Walgreens Trip – 6/17

While my in-laws were in town, I had some time to get out and run some errands by myself.  I usually try to limit my errands with the kids to 1 store and perhaps a couple of drive through errands such as the post office or bank.  If I have to go to more than 1 store, I will try to wait until the evening when I don’t have to get them in and out of the car multiples times.  I don’t have as much energy as I used to, ya know??!!  🙂

So, earlier this week, I was able to get out and do some shopping at Walgreens.  They had some money maker deals and freebies and I saw some other things that I needed as well.  Since I’m still a novice at Walgreens, I spent way too much time planning my trip and gathering my coupons.  But, since the deals were good, I was determined to put the time in and give Walgreens a try (I know CVS so much better).

Here’s what I ended up with after an admittedly ridiculous amount of time.

Transaction #1 (Store #1):
(1) Colgate Total Toothpaste – $3.00
(1) Pepsi Next – $2.19
–Use (1) Free Pepsi Next coupon (up to $1.99)

Out of Pocket:  $3.40
Got:  $2.50 Register Reward

Transaction #2 (Store #1 – the guys rang it up separately b/c he had issues with one of my coupons):
(1) Reach Toothbrushes, 2 pk. – $2.99
–Use (1) $2.00 off Reach coupon

Out of Pocket: $1.14
Got: $2.00 Register Reward

My first store was out of one of the moneymaker items I wanted.  Since I was by myself and had the time, I figured that I would try another store to see if they had it in stock before buying my other items.

Transaction #3 (Store #2):
(1) Clear Fiber Powder – $9.99
–Use (1) $2.00 off Clear Fiber coupon
(1) Reach Toothbrushes, 2pk. – $2.99
–Use (1) $2.00 off Reach coupon
(1) Jolly Rancher candy as my filler item – $.49
–Use $2.50 RR from Transaction #1

Out of Pocket: $7.13
Got:  $10 Register Reward, $2 Register Reward

To be honest, I was getting a little confused with all my coupons, Register Rewards, and receipts, so I regrouped in my car and was too embarrassed to go back in to buy the rest of my items.  I opted to drive a few blocks down the road to hit up another store!  I know, I’m crazy!

Transaction #4 (Store #3):
(1) Colgate Total Toothpaste – $3.00
(1) Nice brand paper towels, 6 rolls – $4.99
(1) Scott Extra Soft Big roll paper towels, 16 rolls – $7.49
–Use (1) $1.00 off Scott coupon
(1) Coconut M&Ms as my filler item – $.49
–Use $2.00 Register Reward from Transaction #2
–Use $10.00 Register Reward from Transaction #3
–Use $2.00 Register Reward from Transaction #3

Out of Pocket: 1.75
Got: $2.50 Register Reward

Transaction #5 (Store #3):
(2) Lady Speed Stick Deodorant – $3.98 for both
–Use (1) $.50 off Speed Stick coupon
–Use $2.50 Register Reward from Transaction #4

Out of Pocket: $1.18
————

Grand Total Out of Pocket: $14.60

Regular Retail: $58.18
Amount Saved: $43.58 or 74.9%

————

So, here’s the deal.  I have to be honest and confess that this trip reminded me of why I don’t shop at Walgreens as often as CVS.  I feel like I have to work harder to save money there.  And just for the record, I do NOT normally go to this much effort to save money!  I had the time and wanted to “practice.”  

In a nutshell, here’s what annoys me about Walgreens.

• While they do not limit the number of Register Rewards deals (which is a great thing!), you have to purchase them in separate transactions or they won’t print out (hence part of the reason I had so many transactions).  

• You can’t use a Register Reward on toothpaste from that first transaction to buy more of the same toothpaste.  I know this is their way of limiting the number of times you can get the deal (which probably keeps all the crazies from clearing the shelf), but it’s still annoying! 

• You cannot use more coupons than you have items in a transaction.  And since Walgreens treats Register Rewards as a coupon rather than like cash, I often have to buy filler items in order for all the coupons to go through.  While I usually buy cheap filler items, the whole concept defeats the purpose of me trying to save money.  

But, because I believe in redemption and second chances, I’m not going to give up on Walgreens entirely!  Maybe I’ll even grow to like it more as I get more used to their system. 

Do any of you like prefer one drugstore to another?