OK, so a lot of you have heard/read about some coupon policy changes at CVS. I appreciate (so much) that you want to hear MY take on them – just to be sure. Yes, many of you know I’m the Forum Leader for Walgreens and Rite Aid, as well as (very) occasional contributor to the CVS Forum at AFC. After all, it is well handled by two very fabulous friends of mine. Nevertheless, I DO know VERY well what’s goin’ on at CVS, so let me break it down for you.
All of the changes pertain to the persistent questions we’ve all had regarding Buy One Get One Free sales and coupons. It was poorly addressed in the Q&A section of the CVS website, which I’ve highlighted for you before. Basically, the accepted interpretation has been that no coupons are to be used on free items, and that meant Buy One Get One Free sales and coupons. This was supported by Customer Service and local Management.
Lucky for us, CVS has changed/clarified their coupon policy. And surprise, it isn’t more restrictive. It’s less so, and will allow us to get some really super fabulous sales and deals…downright STEALS reminiscent of our Rite Aid heyday. Let me explain using the relevant policy excerpt:
Buy One, Get One Free Coupons
Sales tax must be paid for any Buy One, Get One Free coupon offer, if required by applicable state laws.
(Rule 1) Two coupons may be used on a Buy One, Get One Free promotion as long as it does not exceed the item total.
o Ex. Suave Shampoo is on sale for $2.00 Buy One, Get One Free and the customer is purchasing two shampoos;
customer may use two coupons for $1.00 each and pay the applicable tax.
(Rule 2) Buy One, Get One Free promotions may be combined with Buy One, Get One Free Coupons. Customers are responsible for paying
applicable tax
o Ex. Suave Shampoo is on sale for $2.00 BOGO and customer has a MFG coupon for Suave BOGO. Customer will
receive both items for free but will need to pay any applicable tax.
Basically, this first rule says you can use two *cents off* coupons up to the value of the products being purchased on a Buy One Get One Free sale and you’ll pay only sales tax if required by law. OR, per the second rule, you can use a Buy One Get One Free coupon on a Buy One Get One Free sale netting you two free items if the max value of the coupon permits.
You can view the updated coupon policy HERE. All match-ups will reflect the changes and the updated policy information included in each weekly CVS post. This is VERY good news. :)
Please don’t hesitate to drop me a note if you have more questions.
