Comments on: Cho-co-lat-e Blog-a-lot eh? (Oh and the CVS thing and natural moms) http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/ Natural Motherhood, Breastfeeding, Baby Wearing and Green Living. Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:33:03 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Karen http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-34256 Karen Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:52:14 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-34256 I am new at using coupons to save dollars so I will try not to sound like an expert on the topic. However, using coupons and taking advantage of "deals" seems rather wise to me. There are at times products that I would not have purchased without the availability of a coupon, rebate or extra bucks, but unless I am throwing away the product, i.e., wasting, we will use it or know someone who will use it. I do not have a gut feeling that I am taking advantage of the manufacturer or the company. Policies and requirements are clearly stated on the manufacturer's coupons and in the company policies. As long as I stay within these guidelines, I am doing nothing wrong. I do not buy everything just because and so far have not used the online coupon clipping sites, although, I do not feel it is dishonest in anyway. The one area I do see a problem, at least for me, is that it can become addicting. For me, this is because now I am aware that I can save money on products and it seems more wasteful to me to purchase haphazardly. I do think it is great to use homemade products and maybe someone should start classes to teach how. As far as contributing to the "cheap" products, we had better all stay at home, because it is nearly impossible to purchase anything that is not made outside the USA anymore, and I know we all would like to change that process. However, maybe we are helping the third world countries make a living that would not otherwise be available to them. For me, for now, I will continue to use coupons, rebates, and take advantage of CVS's bucks and WAG's RR. I am new at using coupons to save dollars so I will try not to sound like an expert on the topic. However, using coupons and taking advantage of “deals” seems rather wise to me. There are at times products that I would not have purchased without the availability of a coupon, rebate or extra bucks, but unless I am throwing away the product, i.e., wasting, we will use it or know someone who will use it. I do not have a gut feeling that I am taking advantage of the manufacturer or the company. Policies and requirements are clearly stated on the manufacturer’s coupons and in the company policies. As long as I stay within these guidelines, I am doing nothing wrong. I do not buy everything just because and so far have not used the online coupon clipping sites, although, I do not feel it is dishonest in anyway.

The one area I do see a problem, at least for me, is that it can become addicting. For me, this is because now I am aware that I can save money on products and it seems more wasteful to me to purchase haphazardly.

I do think it is great to use homemade products and maybe someone should start classes to teach how. As far as contributing to the “cheap” products, we had better all stay at home, because it is nearly impossible to purchase anything that is not made outside the USA anymore, and I know we all would like to change that process. However, maybe we are helping the third world countries make a living that would not otherwise be available to them.

For me, for now, I will continue to use coupons, rebates, and take advantage of CVS’s bucks and WAG’s RR.

]]> By: Monroe on a Budget » When is a rebate, freebie or discount not worth it? http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-18646 Monroe on a Budget » When is a rebate, freebie or discount not worth it? Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:50:32 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-18646 [...] Carrie Lauth at Natural Moms Talk Radio Blog and her readers discuss some of the ethical issues at Cho-co-lat-e Blog-a-lot eh? [...] [...] Carrie Lauth at Natural Moms Talk Radio Blog and her readers discuss some of the ethical issues at Cho-co-lat-e Blog-a-lot eh? [...]

]]> By: jnbsmom http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-15508 jnbsmom Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:16:57 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-15508 Woe! I really don't see your point about taking advantage of the system. The system is set up with the idea that the average American won't use those ECB's. There is a one month expiration date on them, and if they aren't used in that time, they're lost, and you've paid for the product that you thought would be free. Don't make the person, who is trying to make ends meet, into the bad guy. Some people have to play the game with the economy the way it is. I don't see the large corporations apologizing or feeling badly when you have to spend your paycheck on necessities. Woe! I really don’t see your point about taking advantage of the system. The system is set up with the idea that the average American won’t use those ECB’s. There is a one month expiration date on them, and if they aren’t used in that time, they’re lost, and you’ve paid for the product that you thought would be free.

