CVS: Deals for the week of June 8-14, 2008

Here are the best deals I see at CVS for this week (let me know if you see any mistakes):

*****ECB DEALS*****

Buy 2 Garnier Nutritioniste products, Get $10 ECBs (Limit 2)
The Garnier Nutri-Pure Microbead Cream Scrub priced at $5.99 is working for this deal. (Thanks, Amanda!)

*Deal*
Buy 2 Garnier Microbead Creams at $5.99 each
Throw in a $3.10 filler (How about the CVS cotton swabs or Brut? Or Huggies Bath and Body plus two Gold Emblem candies? Shoot for something which produces ECBs or something off your grocery list which you need to buy.)
Use $3/$15 CVS coupon
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 04/20 or 05/11 inserts
Spend approx. $10 out of pocket
Get $10 ECBs back (plus any ECBs for the $3 in filler items)

Benefiber produces a $3 ECB when you buy 1 this week. If you lived in the area which received the $5/1 coupons on 04/18 (Texas and elsewhere received these) and are able to find Benefiber priced at less than $8 a bottle, it's a money-maker after the coupon and ECB!

Buy $10 Worth of Candy (see page with listing for details), Get $5 ECBs (Limit 5)
(Includes M&M's 27oz - $5.99, Puff Cotton Candy - $2.99, All Theater Box Candy - $1, Hershey's Kisses, Hugs, Nuggets, Resse's, Miniatures, Rolo or York - 2/$4, Hershey's Singles & Mars Singles - 2/$1)
If you are planning to do multiple transactions at CVS this week, work some of the candy purchases into each transaction as fillers.

Buy $20 Worth of Select General Mills Cereal at 3/$10 or Folgers Coffee at $10, Get $10 ECBs (Limit 1)
There are lots of printable coupons here (or use the sidebar widget)

*Best Deal*
Buy 6 Fiber One Cereal or boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios
Use $3/$15 CVS coupon
Use 6 $1/1 coupons here (or use the sidebar widget) or Cheerios coupons here
Spend $11 plus tax
Get $10 ECBs back!
$1 for six boxes of cereal or bars after coupons and ECBs!

Buy $10 Worth of Nivea For Men, Get $5 ECBs back (Limit 5)
There were $1/1 coupons in the 05/11 insert and there are $2/1 coupons here. There are also $4/2 coupons coming out in Sunday's insert for Nivea shaving gel.

*Best Deal*
Buy 6 Nivea Shaving Gels at $3.99
Use $3/$15 CVS coupon
Use 3 $4/2 coupons
Spend $8.94 out of pocket
Get $10 ECBs back!
Free plus overage after coupons and ECBs!

Buy Revlon Color Stay Mineral Eyeshadow at $6.99, Get $3 ECBs (Limit 2)
Use $2/1 coupon from 05/18 insert
$1.99 after coupon and ECBs (work this into another deal if possible in order bring the price down more!)

Buy 1 Schick Quattro Titanium Cartidges 4ct, Razor, or Trimmer at $9.49, Get $5 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $3/1 coupon from 05/18 insert
$1.49 after coupon and ECBs (again, work this into another deal if possible in order bring the price down more!)

Buy 1 Gillette Fusion Razor at $9.99, Get $4 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use $4/1 coupons from 06/01 insert
$1.99 after coupon and ECBs (work this into another deal if possible in order bring the price down more!)

Gold Emblem Candy Deal:

For those who have a card scanner at your CVS stores, you'll want to be sure and scan your card when you go to CVS. Most of the card scanners are currently printing the following coupons every time you scan your card: $3/$10 CVS brand coupon, $1/3 CVS brand toothbrushes, and $1/2 bags of Gold Emblem candy.

Gold Emblem candy is on sale for $0.88 this week. Use the the $1/2 coupon to get them for $0.33/bag. This would be a great filler to use for some of your deals this week and I was already planning on snagging some.

