Walgreens 101 Tutorial

I get lots of questions on exactly how Walgreens works, and how to make the most of their Register Reward program.  Below is some information that should help you out in getting ready for your trips!

A few things to know about Walgreens:

• No coupon doubling.
• BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free)– you must purchase both items to get discount.
• Great for rebate and free item programs – good to stock up on toiletries/cleaning products, home items
• Prescription Transfers –Look for new and transfer coupons, you can get up to $25 in gift cards to transfer scripts.

Register Rewards Program

Walgreens has an instant rebate program called Register Rewards.  You can purchase participating items that will print a “Register Reward” at checkout.  Register Rewards can then be used towards your next Walgreens purchase.

For example: Schick is on sale for $7.99, and when you purchase one you will get a $5 Register Reward at checkout with your receipt to use on your next purchase. It is like only paying $2.99 at checkout. If you combine this instant rebate with a coupon, you can usually get items free, and sometimes come out with overages!

*Deal Scenario*
Schick Hydro 3 or 5 Blade system — $7.99
*Earn $5 Register Reward
-$5/1 Schick Hydro Razor, exp. 6-12-10 (SS 05/09/10)
Final Price:  FREE + $2 in overage after coupon and RRs

Walgreens Lingo
Below is some information on the different lingo that is often mentioned in my Walgreens posts.

• RR – Abbreviation for Register Reward, a coupon that prints at checkout after qualifying purchase. Technically considered a “manufacturer coupon”.
• In-Ad Coupon – Coupons found in the weekly sales ad, that can be stacked with manufacturer coupons.  Week long expiration dates.
• OOP – Out of Pocket Expense
• WYB – When You Buy; a coupon may say $1/2, you get $1 off when you buy 2 items
• IVC – Instant Value Coupon; Walgreens store coupon that is usually found in the monthly coupon booklet or fliers.
• Monthly Coupon Booklets – his is a small coupon booklet that contains Walgreens store coupons that can generally be found next to the weekly sales circulars.

Walgreens Tips

• Checkout my weekly WalgreenS Deals and Scenarios before heading out.
• RR as Manuf Q – If you are using coupons in the same transaction that you are redeeming a RR it counts as a coupon.  This means that you can only use the same number of coupons as items you purchased.
• One Manuf Q per Item – RR’s count as a manufacturer coupon, so if you have a manuf. coupon for each item purchased and a RR, you have to not use one Q.
• Combine RRs with coupons – You can get many items free this way!
• No Rolling – Register Rewards can not be rolled, which means you can not use the RR you received from purchasing one item to buy more of the same item on a future transaction.  In this case, a second RR for the same item will not print.
• One Per Transaction – You can only get one RR to print per transaction.  So for instance, if Crest has a $2 RR, you must purchase each one you want to buy in separate transactions to get a $2RR for each.  And you CAN NOT use one RR to purchase another Crest that has a RR.
• RR’s Expiration – Most RR’s expire within two weeks.  I try to use mine on the same trip, so I don’t forget to use it.
• Multiple Transactions – The key to keeping your out of pocket (OOP) expenses low is to use RRs from one transaction to pay for future transactions.

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RR FAQ

What makes a Register Reward print?
Register Rewards are linked to specific products each week.

Can I use a Register Reward to buy the same item again?
NO! If you go in and buy an item or items that make a RR print and then you try to use that specific RR again to buy the same items the next RR will not print. This is how Walgreens limits the number of deals per person.

Can I use a Register Reward to buy a different Register Reward item or items?
YES! You can “roll” your RR by using it on a different Register Reward deal. As long as you are not using them on the same products (see above).

For how long are Register Rewards good?
It varies. Most are good for two weeks or less. Expiring of Register Rewards is the most difficult part of their system.

Tip:   If you are not a weekly Walgreens shopper … When you know you are going to get a RR from a certain transaction, have another transaction ready to use it right then. This solves the problem of having to remember when they expire. Use it for needed or stockpile items – milk, the Sunday paper, clearance items, etc.