Q&A: Rolling RR’s at Walgreens

I received the following questions in my email from Pamela W. and thought it would be helpful to post the answer here for everyone else. 

Question 1: Can multiple RR’s from the same product purchase be used together on a future purchase? For example, last week I went to Walgreens multiple times and now have 3 Carefree RR of $2 and 5 Triaminic RR of $5 each.  Could I use several of each one on the same transaction? 

Answer:  Yes.  You can use multiple RR’s to pay for a future purchase however, you will not receive any new RR’s if you purchase some of the same items that produced the RR’s in the first place. 

Also, you can do this as long as your Walgreens allows multiple RR’s to be used in one transaction.  Even though the registers will allows it as long as you have enough items vs. coupons/RR’s you might find a store that will not allow multiple RR’s to be used for payment.

So, YMMV.  (Your mileage/manager may vary)

Another great tip to remember is that an RR will attach itself to an item in your purchase so make sure you have enough items to cover the amount of coupons and RR’s in your hand.  So, for example, you cannot buy 1 item for $20 and use 4 $5 RR’s without buying 3 additional “fillers”.

Question 2:  When you refer to a RR being able to roll onto itself, I believe that means that you can use the RR from that product on your next purchase of that product and still receive the RR.  I saw a reference to that for Walgreens this week on Sally Hansen Hard as Nails.  I accidentally used a $2 RR from carefree last week when I bought Carefree again and so the RR didn’t print out. How do you know when the RR will roll on itself?

Answer:  Yes, you are correct in referencing the Sally Hansen deal that was rolling on itself. 

The computers are setup for the RR’s to be used on future purchases preventing you from purchasing the same item over & over but sometimes there is a glitch that will allow them to roll.  How it is found out is basically trial and error.  Some couponers will intentionally make a purchase to see what happens.

If anyone else has any additional suggestions please feel free to comment.  Thanks in advance!

Reader Question: How Do I Maximize My Coupons?

This reader comment is from Stacy:

“I have been cutting coupons for years and don't get big deals out of them.” –email

Well, to get the best deals out of coupons you have to use them at the right time.  Here is what I ask myself when shopping with my coupons.

What is the item, the size and the regular price?  This is important to ensure you are using a coupon to meet the manufacturer requirements as stated on the coupon.

What is the sale price?  Check the hangtag to see how much $x off it is from the regular price.  Can you tell if the sale price at it’s lowest?  Keep a price book if needed.

When does the sale end?  Will the sale only be lasting for a week or a number of weeks?  You need to know how long you have to take advantage of the offer whether over several weeks or if you need to stockpile the most immediately before it ends.

What sale promotion does the store have?  If the store has a promotion to buy for example 10 items & get $3.00 off your order instantly then that equates to an additional savings of $.30 per item.  Matching a sale promotion with a coupon will maximize your coupon even more.

What coupon do I have?  Do you have coupons for the items on sale?  If not and you think it is a good price, write it down and check for an internet printable when you go home.  There are many sites that have a compiled list of printables like in my sidebar or you can always go to the manufacturer website to check.

Will the coupon double or triple?  This is the best tool for getting items at their lowest price when they are on sale.  Many times a doubled or tripled coupon will net really cheap or FREE stuff.

What is my end price?  Will your coupon equate to the best deal?  Can you buy the generic cheaper?  Don’t just buy something because you have a coupon if you can buy the generic cheaper.  Many times the name brand with a coupon will be better but sometimes not so keep an eye out. 

How many items will I buy at this price?  Stockpile items while they are at their lowest price.  Building up your pantry this way will allow you to take advantage of more savings in the future.

These are the questions I ask myself so that I maximize my savings as much as possible.