It gets even better, though. This candy is part of the Buy $10, Get $5 ECBs deal this week. So, if you were doing multiple transactions at CVS, you could use these bags as fillers, only pay $0.33/bag, and--after buying 12 bags--you'll get $5 ECBs back!

Plus, since Gold Emblem is a CVS brand item, you can also work these candies into other transactions with CVS brand items and use a $3/$10 coupon. For instance, here's what one transaction I'm planning this week:

Buy 3 CVS brand cotton swabs -$3.19 each
Buy 2 Gold Emblem candies - $0.88 each
Buy 2 Huggies Bath and Body products - $3.49 each
Use $3/15 coupon
Use $3/10 CVS-brand coupon
Use $1/2 Gold Emblem coupon
Use 2 $1/1 Huggies coupons
Spend $9.31 plus tax
Get $10 ECBs back!
Plus, I'd have $1.76 towards the candy deal

If your store allows you to use more than one $1/2 Gold Emblem coupon at a time (they don't say anything about limits on them, but I've heard that using more than one will cause the register to beep and the coupon will have to be manually pushed through), here's what you could do:

Buy 12 bags Gold Emblem candies at $0.88 each
Use $3/$10 CVS brand coupon
Use 6 $1/2 Gold Emblem coupons
Spend $1.56 plus tax out of pocket
Get $5 ECBs back!

Best of all, this deal has a limit of 5 so you could potentially do the above deal 5 times in different transactions, spend $7.80 out of pocket total plus tax, get $30 ECBs back, and come away with 60 bags of candy!

I'm not sure that I'm needing that much candy this week but for anyone who might have some extra time this week, lots of CVS stores nearby, and be needing a bunch of candy for some upcoming  event, go for it!

Also, the BeFine Deal is Back--Buy 1 product, Get $5 ECBs. Last time, it worked on the small sample packs which are $1.99. If you try it and it works, let us know.This doesn't appear to be working.

See all deals and coupon match-ups for this week here.

*****NON-ECB DEALS*****

Powerade is priced at $0.77 to $1 at most stores
Use the $0.75/1 coupon from Sunday's inserts
$0.02 to $0.25/bottle--great filler!

Atkins bars are on sale for $1. Use $1/1 coupons from recent insert to make them free!

Dove shampoos/conditioners are on sale B1G1. They retail for $4.29 and there is a $2/1 coupon coming out in Sunday's insert. Buy 2 and use 2 $2/1 coupons to get two bottles of shampoo for $0.29! Great filler!

*****JUNE ECB DEALS*****

Buy 1 Listerine Smart Rinse (250 ml) at $3.49, Get $3.49 ECBs (Limit 4)
Use $1/1 coupon here
Free plus overage after coupon and ECBs
(There are reports of some stores having tear pads with a full rebate on this product so look for those!)

Buy 1 Brut Deodorant (2.5 oz) at $2.69, Get $3 ECBs (Limit 5)
Use $1/1 coupon from 04/06 insert
Free plus overage after ECBs

Buy 1 Oral B CrossAction Manual Toothbrush (2 pk) at $6.99, Get $6.99 ECBs (Limit 2)
Free after ECBs

Buy 1 CVS Pharmacy Sheer or Plastic Bandages (40 ct) at $1.99, Get $1.99 ECBs (Limit 3)
Free after ECBs

Buy 1 Huggies Lotion or Wash (15 oz) at $3.49, Get $2 ECBs (Limit 5)
Use $1/1 coupons from 05/18 insert
$0.49 each after coupons

Buy 1 CVS Cotton Swabs (500 Count) at $3.19, Get $2 ECBs back (Limit 5)

See all monthly deals with coupon match-ups here.

******ESPECIALLY FOR BEGINNERS*****

New to CVS-ing? Don't try to make heads or tails of this post because it probably won't make a lot of sense to you. Instead, go here where I explain the CVS program in full detail. Want to join in the fun and incredible savings? Then go here where I share more about how to make it work for you. After that, go here where my friend FishMama maps out a simple plan for beginning CVS-ers to maximize on the ECB deals this month.

