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A Drugstore Game Primer
By JLP | June 18, 2008
I couldn’t fill in for JLP for a whole week and not discuss my new favorite hobby, The Drugstore Game. In a nutshell, The Drugstore Game is the ultimate combination of sales, store coupons, manufacturer coupons, and store rewards programs to pay pennies on the dollar for the things you need. I now only buy toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo if they’re free. And I spend just a fraction of what I used to spend on other necessities like toilet paper, diapers, and laundry detergent.
I wrote a guest post for Get Rich Slowly that explains The Drugstore Game in more detail, and also explains how to get started. I freely admit that the game isn’t for everyone, even if they really need to save money. What’s occurred to me recently, though, is that if you know you wouldn’t enjoy the game but have a friend who does, ask if they’ll shop for you. You can offer newspaper coupons, printable coupons, and even gift cards in return. Most Drugstore Game players build up a substantial stash of toiletries and other items that they are happy to share. And having extra coupons and especially gift cards makes it easier to get the best deals, so I think it’s a pretty fair trade.
If you’re interested in more on The Drugstore Game, you can read my related posts at Chief Family Officer and CFO Reviews. I recently listed a few new sources of Drugstore Game info and some coupon tips at CFO. I also try to post at least one weekly scenario at CFO Reviews, as well as quick updates on deals.
I’ve even discovered a bonus to playing The Drugstore Game. Some of the sites I read list the weekly deals at Target and grocery store chains. I’ve picked up items that were free after coupons at Target, and I never would have known about these bargains if not for The Drugstore Game.
One big concern in the comments on my guest post at Get Rich Slowly was time – as in, it takes too much time to cut coupons, plan deals, and go shopping. And for some people, that may be true. Personally, I find it extremely convenient because I have two young boys who need to get out of the house, and we can’t go to the park all the time. I do think I’ll probably play The Drugstore Game less often when my kids are older, but for the time being, it really fits my lifestyle.
And it doesn’t hurt that so far this month at CVS, I’ve gotten premium brand toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes, mouth wash and more without spending a penny. I’ve paid with CVS gift cards that I acquired for free and store rewards coupons. In the first half of this month, I’ve saved my family over $120 by shopping at CVS. And I didn’t have to pay income taxes on that $120.
What do you think of The Drugstore Game?
Topics: Miscellaneous | 4 Comments »
June 19th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I have recently started, and so far have played the “game” for three weeks. Last week I didn’t save the $3/$15 coupon, so I compiled a deal that I didn’t need the coupon – only to find the CVS near me was out of stuff and I would have to drive to another. I decided not to. This week the deals aren’t so great (mostly candy). So I have been sitting out for about two weeks. I hope to get into the game next week.
It does take a significant amount of time to plan the trip. I have found websites do make it easier, but then again, part of the game is to purchase what your family uses. I did buy some free toothbrushes to send to the troops in Iraq. There is a free toothbrush deal this week. Those guys must think we like to brush our teeth a lot.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:09 am
I love the drugstore game – used to be real good at it. But there are only two of us and we use as little product (shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, etc) as we need. So we ended up getting quite stocked up on certain items. Right now I have enough soap and toothpaste to keep everyone on this site bathed and clean tooted for months!! So I generally steer clear of those unless I actually get money back after using the coupon and rebate.
But I still look through the ads weekly and make some wise purchases combined with coupon savings. Like men’s deodrant for 99cents with a 50 cent coupon. Men go through so much deodorant, so I can never have enough of this.
But its a great way to cut costs. Besides I live in a very urban area and a trip to Target or Wal MArt would take nearly an hour in driving time. But there are 2 chain drugstores within walking distance of my house – I can get good deals there if I’m willing to work a little drugstore game magic – probably do just as well as if I did all my shopping at Sprawl Mart.
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
@Frugalicious – I’ve learned to buy things that my family doesn’t need in order to maximize the deals (this is especially true when the unnecessary item is a “money maker” – for instance, this week’s SoyJoy deal is a money maker with coupons). I just give away or donate what I don’t need. Have fun playing!
@KC – I’m with you, I don’t pay for certain things anymore. I love the point you made about drugstores being much more convenient for you. There isn’t a Wal Mart near me, but I used to do most of my shopping at Target and think I was getting good deals. Now I’m doing most of my shopping at CVS and saving hundreds each month. So I’d bet you’re doing better at the drugstores that you would at Target, and maybe Wal Mart too!
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:37 am
Cool site.