Don’t make the person, who is trying to make ends meet, into the bad guy. Some people have to play the game with the economy the way it is. I don’t see the large corporations apologizing or feeling badly when you have to spend your paycheck on necessities.

]]> By: yarnball http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14873 yarnball Sun, 02 Mar 2008 03:27:40 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14873 I think it shows good stewardship of your money to be able to buy things to give to others. Why is it "bad" to get things at the lowest price? Doesn't that just allow you to buy more to donate? I totally do not get where y'all are coming from! I think it shows good stewardship of your money to be able to buy things to give to others. Why is it “bad” to get things at the lowest price? Doesn’t that just allow you to buy more to donate?

I totally do not get where y’all are coming from!

]]> By: Annette http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14830 Annette Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:25:19 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14830 Great post Carrie. I've never been a coupon person for some of the reasons you mention - most of the time the coupons are for things I wouldn't be buying anyway. Thanks for the olive oil tip too. I've never used it on my face although it's been great on my hands! Great post Carrie. I’ve never been a coupon person for some of the reasons you mention – most of the time the coupons are for things I wouldn’t be buying anyway.

Thanks for the olive oil tip too. I’ve never used it on my face although it’s been great on my hands!

]]> By: Carol http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14191 Carol Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:36:37 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14191 Carrie, I agree with you about that "gut" feeling. I don't see a problem with shopping for the items you need<strong> with a manufacturer's coupon and the instore coupon and getting extra care bucks back, but somewhere after that, it just seems to be bordering on greed. Another area that I made a decision not to participate in is getting coupons online through clipping services. I can't in good conscience ever do this again. I know that they say you are only paying for their time to clip and sort, but that's a mighty thin line. It may be legal to do it, but is it ethical? It's only legal because they state that it's just for their time, but in reality, aren't most people just plain buying those coupons? I think I've heard every opinion on this one, but in the end, it comes back to that "gut" feeling and making sure that I am doing what is pleasing to God. I am not passing judgement here. I had to decide for myself that it isn't worth getting something for nothing if it means taking the wide road to get there. Carrie,

I agree with you about that “gut” feeling. I don’t see a problem with shopping for the items you need with a manufacturer’s coupon and the instore coupon and getting extra care bucks back, but somewhere after that, it just seems to be bordering on greed.

Another area that I made a decision not to participate in is getting coupons online through clipping services. I can’t in good conscience ever do this again. I know that they say you are only paying for their time to clip and sort, but that’s a mighty thin line. It may be legal to do it, but is it ethical? It’s only legal because they state that it’s just for their time, but in reality, aren’t most people just plain buying those coupons? I think I’ve heard every opinion on this one, but in the end, it comes back to that “gut” feeling and making sure that I am doing what is pleasing to God.

I am not passing judgement here. I had to decide for myself that it isn’t worth getting something for nothing if it means taking the wide road to get there.

]]> By: Christina @ Wonder Years Radio http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14120 Christina @ Wonder Years Radio Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:07:10 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14120 Great points, Carrie. I also don't like to purchase something just because it's a good price. If you never use that product, then it's still a waste of money, whether it's $2 or 0.02. Great points, Carrie. I also don’t like to purchase something just because it’s a good price. If you never use that product, then it’s still a waste of money, whether it’s $2 or 0.02.

]]> By: Nell Taliercio http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14096 Nell Taliercio Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:17:08 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14096 Very interesting points, Carrie. You always open my eyes to a new way of seeing things. I'm not a big CVS person. I go when I must, but I don't go ape wild using coupons and rebates...etc. It's simply there for emergency's. Mostly because I'll walk away with much more than I actually needed...like the big bad old wal-mart. ;) Very interesting points, Carrie. You always open my eyes to a new way of seeing things. I’m not a big CVS person. I go when I must, but I don’t go ape wild using coupons and rebates…etc. It’s simply there for emergency’s. Mostly because I’ll walk away with much more than I actually needed…like the big bad old wal-mart. ;)