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Share Your Scenarios!

Have your shopping trip planned or did you come up with a great deal scenario/idea? Just post about it on your blog and leave your link below. Please include full details on coupons you are using, etc. so that those who are just beginning to get the hang of CVS can especially benefit from seeing things broken down for them like this. If you don't have a blog, feel free to share your scenarios in the comment section.

Note: So as not to confuse the newbies, please only post deal scenarios/deals which are applicable at CVS this week. Thanks so much!

Comments

[Jennifer]

By the way, I don't have a picture (camera is being finicky) but I started the CVS program yesterday. I spent $10.30 oop (probably could have planned a little better, but am still happy) and received: 5 deodorants, 4 toothbrushes, 3 packs of bandages, 6 bags of Chex Mix, 3 pkgs of Pampers, and 4 mouthwashes, with $11 ECBs in tow! Such a great program! Check out www.economicendeavors.com for even more information on the program. I love your site! Thanks for all of the great info!

[Jennifer]

One more comment (for you, Crystal). I also live in KC and am curious if you have found the rebates for the mouthwash (Listerine from this month's ECBs) anywhere. I have been to 3 stores and have not found them. If you have, do you mind telling me which store? There are a lot within my traveling area, and I would love to get even more money back! Thank you!

[Nanette]

I think the math might be off on the nivea deal - 24 minus 15 is 9 not 5.

[Heather]

I am in SE TN. I tried a Be Fine packet and it did not give ecbs. It was in the clearance section but rang up at full price.

I also found a Brut cologne on clearance. It, too, rang up at full price and the cashier modified the price. It didn't print ecbs either.

I was a teeny bit aggravated I used up so many ecbs on experiments that failed, but I have been getting a lot of great deals recently so I have nothing to complain about.

[Heather]

I also wanted to say, I found Hyland's ear drops on clearance for 2.49 at CVS. I had a coupon for $3 off - not sure what insert it came from - and they adjusted it down so I could use it & get the ear drops for free.

[Whitney]

My CVS ad has GM listed at 3/$9...anyone else?

[Tracy]

Question about the Fiber One coupons ~ they say they're for cereal. Do they work for the bars too?

[Kim]

Thanks Crystal for this great site! Does anyone know if there are any prescrip transfer coupons out there right now. I have two I would like to transfer this week. Thanks in advance.

[Millicent]

I found some pretty good deals at Food Lion that are active through today!

[sara]

I went to CVS yesterday (4 of them). None had the FiberOne cereal and none expect to get any this week. Also none would give me rainchecks to cover the ECB's. How frustrating. Is any one else dealing with this? Also, my CVS does not accept internet printable coupons. The whole experience was very frustrating.

[Cole & Lia's mom]

Crystal, first of all -- THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!!!!! I am having a grand time with CVS and saving money, too. I would never have started if not for you and all the information you provide. I think many of us have been caught up in the frenzy and trying things out, it may not sound like we appreciate you as much as we do -- it's just the heat of the hunt! Now, I'll be curious to see if some experimenters come up with answers to some of these questions. If I can get through some laundry I might try a couple out myself this afternoon! :)
~Karen

[millicent]

I have a few of the Listerine Smart Rinse rebate coupons that i'd be happy to share...if anyone needs some.

[Kelly]

I am in Raleigh, NC and I didn't receive the Nivea Coupons in the Paper this week. It seems I miss several coupons a month that are listed online...Are coupons regional...and did you receive the Nivea Coupons??

[Stephanie]

To Laurie:

The 3 ECB for $10 Dove products are only for skin care type products. The hair care doesn't count.

BTW, I fulfilled the Pampers deal last week but my receipt never printed the ECBs. How do I take care of this? Go back to the store or contact Corporate somehow? I didn't notice this until I was home or would have said something at the store.

[Stephanie]

CVS newbie here! Crystal mentioned using the candy deal as a filler. Does the $10 worth need to be in one transaction...or it can be a cumulative $10 of candy in several transactions? Thanks for your help!

