Drugstore Shopping Tips

Key:
RR=Register Rewards a coupon which prints out from Walgreens
ECB=Extra Care Bucks a coupon which prints out from CVS
SS=Smart Source a coupon insert from the Sunday paper
RP=Red Plum a coupon insert from the Sunday paper
P&G= Protector and Gamble a coupon insert from the Sunday paper
B1G1 or BOGO=Buy 1 product get the same product for free

You can find great deals in the drugstores (CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens). Often you can find items for free or even earn money (if the store allows it) when you combine sales, coupons/in-ad coupons, rebates (Rite Aid has their own rebate programs) and Register Rewards (Walgreens) or Extra Bucks (CVS). Here are a few tips to make sure you get the best deals.

1. Make a List—Before you enter the store make a detailed list of what you plan to buy and what coupons/rebates are necessary. I also include the weight or size of the product to make sure I purchase the right item. If you know the information you may want to include the area of the store where the items are located to save you time when shopping.

2. Get the Circular/Rebate Book—Upon entering the store, I grab a circular and rebate book (only at Rite Aid). This way I can double check the sales, making sure I purchase the correct item, size, weight as I shop. I can also use any in-ad coupons. You can combine in-ad coupons with manufactures coupons.

3. Check your receipt—Before leaving the store always check the receipt to make sure the items are the correct price and the coupons were deducted.

4. Save your receipt—Always save your receipts since you will need the receipt numbers for the on-line rebates. You also never know when you might need to return or exchange an item.

5. Rebates—Rite-Aid offers on-line rebate programs, no mailing necessary. The checks are mailed to you. This program is a great way to get a lot of free items or even earn money when combined with coupons (if the store allows). However, you do need enter your receipt on-line and you should always check to make sure the rebate was issued. On a number of occasions the rebate was not issued to my account. I called to find out what the problem was and they either issued the rebate or I returned the product. You should also keep in mind that the sales tax is not included in the rebate so you will have to pay that out of pocket. I have a credit card that I earn 5% cash back at drugstores which happens to be the sales tax where I live. You may want to consider doing this, but of course remember when using credit cards only charge what you can afford.

6. Use your Extra Bucks or Register Rewards—Walgreens or CVS offer these coupons when you purchase certain products. Sometimes the product will be free when you consider the fact they are awarding you the coupon amount for the price of the item (i.e. you pay $5 for the product and earn a coupon for $5 off your next purchase). Keep in mind it is a coupon and does expire. You should keep the coupon in a safe place and make sure to use it before it expires. You can even use the Extra Care Bucks coupon to purchase another product that is free after the rewards. Keep in mind this is not the case with the Register Rewards coupon. In fact the Register Rewards coupon has a lot of restrictions (you can read on the coupon) whereas the Extra Care Bucks is similar to cash.

Sounds like a lot of work? It is time consuming but it is worth it. In only three months I have accumulated enough I have enough shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, moisturizer, razors, and body wash to last for the next year!