Aug 2, 13, 7:51 pm
Last edit by: CWAL
A new thread was created for the new year in 2017. This is the old thread. For the 2017 on this topic, go here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1819562-cvs-master-thread-2017-a.html
CVS is cash only for all Incomm-related reloads and reloadable cards, including Vanilla Reloads and Serve swipe reloads. See memo to stores for complete list. Other cards at CVS can still be bought using credit, but YMMV depending on location, Manager, etc.
New limits rolling out starting 10/20:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
CVS is cash only for all Incomm-related reloads and reloadable cards, including Vanilla Reloads and Serve swipe reloads. See memo to stores for complete list. Other cards at CVS can still be bought using credit, but YMMV depending on location, Manager, etc.
New limits rolling out starting 10/20:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
CVS master thread(2013-2016)
Oct 17, 13, 12:20 am
#2521
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
Oct 17, 13, 1:24 am
#2522
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,512
As I posted over a year ago, the reason CVS carries VR is simple - prescription drugs. The profit they take in from Rx dwarfs every other item they sell. Two years ago we purchased our Rx from Walgreens simply because it was the most convienent location. As soon as we started buying VR from CVS we transfered our Rx there. I am sure thousands of others have done the same.
I am sure thousands do not change their prescriptions to CVS just because they go there to for their VR fix.
I buy stuff from CVS only when it makes sense, long before MS exists. Ditto for shopping at Walgreen.
Today I bought a gallon of milk which is at $3.79 with 1 ExtraCare buck reward. I paid it with a $1 off CVS coupon that printed out from that little red machine when you scanned your ExtraCare card, and $2 ExtraCare buck I got 2 weeks ago buying a $2.99 Colgate toothbrush of which I had a $1 manufacturer coupon. The final cost of my gallon milk today was $0.79.
CVS would never get my business on its highly overpriced regular priced items. Ditto Walgreen. MS or not, that will never change.
Oct 17, 13, 1:42 am
#2523
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 146
Look at the dozens and dozens of FT posts where people micro-analyze their MS expenses which frequently includes how much they spend in gas traveling all over town. If I am going to CVS to pick up a few VR, why wouldn't I also save both time and gas by picking up our Rxs at the same time? Our insurance co-pay is the same regardless of which pharmacy we use. I agree that most other items are cheaper from WM or the large grocery chains, so we don't generally buy anything else from CVS unless we have a coupon.
Oct 17, 13, 6:18 am
#2524
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,316
If I worked at InComm, I would insist that CVS not impose (or allow its store managers to impose) arbitrary rules that hinder the sale of my product.
Oct 17, 13, 6:36 am
#2525
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Texas
Programs: AA, USAir
Posts: 228
At least that is what appears to be with some of the gift card business models.
Oh, and since I sell my product same as cash, I do not have to guarantee or insure them with FDIC, etc....
Oct 17, 13, 6:53 am
#2526
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SNA/LAX
Posts: 1,407
The one thing that kills me with CVS is (at least at mine) rules tend to "change" every day. Each associate is very confused from the instructions of their managers as to which cards are only cash only. I always state "Try putting it through... I do this all the time and if it prompts for me to use debit, I'll put it back." Obviously turnover is large at my location.
Yesterday, for the first time, I had a girl my age (early 20's) who continuously refused to do it and said that her manager required them not to use them with CCs anymore. I told her that I had just bought two yesterday and have never had this issue before. She said that it was a new rule? I then asked to speak to the manager, and when she refused and kept spouting off about it's cash only, period, I looked at the next cashier and asked her. BOTH the other cashiers said that people use CC all the time and it is no problem. At this point she continued to say cash only, I won't do otherwise (assuming she didn't want to get in trouble if that's what she truly believed).... So, I moved my purchase to the next cashier and continued! I was kind and courteous the entire time until I realized she wasn't going to do anything regardless of what her co-workers said (where was the manager?!).