]]> By: carrie http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14088 carrie Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:31:34 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14088 Thanks for your comments Chele. You know, as a marketer, I can't help but feel sorry for the CVS people. When a manufacturer puts a coupon out there or a rebate, it's a marketing tactic - they want you to buy their product so you'll get hooked on it (hopefully) and keep buying. I might do the same thing when I offer a discount or freebie. My motive is to increase goodwill and make sales, but I can't give everything away for free or my kids will go hungry. To combine rebates, manufacturer coupons and CVS dollar off coupons and ECBs seems greedy to me. Somewhere along the line, someone is losing money. Getting money <strong>back</strong> from CVS when you shop there? Doesn't seem right. I've also heard some mommy bloggers brag about how much free stuff they get - stuff they can't use and donate to others. I fail to see how that is ethical or fair. If I want to donate money or goods, it should come from my pocket, not CVS's or anyone else's. Just because someone can figure out how to work a system doesn't mean they should, imo. Thanks for your comments Chele. You know, as a marketer, I can’t help but feel sorry for the CVS people. When a manufacturer puts a coupon out there or a rebate, it’s a marketing tactic – they want you to buy their product so you’ll get hooked on it (hopefully) and keep buying.

I might do the same thing when I offer a discount or freebie. My motive is to increase goodwill and make sales, but I can’t give everything away for free or my kids will go hungry. To combine rebates, manufacturer coupons and CVS dollar off coupons and ECBs seems greedy to me. Somewhere along the line, someone is losing money. Getting money back from CVS when you shop there? Doesn’t seem right.

I’ve also heard some mommy bloggers brag about how much free stuff they get – stuff they can’t use and donate to others. I fail to see how that is ethical or fair. If I want to donate money or goods, it should come from my pocket, not CVS’s or anyone else’s.

Just because someone can figure out how to work a system doesn’t mean they should, imo.

]]> By: chele http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/comment-page-1/#comment-14087 chele Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:24:17 +0000 http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/cho-co-lat-e-blog-a-lot-eh-oh-and-the-cvs-thing-and-natural-moms/#comment-14087 No offense taken. :-) You have very valid points and most I agree with. For instance, I don't purchase EVERYTHING on the list for ECBs if I know I'm not going to use it or know someone that will use it. My reason is, I have a huge issue with being wasteful. Buying more than is necessary or not even planned for use IS wasteful. It's not something I want to teach my kids to be. I think many of us were raised this way and we now see the problems it has caused. I did take advantage of the Purell because it is on the school supply list here year after year. At home we use good old soap and water, but I understand how it's not possible to take 30 kids to wash their hands several times a day at school. I couldn't get any Sambucol at either CVS here. I guess it's a hot item where I live. ;-) As for the Biblical principals, I'm not sure either way. Part of me is irked that it should even be an issue. You shouldn't have to jump thru hoops to buy something at a reasonable price, but if you must... It's nice to have someone honest enough to tackle the issues you mentioned. I'd love to have you back as a guest if you'd like to have an open dialog on the subject. :-) No offense taken. :-) You have very valid points and most I agree with.

For instance, I don’t purchase EVERYTHING on the list for ECBs if I know I’m not going to use it or know someone that will use it. My reason is, I have a huge issue with being wasteful. Buying more than is necessary or not even planned for use IS wasteful. It’s not something I want to teach my kids to be. I think many of us were raised this way and we now see the problems it has caused.

I did take advantage of the Purell because it is on the school supply list here year after year. At home we use good old soap and water, but I understand how it’s not possible to take 30 kids to wash their hands several times a day at school. I couldn’t get any Sambucol at either CVS here. I guess it’s a hot item where I live. ;-)

As for the Biblical principals, I’m not sure either way. Part of me is irked that it should even be an issue. You shouldn’t have to jump thru hoops to buy something at a reasonable price, but if you must…

It’s nice to have someone honest enough to tackle the issues you mentioned. I’d love to have you back as a guest if you’d like to have an open dialog on the subject. :-)

]]>