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Thanks to the original post by mjloves2shop.
This post is updated!

CVS "register logic", or Understanding how your CVS Register works

Total item count = each unit scanned counts as one to the total item count (items in store, GC, stamps, cigarettes, photo orders, etc.)

So the register logic says that if a customer purchases 8 items the most coupon deductions that can be rung in is 8. 10 items equals 10 deductions max and so on. “Coupon deductions” can be CVS coupons printed from the register or online, CVS $X off of $XX, manufacturer coupons, and possibly ECBs.

When you head for the register, count the items in your cart. Then I count the coupons you will use. If you have more than the number of items in your cart, you will likely have the register beep because register logic says that you aren't entitled to more deductions than items purchased even though CVS does allow for you to use 2 coupons (one manufacturer plus one CVS) on one item before using ECBs.

Most cashiers will force a coupon through manually when the register complains (aka beeps). You do have to be careful though because CVS does not allow you to get certain items for discounted or free with their ECB program. This includes stamps, cigarettes, and in some areas dairy.

Typically, the logic you would use is to present all your coupons before ECBs, but if you have some of the excluded items mentioned above, you will want to present your ECBs before coupons. The register assumes ECB are going towards the “accepted” products for discount. This makes it trickier because if you are presenting your coupons in the typical fashion (coupons then ECBs), you know how many ECBs you need to get a low out of pocket. In this manner, you have to do your math before hand to “beat” the register logic and present enough, but not too many ECBs to make your out of pocket as low as possible.