$7.74
GE Energy Smart bulb 1 pack, $2.99, earn 2 ECBs. Used $1 coupon. I paid $1.99 and got 2 ECBs.
Net cost: FREE
Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste, sale price 2/$5, earn 2 ECBs when you buy 2. I used (2) .75 off MaxFresh toothpaste coupons. I paid $3.50, and got 2 ECBs.
Net cost: $1.50/2, or just .75 each.
The charging station was something I’ve been on the lookout for, for some time. Regular price was $24.99, rang up at $6.25 at 75% off. I used the 4 ECBs I earned during my first transaction and paid $2.25 (+tax).
So… what is an ECB and what the hell do you do with them?
ECB = Extra Care Buck. These are a sort-of instant rebate you earn on products at CVS stores using an ExtraCare card. You can sign up for one of these right in the store, or online at the cvs website. You’ll get a handy dandy card to put in your wallet and a convenient keychain card.
ECBs spend like cash at CVS. Mostly. There are some restrictions. You can’t use ECBs to buy booze or beer, or prescription drugs, for example. You can use ECBs to buy items that earn more ECBs, however, and this is where both the fun and the complication comes in when getting good deals at CVS.
In fact, my intention this week was to only purchase the toothpaste and the light bulb, earn the ECBs and then roll them into another small deal next week, and do the same the following week. Wash, rinse, repeat, etc. Some weeks there are items that are free after ECBs, items which you can use a coupon for. Example: if Chapstick were $2.99 and earned 3 ECBs, and you had a $1 Chapstick coupon, then you would pay $1.99 and earn 3 ECBs. Some weeks you can gain ECBs by spending very little cash. Anyhow, my intention was to start like this, but I could not turn down the charging station.
To learn more about how to shop at CVS, getting great deals with Extra Care Bucks, read this iheartcvs.com. iheartcvs.com is by far, the best resource for CVS deals. You can also find circular previews for several weeks in advance, so you can plan your trip(s) out!
Hi, I am just wondering if you have trouble out of the cashiers at cvs? I have avoided the cvs on west ave for months because of one lady and her terrible behavior towards couponers.
I know exactly the cashier you are talking about! I avoided CVS for a long time because of her, too. I couldn’t leave the deals alone so I started going at different times of the day. I think she primarily works mornings and afternoons. When I stop in on weekends and evenings, she usually isn’t there. All the other cashiers I’ve ever ran into there were wonderful!