats about the only place thats true nowadays

alimark said...

go and get the cvs card--u earn money back!!

Nina said...

I am a newbie having a hard time getting in the program.
Help !
Nina
e-mail in profile or publish winner's name in your blog.

Liz said...

oh wow! Great give away! We could certainly use it!

pierce said...

I agree that you should bring your card and use the scanner. I tried printing out coupons today and the scanner gave me two unique coupons each time I ran it, so I was able to see four coupons. Unfortunately, I wasn't buying any of that stuff hehe ^_^

Karen of Sillymonkeez said...

What a great prize! Thanks for hosting this!!

3janbabies[at]gmail[dot]com

Stitchblade said...

Stockpile coupons! A lot of people throw them away. Let them know you want the coupons. That way you can get the same deal atleast 2 times!

Wendy said...

I've been shopping at CVS for a few months now, and here's some of what I've learned:

Have ALL your coupons with you.

Get a game plan ahead of time, but be prepared to be flexible when what you want is out of stock.

Find blogs like this one that talk about CVS deals and subscribe to them. You'd be amazed at the scenarios you might not have come up with on your own.

Don't be afraid to split your purchases into several transactions. Good CVS cashiers are used to this. Excellent CVS cashiers compliment you on what a good shopper you are. :)

If at all possible, DON'T take the kids. I do when I have to (which is most of the time) but it's easier to think and goes faster if you don't have to.

And my best tip? Be patient and stick with it. Realistically, you should expect to spend a little when you first start, but don't worry about it or stress over it. If you're willing to keep at it, you'll be saving far more than you initially spend.

Hope this helps someone! Thanks for the chance to win!

ticole96 said...

I am new to shopping at CVS... maybe just give some basic starting tips? Thanks for the giveaway!

ticole96(at)msn(dot)com

bethany said...

I'm new to shopping at CVS as well. I have heard really great things about money saving there and know people who are really good at it. I need to glean info from them!!
Thanks!
Beth

Laurel said...

Thanks for the contest! My tip is to purchase things in separate transactions on the same shopping trip to use your ECB on the spot!
dortch(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Brandy said...

Wow, thanks for such a great giveaway. I love CVS. My tip would be to stick with it, even though you may not get it exactly the way you want it the first time, you will catch on.

Suz said...

Check out your options to make sure you're getting the most for your money. Use the coupons!

txhottie_86@yahoo.com

Karen said...

I say plan ahead and make a list. I put my list on an envelope and put the coupons I am using in the envelope so everything is handy. I total it up so I now what it should be, and I know right away if there is a problem, thanks! I also subscribed to you, you have some great ideas;)

kpuleski at gmail dot com

cl said...

I don't have any tips because I am new at it. I guess I would say be prepared.

Playful Professional said...

Tell them to write down exactly what they are going to buy... if not they'll spend a ton and not work the system as well!

Jessie Francis said...

your stockpile doesn't have to start off in a big way. you can just do a stock up of one or two even to save money if you don't have the room to store things

Alexandra Hancock said...

i am a new cvs-er so i don't really have any tips except for maybe WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!?! i have gotten so many things for free!
alexandra dot hancock at gmail dot com

cmartin0055 said...

THis sound great!

cmartin0055(at)aol(dot)com

Vetstadium said...

Some of the stores I beleive would competitor match so if you bring in an ad from the competing store they sell it for same price.

misty said...

I'd send them to a couple websites that lay it out for them. Like Deal Seeking Mom or CFO. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

planetmisty at gmail dot com

tiffannhm said...

Visit the store early in the week because those deals fly off the shelves.

Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
tiffanyannrosson at yahoo dot com

Audra's Little Scraps said...

I'm new to CVS'ing but I would always say - cut out coupons and look for people you can trade with. Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
audrajjensen(at)msn(dot)com

Jessica said...

I'm new to CVS, but I'd say keep competitors coupons, b/c ours accepts them!

Kisha said...

I am one of those newbies that need tips because I haven't yet tried CVS, but I do know that planning is key. Also, shopping without the kids but that one is mainly just wishful thinking for me right now. :)

Andrea said...

What helped me when I started was to make a list of all the different transactions I was going to do added up and written out very specificallywith back up options if an item is not in stock. It's easy to get confused when you have to rethink a deal on the fly especially when it's all new to you.

Deborah Graff said...

My tip for CVS newbies is to make a really careful shopping list before you go. It's a lot easier than trying to make all the decisions on the spot.

You know my email address. ;)

hsmomto3 said...

I love CVS. I agree that going early in the month helps not run out. However you can always get a raincheck and they never expire! I had a coupon for something I was getting ECBs back that would make it free. I needed a raincheck so I pre-paid for the item and used the coupon. They wrote on the receipt that they owe me the item. My fav site for help with the deals is hotcouponworld. I've learned so much on there. I'm surprised they didn't let someone use a b1g1 coupon. I've not had problems with CVS. They are usually coupon friendly.

Enter me
susanwash at windstream dot net

Marie Braden said...

Always remember that even if YOU can't use a product, someone else MAY be able to. I don't ever need baby stuff, but sometimes I'm able to do good "earns" and then give the baby items away to families that may need them, for example.

Nicole said...

Would love to win. Don't forget the coupons!

duffcan said...

I'd just like to say that it works for single gals as well. You might have to look a bit more into each deal to make it work for you, but it's rewarding to get extra things you can't use for free or nearly free that you can give to friends or donate to a local charity. And of course, stick with it!

Richelle said...

Know that you don't have to get EVERY SINGLE DEAL that there is. Sometimes the best way to save money is to stay home! I do love CVS though!

Cassie said...

This is AMAZING! YOU'RE amazing!

Be sure to be in line early on, as the deals sell out quickly (but remember to get a rain check!)

irrelevantheart (at) gmail (dot) com !! Thank you!

jskell911 said...

CVS is my absolute favorite store!

freetibet said...

I'm a newbie to CVS, so I'm thrilled with all the advice. Thanks for the chance. freetibet1974(at)yahoo(dot)com

msrodeobrat said...

so i've never heard of the drugstore game but i am very interested in finding out more. i have no tips because this is not something i do.. yet

Emily said...

I don't know about everywhere, but in our area they give the Sunday papers away for free late Sun. evening so I can get multiple sets of coupons for free. Then I read the blogs and see what coupons match up with CVS's sales.

gotfire at yahoo dot com

Uniquely Yours said...

I'm with you....sooner or later we'll figure out all the tricks to the trade. Thanks! This is great! Make sure you stop by my site to enter for a personalized Princess Bracelet entries are accepted through August 9th. http://uniquelyyoursbyshay.wordpress.com

carissaad said...

I'm just getting started and I could use some tips.

Thanks!

carissaad(at)aol dot com

nicki72182 said...

My advice would be to start slow. Just try to buy things you know you'll use. Match up coupons with deals before you go to the store. Thanks for the giveaway! I hope I win :)

Briana's Bargains said...

Use the coupon scanner at the store before shopping! Sometimes you get more coupons that way

Momma2Mia said...

my biggest tip is to check multiple blogger scenarios .. because sometimes you may not see a way to work a deal for you,and with a little help from others who play "the game" you may see something that helps you with a deal.