[philipandrachel]

Ok, I am SO new at this and tried my first CVS trip yesterday.... Little embarrassed because my OOP was high, and I realized after the fact that if I had done it in three different transactions I would have spent $15 less than what I did... OH well, I still think it wasnt bad for a first try...
DAWN
TIDE
BOUNCE
2/5 COLGATE
4/13 COKES
6.99 DEODORANT

with the sale and coupons I still saved 18.00, and got 7 ECB, but I could have gotten out way cheaper.... try again tomorrow!!!
ONE ?- when you guys do multiple trans, do you take it all to the counter and have them ring it up seperately, or do you buy your first things, go get your second things..and so on????? just wondering... THANKS

[queenbear]

Congrats on your first trip..You still saved and thats why we do it..In time you will be a pro..When I do multi trans yes I bring it all up at once, I make sure I tell the cashier I have 2 orders.

[isavealot5]

The first time I went "CVSing" I spent $35 oop and no ECB back - considering I used coupons. Duh.. Those were the days...
You'll be a PRO in no time
I only make max of 2 transactions per visit ( unless I go back several hours later) since I know the "moods" of the stores I visit.

[happyhousewife]

I learned you must read the fine print! Check which sizes are ECB items and the spend $20 get $10 deals really goofed me up. I'd see a $5 ECB sign and be like "Wow!" but totally miss the spend $20 part. I didn't know how to read my receipt. Yeah those were the days I had no. clue. about the system. And I haven't been at it very long at all!

[stefani1]

I've been doing this since May and still kick myself when i leave at the stupid thing I did!! It's just a learning experience and now I tend to return something if it didn't work out(sometimes).

As far as multiple transactions - I bring it all up at once. Depending on how busy the store is will depend on how many I do in one shot. Sometimes I'll do 1 and then get back in line. Other times if there are 3-4 cashiers on, then I'll do my 2 or 3 right then. Some people do 1 at a time and bring the stuff out to their car and then come in again. I don't usually do a lot in one transaction as I've been using the 2/10 or 3/15 so I just do a bunch of small ones and keep the stuff with me. i usually try and keep it seperate in the cart so it's easy when I get up there.

[GwenythOwensMama]

Don't worry, you saved, great job! I've been at this since July. I've just learned it takes a lot of planning ahead of time, and don't change your plan in the store at the last minute! I ALWAYS spend more if I end up doing that. If they don't have what is on my list, out I go!

I make 2-3 trips a week on average. I only do 1 transaction per visit. That's just because I usually am on my lunch break, the kids are with me, the kids are waiting for me with DH in the car, or I am on my way home from work, so I just don't have time.

[YouMe&3]

Still a great job at saving!

[philipandrachel]

Thanks all! I did my first Walgreens run this afternoon, and did somewhat better. Still kicking myself because I forgot something, but, still walked out with 11WR and saved $20... I am so psyched... This place is great and you guys are AWESOME

[39470]

done good!!

[LVMom2twins]

it WILL get easier! Not too bad...now u have the $7 ECB to use towards the next deal! I usually only do one transaction, but will hit up different stores while Im out and about... Keep up the good work!

[NeeNee]

Great job! Will you be hitting K-Mart this week-end? You sure seem to be on a roll!Happy Shopping!

[philipandrachel]

I just might go to KMART when I get off work.. I figure, PRACTICE makes PERFECT!

[liasophiadiva]

Originally Posted by philipandrachel

Ok, I am SO new at this and tried my first CVS trip yesterday.... Little embarrassed because my OOP was high, and I realized after the fact that if I had done it in three different transactions I would have spent $15 less than what I did... OH well, I still think it wasnt bad for a first try...
DAWN
TIDE
BOUNCE
2/5 COLGATE
4/13 COKES
6.99 DEODORANT

with the sale and coupons I still saved 18.00, and got 7 ECB, but I could have gotten out way cheaper.... try again tomorrow!!!
ONE ?- when you guys do multiple trans, do you take it all to the counter and have them ring it up seperately, or do you buy your first things, go get your second things..and so on????? just wondering... THANKS

As long as there isn't a line behind me - I do it all at once. I have all my coups seperated by trans and it makes it go much quicker. I'm still learning too and have to use those little dollar pads that hang on the fridge.....write down everything I am going to buy......label it "trans 1" or "trans 2" and so forth.....the wrap it around all the coups/ECBs that I am going to use for that purchase. Then, when I get up there - i know exactly what to put up on the counter and exactly what coups to use.
HTH

[dealjunkie]

It does get easier! This coming week is a GREAT week for growing your ECB's!! Take a look at the scenario thread, and you could grow your 7 ecb into 30 or more!! Have fun

[jclark1]

good job something i learned i always buy the stuff that gives you all your money back in ecb first, in one trans then i buy what i need or what i can use my coupons with ecb on seem to work good for me good luck

[krislati]

I am confused, how do you save more by breaking up the transactions?

[philipandrachel]

Well at WAGS last night I bought the ORAL B t-brushes, used my .75 Q then then got 2 in RR... then I bought the pantene used coupons and RR and got 8 back in RR THEN did the whole febreze thing and got 3RR... If you start out with no RR (or ECBs) you save more if you do separate trans... at least thats what I gather from all the other posts...

[stefani1]

Originally Posted by krislati

I am confused, how do you save more by breaking up the transactions?

Well, there are a couple of ways to save more breaking up the transactions. If you have any $$/$$ off ($3/$15 or $2/$10 or something like that) then you'd want your total to be as close as you can so that you get the most savings. So for the $3/$15 you'd want just over $15 to get the $3 to work the best for you. If you have a $40 total then you can only use one of the $3/$15 coupons and you wouldn't maximize your savings. The other thing for people without ECB's is that if you do a small transaction to get ECB's then you can use them to pay for your next transactions. If you do it all at once then your OOP will be higher because you don't have any ECB's to use. HTH (hope that helps)

[NeeNee]

Okay, I'm dying to know if you did a K-Mart run? Let us know!

[philipandrachel]

No, I didnt actually! Since this was my first week doing this, I dont have alot of coupons, especially since I have used all the really good ones that I had already!!! BUT, never fear, practice makes perfect and I plan on practicing ALOT!!!