I’ve posted about this in the past, but I just wanted to let you know that the Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel are accepting applications again!
This is how it works. Just fill out their questionaire and if your information fits, you will be sent a Home Scanner. You will need to scan all of your purchases and then upload the information through your computer back to Nielsen. You will earn points for your work and then you can redeem them for electronics, toys, gift cards and more. Plus, you are entered into drawings for cash prizes!
I know that kids really like to help with this process. They think it is pretty fun! And, it may get them to help you put away the groceries when you get back from the store.
Some people have said it is too time consuming and others have said it has been easy and a lot of fun. So, it is kind of a toss up. But this is what I think: Not everyone gets accepted. So if you do, try it out! If you don’t like it, then you can return the scanner and be done. But if you do end up loving it, then you will be really glad you took a second to apply right? Besides it is totally free! They collect information on what you buy for major brand name companies. Then, they know what items consumers want!
Let us know if you get accepted. I’m still on a waiting list…from months ago. So hopefully one of these days, they will want me because I really want to do this!
drury lane
I applied probably a year ago. Never heard anything again. This weekend I found a scanner in my mailbox. I'm excited to try it out.
Melissa
I got accepted about four months ago. All you do is scan items from every purchase, and take surveys. It's fun!
Marcy
I was accepted about 6 months ago, and at first it was fun, but now I kinda find it a pain. It's not only scanning….you also have to put in each price, quantity, whether you use coupons and those amounts. As far as letting the kids help…..it's more than they can handle. A stay at home mom with lots of time may enjoy it though. 😉
Ben and KoriAnn
I hated every minute of it. It is a complete waste of time! You have so scan every single purchase including clothing. It is too time consuming and it is not fun after a while and it takes SO long to actually be able to receive anything. Just my input though, many others might enjoy this. It definietly was not for me.
Em and Brad
I just got mine 2 months ago, and the verdict is still out as to what I think. It's a lot of work for really nothing. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. The prizes in the catalog are SO many points, that it will seriously take a year just to get a simple toy for your kid. I guess if you have nothing better to do with your time. I just find that the whole process is a pain so far. You have to put in every little coupon/store deal you have, the original price, total, and remember to submit it once a week so you can get bonus points for not ever forgetting. There are surveys you can take for more points, but they take over a half hour a piece, and you get very few points, so it really isn't worth it. I am very disappointed this far, to be honest. This is something I really looked forward to. Boo!
Mel
I agree! I got my scanner a few weeks ago. It takes way too long for very little reward. My receipts are a mile long, so it takes me forever to input the prices, the coupons, etc. Not worth it in my opinion!
tereseplumridge@hotmail.com
I just sent my scanner back! It took way too long. Repeat of every other complaint.
Cindy
I've been doing it for a few months and it's a toss up. I do find myself shopping at stores where I don't have to input prices, so it has changed my shopping habits a bit. The surveys are super short, but you don't get many points. One thing to remember with earning points, the longer you've been a panel member, the more points you get for transmitting. My son does like to help scan, but if the prices have to be entered, it's way to much effort for him to do.
monica_alvarado02
I don't mind it. I got accepted about 7 months ago, the worst part is remembering to submit purchases once a week! I figure I can let the points stack up and when I actually have time to look at the rewards catalog I might actually be able to get something! It is hard to always input the prices, but I don't mind. I just do it as I put away my stuff.
Jack
I was really looking forward to this, but when I received it and realized how much time you have to put in each week, it was so NOT WORTH IT! For instance, to get an iPod, I think it said it would take around 7 years, scanning my items every month.NOT WORTH IT! I sent mine back within minutes of opening the box.
Afton
I got accepted months ago and ended up sending the scanner back. I dont know how their methods can be a good representative of buying habits because I there are so so many things to scan and enter. I cant help but think everyone that does this doesnt scan everything. They even ask you to keep wrappers from gas stations and convenience stores-basically everything you purchase. It was lame and not worth the time and hassle. I dont think many people that coupon would take the time to do this.
The Keele's
WoW- gotta love the negativity people! I just got one and am still figuring out if I want to take the time to do it. But some of you are making it sound like if we continue on with this "worthless" program we have no lives- gee THANKS! So far I've decided to shop like normal and scan everything when I get home as I'm putting it away. So far it's fine, and if one day I decide it isn't worth the effort so be it, but for those who decide to do it- they shouldn't be downed, so be nice friends!