CVS Calc... a slick tool for planning CVS shopping, ECBs, coupons

I have played with it a bit, and I think you have a very solid base. But, there are a couple of thoughts/changes I can offer.

All of my feedback is based on an area with 9% sales tax, on everything, pre-coupon. I didn't play around with adding an alt tax rate, or checking out anything using tax post-q (just so you know what I looked at and what I didn't).

The "No Limit" checkbox is useless for CVS...you have to have the q to get the deal (they don't do in-ad q's like Wags, and if you want to use more than 1 CVS q, you have to have more than one CVS q (and they have to be coded differently, but that's neither here nor there for the calculator)). The "No Count" check box is similarly useless...CVS counts all q's, but they allow more than 1 per item. You can use 1 MQ and 1 CVS q per item, plus a $/$$ or other total purchase q for the transaction.

I selected "Quarterly ECB Rate" of 2% at the top, but the bottom of the screen says "No Quarterly ECB Earned (no rate selected)".

CVS $/$$ q's reduce tax (store discount), but the calculator doesn't seem to account for that. I entered a $20 transaction and used a $4/$20. In a scenario like this, my tax would be based on $16 ($20 product minus $4 CVS q), but it looks like it is calculating tax on the full $20.

You have the default checkbox for CVS q's set to Pre-Tax, but I hesitate at that...most CVS q's do not actually reduce tax. If it is a CVS q for a specific brand name product, it works just like any other MQ...but if it is a CVS q for a broad category of products, it is a store discount. So something like $1/1 Colgate Total would work like an MQ, but $5/2 suncare items would be a store coupon. Makes perfect sense, I know!

I see at the bottom where you have just 1 line to enter the ECB's used...but ECB's can be tricky, just like CVS q's. Some will reduce tax, and some won't (manual printed ECB's and green bag tag ECB's both work just like a store discount...but an ECB earned for buying Revlon works like a regular ol' MQ would by not reducing tax). I'd love to see two lines here.

CVS has a deal this week for buy $12 worth of certain Glade products, get $4 ECB back. All of the products included in the deal are $3 each. So I entered 4 items (on one line) on the spreadsheet and entered $4 ECB on that line, but the sheet took that as a $4 ECB for each item, so it thinks I'm getting $12 back. I don't know if you can build in another column with check boxes for something like "ECB per Item" or "ECB per Group"? Or maybe folks just need to be warned that for a group deal like this they'll need to break it into separate lines? Or maybe another number box to select the number of ECB's earned?

"Item subtotal is $0 or less and may cause problems with the transaction." I think this disclaimer is not needed...CVS registers don't freak out if an item drops to (or below) zero, as long as the overall transaction is greater than zero.

"Warning - Invalid Transaction: The total number of counted Coupons (8) is greater than the total number of Items (7)." This one can go too...like I said above, CVS allows 1 mq and 1 CVS q per item, plus a $/$$ q for the transaction. The registers don't beep if you have more q's than items. Or modify it to only pop up if the number of q's is greater than the number of items times 2, plus 1 (such that a transaction of 7 items would allow 15 q's).

Warning - Invalid Transaction: The calculated out-of-pocket costs ($ 1.78) can not be less than total taxes owed ($ 1.8). This one made me giggle, cuz if you know what you are doing, you can pay less than tax at CVS...but I guess that's neither here nor there either. It can stay for the n00bs

And a bit of random editing...you missplled guarantee in your disclaimer, and "Tool Tips" doesn't need the apostrophe that you put in it (under Getting Started). And you may want to change Wags to CVS in the Help The Project Grow! section

Now I hope I did a good job of checking all of my grammar before posting

Excellent work on this! I can't believe a non-CVS'er got so close to the details on the first try...really most everything I pointed out would be of little importance to anyone but the most hardcore shopper (at least, I've never seen you in the CVS threads...but I don't suppose I should assume that means you are not a CVS shopper...sorry if I assumed something I shouldn't have!). Really, you did a great job on it!!!!!!!

Quote from jwcva : If you read in the sd Wags threads, you may have seen my post about Wags Calc, which is an online calculator and planner to help with Walgreens shopping, RRs, etc. I just finished up CVS Calc [cableone.net], a similar tool created specifically for CVS shopping with built-in rules and checks for ECBs and CVS coupon policies. It looks similar to the original Wags Calc, and some of the core calculations remain, but under the skin there are alot of differences between the two - a result of the differences in Wags / CVS customer reward programs and coupon rules. Anyway, I thought I'd post a separate thread specifically for CVS shoppers to let you know this new tool is out there. If you have a chance, please take a peek at CVS Calc [cableone.net]. I'm still tweaking it here and there and would love to get some additional feedback from you Post up a reply here or send me an email through the Contact link on the web page... Thanks!

TY & repped... looking forward to the final version!

