Choosing a drugstore to fill your prescriptions may seem mundane, but it's a larger decision than you think. Even selecting a chain to shop at for miscellaneous goods can determine how much you save on everyday essentials.
CVS, one of the biggest pharmacy chains in the U.S., is also one of the most frowned upon by many consumers. Understaffed pharmacies and high prices are just some of the reasons people dislike the ubiquitous drugstore.
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The pharmacy is slow
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One of the biggest problems consumers have with CVS is the long wait times. This isn't just anecdotal, either. The company has been penalized for it.
In March of 2024, CVS was issued $1.5 million in penalties from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. The fines were issued for several safety violations, many of which are credited to understaffed stores and include delayed refills and not enough staff to efficiently fill the number of prescriptions.
After this fact, CVS stated it is improving staffing, enhancing workflows, and hiring more technicians to better support its pharmacy teams.
High prices
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Consumers also complain about CVS's high prices on over-the-counter drugs. For example, a 90-count bottle of Zyrtec at CVS is regularly $47.49, compared to a 90-count bottle at Target that costs $39.99.
There's no official statement from CVS on the issue, but many people cite the cost of convenience, meaning the chain takes advantage of people who need the medicine immediately and charges more than online or less accessible retailers.
Expensive prescriptions
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It's not just the floor inventory that people say is too expensive, prescriptions can also be pricey at CVS. The chain has addressed this issue in the past.
They recently announced plans to enact a "cost-based" pricing policy. Previously, CVS followed the same protocol as most drugstores, called "cross-subsidization," where they priced some drugs higher than necessary to account for others that failed. Instead, CVS now bases prices on what they paid for them, including retail markups.
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Shady ethics
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Another reason CVS lost favor with many consumers is due to their involvement in the opioid crisis. The company, along with Walmart and Walgreens, had to pay a combined $650.6 million to Lake County and Trumble County in the past as a result of their involvement in exacerbating the opioid crisis.
Since then, CVS has tried to course correct. Some implementations include installing safe disposal sites, creating and expanding educational and community outreach programs, making naloxone more accessible, creating prescription plan designs aimed at monitoring opioid prescriptions, and more.
Unsafe prescriptions
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CVS pharmacies all over the country have also been known to give out the wrong prescription medications, in some cases resulting in injuries and even potential fatalities.
This is largely due to understaffing and is one of the reasons CVS has been penalized so heavily by state boards in the past.
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Dirty stores
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Similarly, understaffing has led to several documented cases of dirty stores. Not only is this gross and unpleasant for customers, but it's also a safety hazard.
Aside from dirty stores, there were some reports of loose pills on the floors of the pharmacy, as well as room temperature vaccines, old prescriptions, and more concerning hygiene and maintenance issues.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Poor customer service
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Some shoppers have also complained about poor and downright rude customer service interactions, including being redirected to chatbots, having trouble reaching local management, and even being hung up on mid-sentence.
While this could speak to a larger issue of understaffing or CVS' corporate climate, there is no concrete evidence that the issue is unique to CVS or that it speaks to a larger issue regarding the current state of retail work.
Bad-quality photo centers and services
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Aside from pharmaceutical services, CVS is also known for its photo center. While it's a convenient service, many shoppers take issue with the quality.
Customers have complained about the quality of printed pictures at CVS, especially the saturation and clarity of images. While this varies store by store, it could be a symptom of a larger issue of quality control throughout all locations. So, you might want to avoid wasting money and go elsewhere.
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Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
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Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
Bottom line
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CVS, despite being one of the more popular and accessible drugstores, is considered not the best by many consumers. Public opinion aside, the company has been involved in multiple lawsuits and received several penalties for serious issues.
You might want to keep more cash in your wallet and shop at other pharmacies and drugstores, preferably local shops.
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