The worst part was it was my first MS "lesson" with my BF who is now getting into the mix. He's not so confrontational, so my guess is he will be trying a different CVS by his work from now on!
I am trying to find a "relationship" with a CVS cashier like my mom has where she can go in and buy 10-20 cards at one time, no questions asked. I don't even want that many, but I believe that the relationship is key. I'm even willing to bring in some baked goods once in a while or throw some candy into the mix!
Any tips on finding this special person? Experiences?
Yesterday, for the first time, I had a girl my age (early 20's) who continuously refused to do it and said that her manager required them not to use them with CCs anymore. I told her that I had just bought two yesterday and have never had this issue before. She said that it was a new rule? I then asked to speak to the manager, and when she refused and kept spouting off about it's cash only, period, I looked at the next cashier and asked her. BOTH the other cashiers said that people use CC all the time and it is no problem. At this point she continued to say cash only, I won't do otherwise (assuming she didn't want to get in trouble if that's what she truly believed).... So, I moved my purchase to the next cashier and continued! I was kind and courteous the entire time until I realized she wasn't going to do anything regardless of what her co-workers said (where was the manager?!).
The worst part was it was my first MS "lesson" with my BF who is now getting into the mix. He's not so confrontational, so my guess is he will be trying a different CVS by his work from now on!
I am trying to find a "relationship" with a CVS cashier like my mom has where she can go in and buy 10-20 cards at one time, no questions asked. I don't even want that many, but I believe that the relationship is key. I'm even willing to bring in some baked goods once in a while or throw some candy into the mix!
Any tips on finding this special person? Experiences?
Oct 17, 13, 8:33 am
#2527
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 747
The one thing that kills me with CVS is (at least at mine) rules tend to "change" every day. Each associate is very confused from the instructions of their managers as to which cards are only cash only. I always state "Try putting it through... I do this all the time and if it prompts for me to use debit, I'll put it back." Obviously turnover is large at my location.
Yesterday, for the first time, I had a girl my age (early 20's) who continuously refused to do it and said that her manager required them not to use them with CCs anymore. I told her that I had just bought two yesterday and have never had this issue before. She said that it was a new rule? I then asked to speak to the manager, and when she refused and kept spouting off about it's cash only, period, I looked at the next cashier and asked her. BOTH the other cashiers said that people use CC all the time and it is no problem. At this point she continued to say cash only, I won't do otherwise (assuming she didn't want to get in trouble if that's what she truly believed).... So, I moved my purchase to the next cashier and continued! I was kind and courteous the entire time until I realized she wasn't going to do anything regardless of what her co-workers said (where was the manager?!).
The worst part was it was my first MS "lesson" with my BF who is now getting into the mix. He's not so confrontational, so my guess is he will be trying a different CVS by his work from now on!
I am trying to find a "relationship" with a CVS cashier like my mom has where she can go in and buy 10-20 cards at one time, no questions asked. I don't even want that many, but I believe that the relationship is key. I'm even willing to bring in some baked goods once in a while or throw some candy into the mix! Any tips on finding this special person? Experiences?
Yesterday, for the first time, I had a girl my age (early 20's) who continuously refused to do it and said that her manager required them not to use them with CCs anymore. I told her that I had just bought two yesterday and have never had this issue before. She said that it was a new rule? I then asked to speak to the manager, and when she refused and kept spouting off about it's cash only, period, I looked at the next cashier and asked her. BOTH the other cashiers said that people use CC all the time and it is no problem. At this point she continued to say cash only, I won't do otherwise (assuming she didn't want to get in trouble if that's what she truly believed).... So, I moved my purchase to the next cashier and continued! I was kind and courteous the entire time until I realized she wasn't going to do anything regardless of what her co-workers said (where was the manager?!).
The worst part was it was my first MS "lesson" with my BF who is now getting into the mix. He's not so confrontational, so my guess is he will be trying a different CVS by his work from now on!