@rydergal... Ok let me first admit when this page loaded and I saw your reply I got scared and thought 'oh crap!'... just the length of the post at first glance and I thought I was getting slammed. But after reading it I'll say THANK YOU so much for taking the time to review the tool so throroughly!

You've pointed out things in good detail that I think should be corrected in order for the tool to be accurate. And some of the q & tax nuances.... well I had no idea!

I had already added an option for the Qty/ECB, based on some other feedback - but you probably didn't see that as I was changing it about the time you were writing your msg

The rest of it I'll dig in to tomorrow... nothing you've pointed out is too difficult to change, it will just take a little time. I'll post a follow-up here when the changes are made.

Quote from rydergal : And a bit of random editing...you missplled guarantee in your disclaimer, and "Tool Tips" doesn't need the apostrophe that you put in it (under Getting Started). And you may want to change Wags to CVS in the Help The Project Grow! section

Now this, I just feel embarrased about One of these days I'll actually use the spell-checker tool that just about every app has... So these things I've already corrected, less other folks see the same and wonder where this bumpkin is coming from lol

Now you need an iPhone app for quick calculations while shopping!

Quote from rydergal : ...But, there are a couple of thoughts/changes I can offer.

So I'm making changes to the calc but have a couple questions I hope you (or anyone that knows) can help with...

- On total number of q's... I understand if I have 3 items I can use up to 7 q's (3 MQ + 3 CVS + 1 purchase coupon). Do the CVS systems differentiate between MQ & store Q when counting? For example, with the same 3 items, could I use 2 MQ + 4 CVS? Or even 4 MQ + 2 CVS? The overall q count is still only 6 (2 per item), but the MQ/CVS ratio is different. I'd like to verify this so I can build-in the appropriate check in CVS Calc.

- And, regarding the ECB being of 2 types... is there common terminology for them? I understand some act as store discounts (pre-tax deduction) and some act as MQ's, but trying to figure a way to best refer to or differentiate the 2 so folks understand easily in the calc...?

Thanks in advance for the additional info

Quote from Silverball : Now you need an iPhone app for quick calculations while shopping!

Wouldn't that be something? "I'm going to get some free stuff at CVS"... "Oh? There's an app for that." lol

Howdy all - CVS Calc has just been updated [cableone.net]! I've addressed all issues and suggestions I've recieved so far. To summarize the udpates:

- Removed "no limit" coupon option
- Removed "no count" coupon option... the type & qty of q's is still monitored behind the scenes, and a notice will appear if they go outside of CVS rules
- Changed "pre-tax" coupon default option to disabled
- Corrected calculation for "Quarterly ECB Rate: 'Stardard (2%)' "... other rates were working but this one had a link problem, fixed now
- Corrected calculation for $/$$ purchase coupons... the discount now correctly deducts from pre-tax subtotal, therefore decreasing the amount of tax owed
- Added ECB redeem/spend option... can now be entered as a pre- or post-tax type. More information in tool tips of calc.
- Added an option to link or not-link ECB earned to Item Qty
- Corrected a few type-o's and formating 'oops's'
- Small changes to UI for a cleaner look

Give CVS Calc [cableone.net] another try. Or, if you haven't tried it yet, head over [cableone.net] for a test drive

Thanks to rydergal for the detailed feedback and to all others who sent in their comments and suggestions! I'm still looking for ways to make the tool better, so if you have suggestions or find a problem, let me know!

Quote from jwcva : Howdy all - CVS Calc has just been updated [cableone.net]! I've addressed all issues and suggestions I've recieved so far. To summarize the udpates: - Removed "no limit" coupon option - Removed "no count" coupon option... the type & qty of q's is still monitored behind the scenes, and a notice will appear if they go outside of CVS rules - Changed "pre-tax" coupon default option to disabled - Corrected calculation for "Quarterly ECB Rate: 'Stardard (2%)' "... other rates were working but this one had a link problem, fixed now - Corrected calculation for $/$$ purchase coupons... the discount now correctly deducts from pre-tax subtotal, therefore decreasing the amount of tax owed - Added ECB redeem/spend option... can now be entered as a pre- or post-tax type. More information in tool tips of calc. - Added an option to link or not-link ECB earned to Item Qty - Corrected a few type-o's and formating 'oops's' - Small changes to UI for a cleaner look Give CVS Calc [cableone.net] another try. Or, if you haven't tried it yet, head over [cableone.net] for a test drive Thanks to rydergal for the detailed feedback and to all others who sent in their comments and suggestions! I'm still looking for ways to make the tool better, so if you have suggestions or find a problem, let me know!

Just wanted to pop in for a sec to let you know that I haven't been ignoring your questions...had a crazy day yesterday, and I'm at work today, so I can't look at it again right now. I'll play with it tonight or possibly tomorrow and see if I have any other constructive feedback for you. You really are doing an amazing job with this! Kudos to you for tackling it!

Quote from rydergal : Just wanted to pop in for a sec to let you know that I haven't been ignoring your questions...

