As some of you know, if I were to say I went CVS-ing, that would mean doing something like this. Many people get items for great prices or even "free" by working the sale prices, using coupons, and getting rebates or store credit back. I tried shopping this way for 3 months (though not to the extreme of 6 transactions or 6 visits a week as in the example).
I’ve decided that what Works for Me is saying “no” to CVS shopping.
Here's why:
1. Time. Time is one of the most valuable commodities in my family's life right now. Shopping CVS deals takes that time.
2. I don't use many things that CVS carries. I am very picky about toiletry items - I only use the basics, and I get most of those at the health food store.
3. I have a small family. If I had a large family who used their products frequently, it would likely be more worth my time and energy.
4. I ended up buying those items I didn't want or need, just to score a deal. Did not make me feel good. I felt like a sucker.
5. It seems CVS overcharges for anything that is not on sale.
6. Many times CVS was out of stock of the sale items, so my planned "deals" did not work out.
7. I don't like coupon clipping. Again, just not worth the time. I don't want those items. I used so few coupons, it was probably equal to the cost of the paper. No savings there.
8. Made me grumpy to go to the store that often. Added stress to my life. Who needs that?
9. My CVSes do not stack store coupons, so many of the deals listed online didn't work for me.
10. It consumed my thoughts. I would go to bed thinking about it. Not healthy.
I realize, I could make this work if I really needed to. But I don't need the $10 (if that) difference a month for what it was costing me. The savings was simply not worth my time or energy. I guess CVS just doesn't hold many "bargains" for me right now. Let me say I am not anti-CVS across the board. Just for me. Right now.
***Kudos to those of you who utilize the CVS shopping strategy and receive a worthwhile return on your efforts. I’m a fan of using your resources. So if your abundant resource is time – and you are saving lots of money in exchange for your time – way to go.***
Personally, I have fun saving money in other ways. I still get good deals and freebies other places. I stick to a tight budget! I guess I am a CVS rebel. (Ditto for Walgreen's.)
Head over to Rocks in My Dryer for more tips that work for others... they just might work for you, too!
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11 comments:
Amen Sister!! :) I've been done with it for a while now too. Definitely not worth the time for me either!! -sh
I have wondered about this side of things myself. I've read several CVSing blog posts and it did seem like it would be an awful lot of trouble for the few items that I might actually need.
I had a similar revelation about the local discount grocery--their stock is just too limited and the savings just isn't enough to be worth the extra time I could be spending with my family or on projects I find more enjoyable than grocery shopping!
I'm sorry you found CVS'ing time-consuming and frustrating. I was there once myself and couldn't figure out how everyone was getting such great deals.
The first couple of times I went, I found I was there over an hour each time. Yikes! I also came home frustrated and felt like I just spent money on stuff I didn't really need at the time.
Then I realized, if I ONLY focosed on the stuff I DO need or would actually use, it became soooooo much easier! I can be in and out of a CVS in just few minutes now and walk away with free stuff to boot!
And if it were me, I'd seriously be calling the corporate office if my CVS decided on it's own not to stack coupons. If corporate says it's okay, then they need to fall in line with that.
Anyway - I think everyone family needs to do what's best for them and if NOT CVS'ing is what's best for you, then I say keep NOT doing it! :)
Oh goodness, do I agree. I don't like to buy stuff I don't need or really want. I tell people that I have a pantry the size of a shoe box. I've got to LOVE & use what I stash in there.
If people can actually use what they get for free or nothing, then that is awesome.
Have a great day! and thanks for helping to make me feel less guilty for not using the CVS card the way I hear so many do...
Kristin
I am soooo with you on this! My storage space is _EXTREMELY_ limited, so there's just no way for me to stock up on toiletries, not to mention the frustration when there's actually a good deal on something that I need only to have them be completely out of stock by the time I get there...at both CVSs I visit and pull the little man out of the car seat to go into.
And then, after all that work when it _does_ work out, I usually lose the ECBs or don't have a chance to use them before they expire. And then I haven't saved any money at all!
I wish I could make it work like so many other ladies do, but right now it just doesn't work for me either!
Those are the very reasons I haven't even attempted it. I only get one day a week with the car, and every moment of that day is too precious.
I love your blogs Em! I am so glad you gave up on CVS soo not worth it. I think you are right they are way too proud of their stuff.
Now me, I love CVS-ing. Then again, I'm a coupon nut as it is. I save HUGE money. But I agree ya gotta do what works for your own family. There are 6 people living here in my house, and the youngest is 18...so I'm shopping for 5 adults and one quasi-adult. Used to be 7, but #1 son moved out a few weeks ago into his first apartment!
I don't spend a lot of time on CVS. Since I've been doing the coupon thing for a long time, I pretty much know what coupons I have. So when I look at the circular, I just mark off what I might want...and then check for a coupon. I never, ever, ever buy anything I don't want or need. Sometimes, I'll do a quick inventory of my 'health and beauty' closet (actually, a shoe bag hanging inside a closet door), and if I see I already have several of an item, I won't buy it unless it's FAR (free after rebate) or pretty darn close to that. I rarely go to CVS more than once a week, and some weeks I don't go at all.
I do have to point out that there are at least 3 CVS stores within 3 miles of my home, so it's also very convenient to me. So I'm not losing time in driving (or spending too much on gas!)
So, I guess that's why this is called "Works for Me Wednesday"--soemtimes it does work for us, and sometimes it doesn't, LOL!
And I agree with Amanda...that store should be stacking coupons! Someone didn't read the rule book.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments. Let me clarify 2 things...my cvs will let me stack a cvs and a manufacturers coupon, but not use more than one cvs coupon per transaction. Also, like I mentioned... I can understand how if you use their stuff and have a large family, it is much easier to see the savings! So if it works for you, great!
My daughter works at CVS, we get her 30% employee discount and even I can't see any specific "benefit" to shopping there even with the added Extra Bucks. I don't see where buying things you don't need (ie: 10 blood sugar monitors) in order to get the Extra Bucks.
Maybe I'm not looking at it the correct way but most of what I've seen pictured on most blogs as "huge hauls" from CVS are junk (soda and candy)or baby items. We don't buy junk and I don't have a baby anymore...LOL
Oh well...I'll just stick to my couponing and saving $100 in coupons each time I shop instead of "worrying" about not playing the CVS game.
cvs isn't for me either for many of the reasons you listed.
great blog!
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