I am trying to find a "relationship" with a CVS cashier like my mom has where she can go in and buy 10-20 cards at one time, no questions asked. I don't even want that many, but I believe that the relationship is key. I'm even willing to bring in some baked goods once in a while or throw some candy into the mix!
Any tips on finding this special person? Experiences?
Oct 17, 13, 10:43 am
#2528
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
The inconvenient facts are:
1) CVS stores themselves dont make any money on these transactions. At least it does not show up on the store manager's P/L report - that has been reported multiple times in this thread. The decision to carry VR is from the Corporate but not a mandate. Store managers have full discretionary power to decide whether they want to carry it or not.
2) Walgreen codes this and many other reloads as Cash Only with very very very few exceptions across the whole country. So you are very welcome by CVS to go shop at Walgreen for your VR but you wouldn't be able to get any, not that with your CC.
3) There is really near non-existent alternatives for 90% of the VR buyers. For those who have alternatives, the alternatives are disappearing. Please check the latest thread about SuperAmerica is pulling VR from their stations.
4) Conclusion: CVS does not need you the VR buyer as its customer as you do not bring in the needed profit that a business exists for. Business does not need nonprofitable customers to exist Quite the contrary! they exist because they are in it to make a profit. Else, they would be in another name - that is called Non-Profit Organization, or Not-For-Profit Organization. Hey, IRS even has a category for such "business".
Now if you dont mind to pay $1 or $2 more to buy the reloads, you have some alternatives in a good portion of the country but still not everywhere. Take my area, there is only ONE grocery store chain, a very minor one, sells a no monthly fee reload. One choice of GC for $5.95. All other options are either not working options or very hefty fee - activation + a $5.95 to $9.95 monthly fee accessed one day after activation. Oh, you wont be able to get the PIN UNTIL a permanent card being sent to you after you registered online - that is 5 to 7 days later. So you would be out $4.95 + $9.95 on this "alternative" versus the offerings at CVS which is truly the only game in town in my area.
But a good number of folks can get their reloads at grocery stores if they dont mind to pay the extra $1 per card but then they also must go to WM to load their BBs because only VR can be used to load BB online (ignore the new $100 debit card load because GC can trigger BB suspension.)
So from your high road, please advise the community on where to take our business should we be not happy with CVS?
1) CVS stores themselves dont make any money on these transactions. At least it does not show up on the store manager's P/L report - that has been reported multiple times in this thread. The decision to carry VR is from the Corporate but not a mandate. Store managers have full discretionary power to decide whether they want to carry it or not.
2) Walgreen codes this and many other reloads as Cash Only with very very very few exceptions across the whole country. So you are very welcome by CVS to go shop at Walgreen for your VR but you wouldn't be able to get any, not that with your CC.
3) There is really near non-existent alternatives for 90% of the VR buyers. For those who have alternatives, the alternatives are disappearing. Please check the latest thread about SuperAmerica is pulling VR from their stations.
4) Conclusion: CVS does not need you the VR buyer as its customer as you do not bring in the needed profit that a business exists for. Business does not need nonprofitable customers to exist Quite the contrary! they exist because they are in it to make a profit. Else, they would be in another name - that is called Non-Profit Organization, or Not-For-Profit Organization. Hey, IRS even has a category for such "business".
Now if you dont mind to pay $1 or $2 more to buy the reloads, you have some alternatives in a good portion of the country but still not everywhere. Take my area, there is only ONE grocery store chain, a very minor one, sells a no monthly fee reload. One choice of GC for $5.95. All other options are either not working options or very hefty fee - activation + a $5.95 to $9.95 monthly fee accessed one day after activation. Oh, you wont be able to get the PIN UNTIL a permanent card being sent to you after you registered online - that is 5 to 7 days later. So you would be out $4.95 + $9.95 on this "alternative" versus the offerings at CVS which is truly the only game in town in my area.
