A few days ago, I posted a photo to my Instagram story, where I showed my CVS receipt. On the receipt, I got a $12 extra buck and ended up taking my bill from $36 to $17. Everyone freaked out and messaged me saying “how?! I can never save money at CVS!” and wanted me to share the details. And since I used to work at CVS, I know a few tips and tricks, so I’ve decided to give you guys tips on how to save money at CVS with these 7 easy steps.
Working at CVS is not only interesting and a whirlwind (eccentric customers, broken down equipment, out of service computers) but you get to see how the coupon ladies finesse the system. From those people and just learning how the store works, I definitely learned a few things.
- Use Your Card
You can’t expect to get deals if you don’t use your card! One of my pet peeves while cashiering were the people who I’d ask “do you have a CVS card?” and they’ll say something along the lines of “don’t care, don’t need to use it.” then, I’ll ring them up and they’ll freak out saying “I thought this was on sale?!” and I’ll respond with a “well, you need to use your card..(with an added duh and eye roll in my head.)
If you want discounts, coupons, or any specialities, you need to use your card! Also, the more you use your card, it registers that you’re a frequent shopper and it’ll start to recognize what you usually buy and provide related coupons.
- Do Not Throw Away Your Receipt
People always complain about the receipts being too long but hey, make it digital! We’re in 2020, if you don’t like something, you can easily change it with a click of a button on one of your many devices.
(Look at this photo from Vox lol!)
Anyways, that’s not the point of saving your receipt– its the fact that you’re losing money! I’ll collect receipts from the floor or the register and it’ll have $10 extra bucks or 50% off of your entire purchase and I feel sad for them. Coupons come in clutch when you need to buy something and they can take your bill from $20 to $5. Always check your receipt before throwing it away.
- Download The App and Look For Deals
If you know that you’re going to CVS, download the app and see whats on sale. For example, when I need body wash or some cleaning products, I’ll check and see what is on sale or will give me money back for buying. Now, I know what to get at CVS and how much everything should be in total.
Also, quick hack with this, if you know that buying a certain product will give you an extra buck or any good coupon back, purchase that item first (and only) so you can use the new coupons for everything else you’re buying. And don’t feel like you’re being annoying, cashiers are used to this.
- Buy On Sale Items
Similar to the previous one but if you’re in the store, look for items on sale. If it’s a product that won’t affect your body or health then switch up. I know if I need a new eyebrow pencil and Elf has it on sale for $1, I’ll buy it because I don’t care which eyebrow pencil brand I use. Always check for items that have the yellow sticker and say that you’ll get an extrabuck if you purchase.
Oh and remember (seriously) that sales run from Sunday to Saturday! So please, do not go in and harass employees on the following Sunday for an item that was on sale last week. It’s annoying and maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll give it to you otherwise, pay attention. Don’t be a Karen.
- Look For Manufacturer Coupons on Items
Manufacturer coupons come stuck to products when you buy them or they’ll be inside of a box or if you’re really serious, you can print them online. There was a customer who’d have about 20 manufacturer coupons and she’d buy a ton of makeup that should cost over $200 for only $5.
- Buy CVS Brand Items
Branded items are always going to be cheaper no matter what store you’re in. Hey man, if you normally get Nature’s Valley’s granola bars, maybe try getting the CVS version that tastes pretty similar. It’ll be $2-$3 cheaper and you’ll probably have a coupon for it.
Plus, CVS brand items normally have coupons or you’ll get a “30% off entire purchase” coupon. And you’ll almost definitely get great coupons back for future use, Ps, also check the expiration date on the coupon!!
- Join Carepass
Lastly, carepass! Carepass is a new service that you either pay $5 monthly for or $48 annually and you get a $10 extrabuck every single month, discounts and services for your prescriptions, and a ton of other benefits. That $10 extra buck honestly came in clutch! Because I was an employee, I had a discount and on top of the monthly $10 and whatever other coupons I got, I’d go home after every shift with new products.
You’ve probably heard of it from your cashier or have seen it around the store, so ask about it and consider joining!
Alright, that is it for this post, I hope you enjoyed and please, reread the bold sentences! Let me know how your CVS experience continues to go.
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Xoxo,
Shay