August 11, 2008

The Anatomy of a CVS List

Jerry works close to the CVS on Mason Street. When there are more deals in a week than I can get to or my CVS is out of stock on something I will occasionally ask Jer to head over there on his lunch break. It saves gas and gets one extra CVS trip in!

When I send Jerry to CVS to do a deal for me this is how I do it. This method may or may not work for you! :) I try to stick with simple, straightforward deals...nothing too complicated.

Part 1: The List
Make it as detailed as possible. Include pictures especially when including products husbands may not even know exist. Make it easy for them to match the picture to the product. Include prices and remind them that if the price doesn't match then that is probably not the right product.
Part 2: The Coupons
Put all the coupons in the order that you want them given to the cashier. Then, and this is very important, paper clip them together so none get lost under the seat of the car or blow away in the parking lot.

Part 3: Do the Math and ECBs
Do all the math and give them the proper number of ECBs and figure out how much it will be OOP. This is another good double check. If the total isn't right then something is wrong!
Part 4: The Red Box
You may or may not want to have them scan your card at the red box. I have had both good and bad luck with this. If the red box is used remind them NOT to throw the coupons away even if the coupons are for "stuff we'd never buy anyway".

Part 5: Back Up Plan
You might want to tell them that if the deal can't be done just forget it. But if you are brave then you can add a few back up plan items to the list.

Part 6: No impulse buys
Buying a candy bar because you are starving or a nice ice cold soda will screw up the math! Proceed at your own risk!

Part 7: Thank You
Don't forget to say thanks! :)

Jerry usually does great. He always gets a kick out of the cashier who gets all excited that he spends so little. When I ask he usually rolls his eyes (CVS again!) but since he knows how much it saves so he is willing to do it for me!

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