But a good number of folks can get their reloads at grocery stores if they dont mind to pay the extra $1 per card but then they also must go to WM to load their BBs because only VR can be used to load BB online (ignore the new $100 debit card load because GC can trigger BB suspension.)
So from your high road, please advise the community on where to take our business should we be not happy with CVS?
I get to take the high road or whatever road I want to take with my money. I worked doggone hard for it. If they make it difficult to do business, then I will take it elsewhere. I mentioned that I will continue to go there to get my beans. I also mentioned that if beans aren't available and I need to go to a drugstore, I will go to Walgreens if CVS is a pain in my rear end. I can go there and by GCs and load my BB if the beans go away.
I defend the right for businesses to make money. I simultaneously defend the right to not have an excruciating interaction with customer service form a company I'm patronizing.
Oct 17, 13, 10:45 am
#2529
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
LOL. Who wouldn't? Any store that will be more beneficial will get my business. Just like I am currently visiting CVS instead of Walgreens because Walgreens has made it harder for me to buy a similar product. Another example is I never used to go to Walmart, but I'm there all the time now, heck I think all the employees there recognize me like "Norm!" walking into Cheers Bar if you remember that show. But if the situation changes there as it likely will some day I will go back to my Walmartless ways. :-)
Oct 17, 13, 11:21 am
#2530
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: AL
Programs: All of the Above
Posts: 1,374
They make a profit (albeit probably small) on these cards, otherwise they wouldn't raise the limit from $1K to $5K. There's probably very few, if any, items that are sold at a loss at CVS/WG's/etc, except for some items on sale.
They make at least 3% on these things or else they wouldn't accept CC's for them.
They make at least 3% on these things or else they wouldn't accept CC's for them.
Oct 17, 13, 11:34 am
#2531
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 217
They make a profit (albeit probably small) on these cards, otherwise they wouldn't raise the limit from $1K to $5K. There's probably very few, if any, items that are sold at a loss at CVS/WG's/etc, except for some items on sale.
They make at least 3% on these things or else they wouldn't accept CC's for them.
They make at least 3% on these things or else they wouldn't accept CC's for them.
Oct 17, 13, 11:58 am
#2532
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 809
They make a profit (albeit probably small) on these cards, otherwise they wouldn't raise the limit from $1K to $5K. There's probably very few, if any, items that are sold at a loss at CVS/WG's/etc, except for some items on sale.
They make at least 3% on these things or else they wouldn't accept CC's for them.
They make at least 3% on these things or else they wouldn't accept CC's for them.
Oct 17, 13, 12:01 pm
#2533
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
If they made 3% on each $503.95 card, they would be handing them out like candy. The poster above is probably right with the kickback from Incomm and they probably get some of the $3.95 fee. With the fraud and potential chargebacks they can have with these cards, they are a high risk low reward item. Raising the limit and adding the DL scan is action they probably took to minimize the risk they are taking.
I'm sure it cost some time and money, in addition to effort to get all of that set up. I have a hard time imagining that they aren't making a decent amount to justify all those actions.
Oct 17, 13, 12:28 pm
#2534
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,154
I would impose an All ca$h requirement and no CCs. I hardly doubt a single person on FT,SD or FW is the ideal customer that InComm is looking for, which is a person who doesnt have a bank acct or CC and will use the MVD and earn InComm the $$$ its seeking
Oct 17, 13, 12:41 pm
#2535
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,316
@craz --
I feel confident that InComm has priced VRs appropriate to its market objectives. They aren't stupid.
And neither, maybe, is CVS. I don't believe they would continue to sell a product at a marginal loss, and "try to make it up on volume." They are undoubtedly getting slotting fees, discounts, etc. from InComm to at least cover their marginal costs.
I feel confident that InComm has priced VRs appropriate to its market objectives. They aren't stupid.
And neither, maybe, is CVS. I don't believe they would continue to sell a product at a marginal loss, and "try to make it up on volume." They are undoubtedly getting slotting fees, discounts, etc. from InComm to at least cover their marginal costs.