*********************
Money Saving Mom here:

The $10 can be broken up into as many transactions as you'd like. Your receipt will track how much you've spent and then your ECB will spit out once you've maxed out the total amount you need to spend.

[brandy]

Thanks for keeping me posted! I have linked you again in my latest post since you take the time to list everything and deserve all the credit.

Brandy
http://imnotyouraveragesoccermom.blogspot.com/

[Agathafan]

Can someone clarify for me - when the advertised deal is "buy $10 worth of something, get ECB's", does the $10 just mean that the advertised prices of the items have to equal $10? Or would I have to actually spend $10 after taking off any manufacturer's coupons? (i.e. would 2 $5 items qualify if I used $1-off coupons on each item)?

***********************
Money Saving Mom here:

It's $10 before coupons. So you can buy two $5 items, use two $1/1 coupons, and still qualify for spending $10. Make sense?

[Mocat]

I went yesterday. The Atkins bars that were $1/1 were the single serving type. The coupon that I had were for the Atvantage types (cute spelling), and they retailed at $2.25. Is there something that I am missing?

BTW My purchase was $2.97 for 22 items valued at $67. Thanks a bunch, Crystal!

[Stephanie]

Crystal, Thanks for answering the candy question (actually, any "buy $$ worth of something" questions)! I love your blog and appreciate all of your hard work in spelling out the deals, especially for us newbies! I also enjoy your Biblical Womanhood blog!

[Marli]

This is my first time to post my CVS transactions here! I have so much fun doing this!

[Emily]

If the cereal is on sale 3/$10, and you try to break it up into different transactions, do you still get the sale price? For example, if I get the Coke deal for $11, and 2 boxes of cereal in one scenario, will I still get them for $3.33 each? Thanks!

[Julie]

New CVSer question: I bought 4 Nivea at 4.99 each so I got 5 ECBs, but at the bottom of my receipt I see
Amount Toward this Reward 19.96
Amount Needed to Earn Reward 10.00

What does this mean? If I go back and get 1 more Nivea will that count toward the 19.96 and spit out another 5 ECB or do I have to start all over again? How do you tell how many 5 ECB you can earn. I thought only one, that is why I did what I did and then I saw the listing at the bottom of the reciept. If you could explain? Thank you

[Nicole]

I left my blogpost about today's outing to CVS and about a soon to happen outing to CVS. As I am new to the whole couponing and CVS world, can someone tell me, do stores (CVS, Target, Wal-Mart, Jewel, etc.) accept expired coupons? Also, can I use the $4.00/$20 coupon I received in my email for signing up for the Extra Care card more than once? If i print it multiple times? Thanks!

[mikey]

I live in South FL and the coupons in this Sunday's paper was really SAD

We got like nothing. Just one lousey instert. I thought it was just me but my mother who lives 1/2 hour away only got one too. Where are all those dove coupons and the $4/2 nivea
You stink Florida!!!

[Christi D.]

Nicole- you will only be able to use the $4/$20 once since it's tied to your EC number. Just like you can only use your ECB's once since they have your number on them.HTH

Julie- it sounds like if you spend 4 more cents, you will get the $5 ECB's on the Nivea. Try to find the cheapest Nivea item you can! Great job on the savings!

[Krissie]

Hi, I tried to print out the Cheerios coupons, but they are only for .60 each. How did you get the 1.00 coupons? Also, how do you get more than two?

[isisdc]

Hi Crystal! Quick question: Today I went to CVS and I did the cereal deal 6/$20. Gave them a 4/$20 that I got in my email. Then 5 $1/ off cheerio or fiber one coupons. Bringing the total to $11. I had a $10 ECB (so only $1 OOP for 6 boxes of cereal :) ... which wouldn't scan?! The clerk was so nice and kept apologizing. She tried to "push it through" a couple of different ways and it just kept saying I could only use it towards $4 of the purchase? Have you heard of this before? So I paid $11 OOP, but did get my $10 (which I rolled into a diaper wipes/bandaid/qtips deal for 2cents... so I'm not complaining :). I have been CVS'ing since March and have just never had this happen. Any tips? Thanks for all of your hard work!

