Walgreens & Register Reward Problems

I here it all the time...
"The Register Reward didn't print out and my store manager says I can't use a coupon when purchasing an RR item."

This is simply not true. I've spoken to Walgreens corporate many times regarding their coupon policy as well as their Catalina machine company responsible for making sure the Catalina machines work properly. For some reason, Walgreens system for RR's seems to have quirks. However, to show proof that you can use a coupon with an RR item, here is an excerpt from next week's sales ad encouraging their customers to use coupons toward Register Reward items!

If you encounter this problem in your shopping at Walgreens, here are a few steps to take:

• Look for the green light on the Catalina machine. If you don't see one, it might not be plugged in or working properly - hence, you won't receive a Register Reward from a machine that doesn't work.
  
  
• If the light is on, and you still didn't receive an RR, ask your cashier if the machine is out of paper. You can also ask if they recall other RR's printing from the machine that day.
  
  
• If you still are having problems, you can ask to speak (kindly) to your store manager and ask if there is something they can do.
  
  
• If the manager doesn't have a solution, you can call Walgreens at 1-800-925-4733. Be sure to keep your receipt! They will usually mail you the Register Reward.
  

Walgreens 101

Are you new to the Walgreens Game? You might not think of Walgreens as a place to save money in your shopping venture. However, there is a system to shopping strategically at stores such as Walgreens. Let me help you get started by sharing how I've learned to pay little to nothing for items such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, bathroom tissue, paper towels, facial cleanser, deodorant, and so much more! I've even been known to make money on these purchases!!

Be sure to read Walgreen's Coupon Policy.

I've set this post up in a Q&A format, so I hope it answers most if not all of your questions on how Walgreens coupon system works.

Q: What types of coupons can I use at Walgreens?
A: Walgreens accepts manufacturer coupons as well as store coupons. You may use 1 of each per item that you purchase. However, you must purchase the same number or more items as the number of coupons you are using. Keep in mind that a Register Reward (listed below) is also considered a coupon. For example, say you have 5 items, you cannot use 6 coupons on that transaction. You'll need to find a filler item (something in the clearance section or a pack of gum) under $1.00.

Q: Where can I find the store coupons?
A: Walgreens store coupons are found in several places:

• Weekly Ad: Found in-store usually at the front as you walk in.
• Monthly Coupon Booklet: Found near the weekly ads in-store. This contains coupons that are good throughout the month. Each month a new booklet is released.
  
• Email: Sign up at www.walgreens.com/ to receive coupons straight to your inbox.
• Diabetes & You Magazine: This is a FREE magazine distributed by Walgreens and you can usually find it near the pharmacy. It contains health-related coupons as well as diabetes-related articles and coupons. Not all coupons are store coupons. You will find manufacturer coupons as well inside.
  

*You only need to use 1 Walgreens store coupon even if you're purchasing several of that item. The register will automatically ring it up for the amount of items that apply to it.

Q: Does Walgreens offer a reward program?
A: Yes, and you don't even have to have a special card to swipe! Walgreens' reward system works as a money-back system called Register Rewards. Each week, they offer items throughout their weekly ad that will generate these Register Rewards.

Q: What are Register Rewards?
A: Register Rewards (otherwise known as RR's) are Walgreens money. They will print out of a separate "Catalina" machine near the cash register. RR's are a way of Walgreens giving you money back for certain items that you purchase and are then usable on your NEXT purchase. This is like cash, so you don't want to lose it! When matched up with coupons, you will often find that you're getting the items for FREE (after RR) or even making money in conjunction with coupons!

More on Register Rewards:
Only one RR will printer per item per transaction. That RR may then be used in your NEXT transaction on the purchase of a different item. If that RR is used to purchase the same item, another RR will not be issued. They may not be used to purchase the same item in which you received the Register Reward from. The best way to use your RR's is to purchase another Register Reward generating item with it. You can continue to "roll" these RR's and you may never pay a penny out of pocket at Walgreens again!

Q: Wait! I didn't get my Register Reward... What went wrong?
A: If you followed all of the rules above and still feel that you should have received a Register Reward, you can call Walgreens Customer Service at 1-800-925-4733 to request it by mail.

Q: I've heard there is an order in which I should give my coupons to the cashier. Is this true?
A: Yes. To avoid beeping registers, you'll want to give your coupons to your cashier in the following order:

Register Rewards ~ Walgreens Store Coupons ~ Manufacturer Coupons

Q: Does Walgreens issue Rainchecks if they are out of an item?
A: Yes. Simply ask your cashier or store manager for a raincheck on the item. Register Reward items, however will only produce RR's the week of the sale.

Be sure to check out my weekly post every Saturday for the
"Best Of" Walgreens Deals
for the upcoming week. This is a must before you head out to shop!

Walgreens 101

Are you new to the Walgreens Game? I started strategically shopping at Walgreens recently, and here's what I've learned. I hope it helps you learn how to find great deals and often FREE deals. I also post weekly deals HERE. Be sure to check it out before you head out to shop!

1. Be sure to pick up your monthly EasySaver Catalog in-store or find it online HERE. Most consumers don't even know about this as all they grab is the Weekly Flier as they walk into their local Walgreens. The EasySaver Catalog looks more like a pamphlet and (in my Walgreens) sits just below the weekly flier on the stand. If you can't find yours, check with the cashier.
2. Rebates 101 - You will find inside the EasySaver Catalog rebates for FREE items. Yes, you pay the upfront cost, but if you use manufacturer coupons with your purchase, you can actually make money on these deals. You'll need to wait the 6-8 weeks for your rebate, but once you get into the system of shopping at Walgreens for the rebate items, you will find that you're getting most everything for FREE and often times with money leftover. Start small if need be and over the next couple of months it'll start working for you.
3. Limit to Your Rebate Savings - Only one submission is accepted per month and only one refund issued per family, household, address, or envelope. If you plan on purchasing rebate qualifying items throughout the month, remember to wait to submit your refund until the end of the month, but before the month is out.
   
4. Walgreens Gift Card - Another tip is to get your rebate put on a Walgreens Giftcard (which you can use for further rebate purchases) and receive a 10% bonus toward future purchases.
5. Coupons at Walgreens 101 - You can stack a MFG Q and Store Q on top of a Store Sale for each item you purchase. There seems to be a certain order to how you give your coupons to the cashier. Here it is: RR's, EasySaver Q's, Other Walgreens Q's, MFR Q's
   
6. Register Rewards - Walgreens will often have several items per week that offer Register Rewards. These are printed out of a machine near the receipt. Register Receipts are usable on your NEXT purchase. If you receive an RR from one item's purchase, you will want to use that RR toward the purchase of another item. If you use it to purchase the same item, you will not receive more RR's in that transaction. You can receive unlimited amounts of RR's for any single item so long as you break up your transactions. Only 1 RR will print per item per transaction.
   

If you're up for it, please join me in the Walgreens Savings Game! Let me know what deals stand out for you this month. I love to receive comments from my readers!