I didn't think that at all, we all have lives outside of the board that keep us plenty busy... it's been a couple days since I've been able to post as well

Wondering how the calc is working for other folks? Still looking for any feedback - either "it's great" or "can you fix this?" - as I try to improve the tool and get to a stable version. Thanks!

Quote from jwcva : So I'm making changes to the calc but have a couple questions I hope you (or anyone that knows) can help with... - On total number of q's... I understand if I have 3 items I can use up to 7 q's (3 MQ + 3 CVS + 1 purchase coupon). Do the CVS systems differentiate between MQ & store Q when counting? For example, with the same 3 items, could I use 2 MQ + 4 CVS? Or even 4 MQ + 2 CVS? The overall q count is still only 6 (2 per item), but the MQ/CVS ratio is different. I'd like to verify this so I can build-in the appropriate check in CVS Calc. The system will only allow 1 MQ per item...any more than that will beep horribly. CVS q's the system itself is more lenient with, but CVS's written policy only allows one CVS q per item as well...so that's what I'd go with. 3 items would allow 3 MQ's (or MQ's that cover 3 items...like a $3/2 and then a $1/1) and 3 CVS q's. - And, regarding the ECB being of 2 types... is there common terminology for them? I understand some act as store discounts (pre-tax deduction) and some act as MQ's, but trying to figure a way to best refer to or differentiate the 2 so folks understand easily in the calc...? I see you used Pre-tax and Post-tax. "Brand Name" and "Generic" may be another option as well, though your descriptions are great, so really you could call them Sally and Nancy and it wouldn't matter, if folks actually read the description that pops up. Thanks in advance for the additional info

The changes are GREAT!
Responses in red above. Now I have a smallish nitpicky thing.

I entered 9% tax and $20 worth of items with $16 worth of MQ's. Tax on $20 is $1.80. Subtotal at this point is $5.80, which is perfect.
Then I entered a $4/$20, which reduces tax by $.36. My OOP at the bottom is correct ($1.44)...but I'm getting a warning that "The calculated out-of-pocket costs ($ 1.44) should not be less than total taxes owed ($ 1.8)." But...I don't actually owe $1.80 in tax...I only owe $1.44 in tax since the $4/$20 took $.36 off the tax. Is there any way for you sheet to calculate the Taxes line in the blue field after the $/$$ is applied? Or add another Tax field, which calculates after the pretax q's, somewhere at the bottom?

Keep in mind this is all coming from someone who has their own spreadsheet and is very set in her ways about how she is used to looking at things. I don't have my sheet calculate tax until after the $/$$ and any pre-tax CVS q's are applied, so I kinda see calculating tax on each line item as superfluous, since it is subject to change once any tax-reducing q's are entered (on my sheet, tax is one line item near the bottom instead of a part of each item purchased).

Hmmm...now that I think about it though...folks that have more than one tax rate may need to calculate per line, or at least have two tax lines at the bottom, one for each tax rate. I've never had to deal with that scenario personally, so I'm not exactly sure what to do with it. Maybe I'll just leave well enough alone and stop making you crazy with all my nitpicky stuff

@rydergal... Thanks again for taking the time to look at CVS Calc [cableone.net]... I value your expert opinion

I corrected the error you mentioned... where the warning appeared when it shouldn't have. This was an oversight on my part... I had previously added the calculations on the back-end to properly adjust the tax rate when entering pre-tax ECBs and $/$$ coupons, but I forgot to adjust the comparator (the warning message). So it's all good now.

As mentioned before, I did remove the Coupon Count front-end, but the tool is still monitoring the type and count behind the scenes. If one exceeds the CVS policy with MQ or store coupons, a warning message will display. Thanks for confirming this is indeed how the stores work the q's

And yes, it's the extra tax considerations - that I think are neccessary to make CVS Calc [cableone.net] work for all areas - that add the extra data and checks to the tool. It'd be a whole lot simpler if everyone were on one, single tax rate for everything... my vote is for 0% lol.

For everyone else trying / using CVS Cac... any thoughts, suggestions? Or do you think it's about good? I'm planning to move to a final version once I'm sure all kinks are out and features are in...

CVS Calc [cableone.net] just updated...

Added an "ECB Limit" option under Item information. Use this option if you are buying more items than that item's ECB limit. For instance, if the sales price is so great or you have really good coupons and want 4 of an item even if ECBs will only print for 2...

You don't need to bother with the option if you're not buying more than the ECB limit or if there is no limit.

Thanks to 'tatr77' for this suggestion

Just a thought but you might think about adding a check box near the exclude box for items in the beauty club and a corresponding subtotal at the bottom. This way if a shopper is getting multiple BC eligible items, they can see what of their total is going to that.
Maybe the sub total line can be something like:

Beauty Club Eligible Total: $15.50 ($34.50 to get $5 ecb reward)

Great work thus far. Repped.

klimber - THANKS for the great suggestion! I'll add a Beauty Club option to CVS Calc in the next update