[Kim]

Cole and Lia's Mom!

I'd LOVE a SmartRinse mail in rebate form. I've been to lots of different stores and have even asked Listerine for one. Please email me privately for my address.

Thank so much for the offer! I'm writing my email address incorrectly to hopefully avoid spam. :)

breadbykim at gmail DOT com

[Sarah]

Awesome deal on instant photo books. They are on sale for BOGO for the 6x8's. I had an email for $5 off, plus the Kodak coupon from insert for $3 off and then a $1 thing that printed for the card scanner. So I got two for $1!!! Great Father's Day gifts! (they don't have to be the same)

[Renee]

I noticed on some of my coupons it says this coupon can not be used with any other coupon- does that mean when I use other fiber one coupons and also use a CVS coupon I can't use all those together in one transaction?

*********************
Money Saving Mom here: Renee, most coupons say that on them and it means that you cannot use more than one manufacturer's coupon per item you buy. You can, however, use a store coupon in conjunction with a manufacturer's coupon. Thanks for asking!

[Pam]

A few notes from my recent transactions:

-I did the Fusion razor deal last week. I did it again this week and did not receive my ECBs, my coupon stated limit reached - so they carried over from last week, booo.

-Dove candy bars also work towards the candy deal. (I found this accidently when I noticed $1.50 was put towards my reward earned total)

-I bought 1 Brut deod. this month, my receipt now says that I can only buy 1 more to earn reward. Also, it rang up as $3.39. I'm not sure why my limit is off?

[Jared]

Just started doing this last week, but already saving a ton!! Today i had to kind of argue with a manager to get some money refunded because they charged me incorrectly for something, (the sign in the store had Honey Nut Cheerios advertised for 3 for $9 instead of 3 for $10, though it seemed confusing to the manager as to why)and then told me "well, you're still saving so much anyways, why complain?" Ugh! Anyways, i smiled and was polite and got them to correct their mistake.

So, I got:
7 Honey Nut Cheerios @ 3 for $9 = $21
1 CVS Bandaid = $1.99
1 Listerine Smart rinse = $3.99
Used:
1 $4/20 CVS coupon
7 $1/1 Honey Nut Cheerio Coupons
1 $1/1 Listerine Coupon

Total Value: $26.98
ECBs Spent: $14.46
ECBs Earned: $15.48
Spent OOP: $0.52

[Rene]

I just started CVS'ing last week and I'm hooked! Love the store. I have a question that I think most of you could answer for me. One of the deals this week is the Schick Quattro refills. I ended up getting it and with the ECB's it's a good deal but could have been better if I could have found the coupon. Another site mentioned that the coupon was available in the SUnday insert. Not in mine unfortuately. Are there sites I can go to (like Redplum?) to re-print stuff not i my paper? Thsanks!

[Amanda McLaughlin]

Ok, I used to be only a Walgreen's Girl, but last night I went to CVS for the first time w/ high hopes :) It was a disaster on the shift supervisors part. Where can I find a copy of CVS' sale/ECB policy? For instance they were telling me the Folger's deal was only on the large containers. I wasn't able to get five small ones (instead of 2 large ones) and still earn ECB's. Is this true? If so how did I miss that?! Then apparently the reward's card they gave me had been previously used so when I was trying to buy things it wasn't printing out the ECB's but was reading at the bottom that my limits had been reached. They didn't have any other cards available apparently. I realize this will resolve next week when the sales change over. Next time I'm going to try a different CVS location but wanted to read their policy first so I'm better prepared/informed.

[Nicole S]

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up...the Hyland's ear drops (regularly 9.99 according to my receipt) were clearanced to $.99 at my store. There were $3.00 coupons recently that can be used for these. My store did not give me any overage but adjusted the coupon to give the item to me for free.